Breaks fit for the whole family
30 January 2018
From city touring to coastal discovering and venturing deep into the heart of the countryside, a trip to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire will be fit for the whole family in 2018.
In the city…
It’s not just all about city sightseeing, long history, striking architecture and vibrant culture in Scotland’s third largest city, as there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained too. And the best news (which may suit the kids too) many of Aberdeen’s many visitor attractions are easily accessed by foot or public transport.
Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast with unforgettable views along Aberdeen’s mile long golden beach and take a walk back in time as you visit the quaint old fishing village, Footdee. Even head out on the waves as you go on one of the city’s Dolphin Adventure Cruises.
Make your way back to the city centre but first stop off at Aberdeen Maritime Museum – the city’s award-winning museum telling the history of Aberdeen’s long relationship with the North Sea. The museums don’t stop there though – Zoology Museum, Aberdeen Science Centre, The Gordon Highlanders Museum and The Tolbooth are all in close proximity and child friendly too. Why not take in the city centre sights in an engaging way and try find all of the NuArt street arts!
Along the coast…
Visit Aberdeenshire’s 165 miles of rugged coastline where you’ll never miss an awesome adventure. Fly a kite in the strong winds coming off the North Sea; jump on a sledge no matter the time of year and take on the great dunes; grab your surf board and brace the waves; build sandcastles on the beach or just get your toes dunked in that brisk North Sea!
To really capture the whole family’s imagination take them castle bagging. Visit film famous and spectacular Dunnottar Castle, vicariously perked on the edge of a crumbling cliff. Or take the trip along the coast near Cruden Bay to Slains Castle – said to have inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula (did you know the castle features in The Crown series?).
And if you really want to do something different, stay in some of the quirkiest accommodation around. We’re talking about glamping at the High Sea Hobbits (coastal carriages), experiencing the newly opened Sail Loft Bunkhouse and even a quaint fisherman’s cottage with coastal views!
In the countryside…
Take a dive deep into the glens and ancient forests in the heart of Royal Deeside as you begin an adventure like no other.
Follow in the footsteps on the British Royal Family as you visit their Scottish summer residency, Balmoral Castle. Explore the Balmoral Estate including scaling famous Lochnagar and taking in the dramatic views at Loch Muick. Or visit legendary castles and mysterious standing stones.
If you really want to get hands on with Royal Deeside then add a modern day treasure hunt to the list. Join the Geocaching revolution and collect 20 caches across Royal Deeside – the trail will take you through ancient forests, historic castles, vase estates and picturesque lochs.
You’ll be sure to spot plenty of wildlife along the way too. Watch the determined salmon leap up the Falls of Feugh as they make their way upstream each year to spawn. Tread carefully to spot the rare protected capercaillie, pine marten, and red squirrel, and herds of red deer (you can even meet our famous highland cows). In late summer and autumn, scan the skyline as many have been lucky enough to see a rare golden eagle.
And of course you can do a mix of all three. Use the helpful ‘MY ABDN’ itinerary builder to plan your next family break to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
All information is correct at the time of publishing, we recommend that you check opening times and information for individual places before visiting.