Top 10 things to do in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire this spring
17 January 2019
Lambs playing in fields amongst newly bloomed daffodils underneath freshly leafed green trees are iconic elements of spring. In Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire add to the mix world-class events, foodie adventures, road trips, serene escapes, breath-taking views and the chance to create your own history; and you’ve got a refreshing spring break.
Here’s our top 10 things to do this spring that are sure to put a spring (pardon the pun) in your step:
1. Go on adventures - take on the North-east 250
If you want to see glimmering coastline, famous distilleries and iconic views, the North-east 250 is an essential touring route for you to explore this spring. This “ultimate road trip” will take you on a journey of discovery from Aberdeen, in to the depths of the Cairngorms National Park and along some of our 165 miles of coastline.
2. Create your own history - spring back in time
In spring, castles throughout Aberdeenshire open their doors to visitors, allowing you to step back in time and relive the fascinating history of these incredible fortresses. Discover 19 of our dramatic castles on the Castle Trail taking you on a tour across Aberdeenshire to see castles with historic stories to tell.
3. Take in breath-taking views - discover Deeside by foot
See beautiful countryside this spring on the Deeside Way on a 41-mile route that takes you on a route from Aberdeen to Ballater. Following the old Royal Deeside railway line, the route is broken up into four sections providing plenty of resting points for a coffee in the towns on the route.
Scolty Hill is a walk-through woodland and up-hill across moors that leads you to the impressive Scolty Tower. Make your way to the top of the steeple for panoramic views of the forests and mountains that fill Royal Deeside.
4.. Have a foodie adventure – taste Scotland
The change in season brings a change in local produce. We have sensational eateries spread far and wide across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with talented chefs behind the menus using the best seasonal produce to reflect the vibrancy of the region.
A good starting point is dining at our local restaurants feature on the Michelin Guide, nine have made the list for 2019 providing platefuls of passion and creating food experiences to remember.
5. Go on a serene escape – see florals in bloom
See impressive flower displays as they bloom in our award-winning parks with leisurely walks, historic monuments and cafés to grab a bite to eat.
For a bit of history, Haddo House and Fyvie Castle offer majestic spaces that bring heritage, architecture and impressive gardens together in easy to explore locations. Remember your picnic basket and blanket, there’s ample opportunity to have a picnic at one of our parks too.
6. Feel the adrenaline - race through the sites
Grab those running shoes, there are running events attracting thousands of runners eager to achieve a new personal best this spring. Take in Aberdeen’s coastline and harbour through the route of the Baker Hughes 10K, stride past the holiday home of the royal family, Balmoral Castle, as you Run Balmoral or look up to Bennachie mountain, as you tread the trail of Run Garioch. You can pack in some key sites on a run here in the North-east.
7. Experience world-class events - attend a festival
All year round the local calendar is packed with events to entertain audiences from across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Aberdeen Jazz Festival, Nuart and May Festival are three key events which take place in the city every year, captivating audiences of all ages with music and arts.
8. Feel the atmosphere - cheer from the crowds
Aberdeen hosts the Tour Series in May where athletes weave around the streets of the city competing for the title of Britain’s best team. Spectate from Union Street, next to His Majesty’s Theatre on Rosemount Viaduct or from the cobbles of Back Wynd to cheer on the competitors as they speed past.
9. Try something new – sample local botanicals
A good old Gin & Tonic is a refreshing drink in the warmer months. There has been a local boom of botanical blends over the past few years creating a powerful catalogue of local spirits to dive into. Just visit our bars and you’ll discover iconic gins waiting to be sipped.
Don’t miss the True OriGINs Gin Festival bringing gin lovers an ultimate tasting experience that brings together over 70 gin brands to Lochter Activity Park in April.
10. Enjoy mouth-watering treats – try local ice cream
There’s always room for ice cream and when spring arrives there’s even more reason to grab a scoop at some of our ice cream parlours here in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. From Mackie’s 19.2 in Aberdeen, Rizza’s of Huntly in Aberdeenshire and Portsoy Ice Cream on the Banffshire coast, there are innovative and eccentric flavours (like brussell sprout) to be explored by the spoonful.
That’s our 10, but there’s plenty more to be discovered. Get more inspiration from visitabdn.com/spring and use MyABDN to create your own itinerary to see Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire this spring.
All information is correct at the time of publishing, we recommend that you check opening times and information for individual places before visiting.