What to do on a rainy day in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
12 September 2025
Looking for indoor activity inspiration for a rainy day on your visit to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire? Here are just 20 ideas:
1. From Classics to Contemporary
Aberdeen Art Gallery – Since its award-winning £34.6m redevelopment, the gallery has become one of Scotland’s leading cultural spaces. In 2025, visitors can explore an impressive collection that spans from Renaissance masters to contemporary Scottish artists, alongside rotating international exhibitions. Interactive displays, family-friendly trails, and free entry make it an inspiring rainy-day escape for all ages.
2. Go see a show
His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall, The Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen Arts Centre and The Lemon Tree and in Aberdeenshire the intimate and distinctive venues including The Barn and Salmon Bothy host events all year round. Grand or small scale, festivals or West End shows, check out our what’s on calendar to in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
3. Visit the tropics
If the dreich (Scottish word for dreary) weather has got you wishing for something more tropical then head to the David Welch Winter Gardens in Duthie Park. From the moment you enter the giant greenhouse you will be welcomed inside by the warm temperature. It is one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens and the icing on the cake is that it’s completely free!
6. Go to the carnivals
Codona’s is packed with indoor fun perfect for hiding from the rain including ten-pin bowling, dodgems, mini golf, video games arcade, a two floor laser tag arena and a karaoke room.
7. Get a strike
Try bowling with a slightly quirkier twist at Lane7 complete with walnut lanes, American pool, retro arcade games, shuffleboard and ping pong all in a fun bar setting. Please note, under 18s must be accompanied by adults at all times and must leave the venue by 7pm.
8. Feel the adrenaline
Feel the adrenaline with a visit to Transition Extreme where you can try your hand at rock climbing or skateboarding.
9. Go castle bagging
Aberdeenshire is Scotland’s castle country and although some are now ruins, many of them still have roofs and are the perfect way to spend an afternoon hiding from the drizzly weather. There are plenty for you to choose from including Balmoral Castle, Braemar Castle, Castle Fraser, Corgarff Castle, Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle, Delgatie Castle, Drum Castle, Duff House, Fyvie Castle (pictured below), Haddo House and Leith Hall.
10. Visit Scotland’s oldest lighthouse on mainland
Speaking of castles… Have you ever heard of a full-size lighthouse built right through the middle of a 16th century castle? Seeing is believing at this truly unique castle. Kinnaird Head Lighthouse was the very first lighthouse to be built on mainland Scotland in 1787. The museum tells the story of skill, courage, technical genius and brilliant organisation that saved lives.
11. Find your muse
In fact, there are plenty of museums to keep you occupied. You can spend hours learning about the history of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with a trip to one of the region’s many museums. From the Maritime Museum to the Tolbooth Museum, The Gordon Highlands Museum to the Grampian Transport Museum andGrassic Gibbon Centre to the Braemar Highland Games Centre - the opportunities are endless.
12. Visit Scotland’s own Alcatraz
The former Victorian H.M. Convict Prison in Peterhead, now a museum, highlights the work of the brave personnel that served in it. Experience what real prison life was like and learn about the infamous siege which saw the only time the SAS were used to end a domestic siege in Britain.
13. Explore the oldest building in Aberdeen
The fifteenth century cathedral with its massive twin spires, world-famous heraldic ceiling and glorious stained glass is one of Scotland’s ‘must see’ treasures. It is the oldest building in active use in Aberdeen and legend has it that William Wallace’s left arm is interred in the cathedral wall!
14. Refuel at a restaurant
Take the time to refuel with a pit-stop to one of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s restaurants. Sample world-famous quality local food and drink including Aberdeen Angus Beef, locally caught seafood, a traditional Cullen Skink, a local Aberdonian delicacy known as a buttery or rowie, or even a deep-fried mars bar.
15. Walk the dog
Aberdeenshire is home of BrewDog - where the global craft beer producer’s story started. The DogWalk brewery tour not only takes in the original brew-house but also includes the brew-house and Lone Wolf Distillery. Afterwards enjoy lunch atDogTap - make sure to check out the quirky beer chandelier.
16. Find the lost loch
Located on the shore of Loch Auchlossan, Lost Loch Spirits is home to a number of award-winning brands including Scotland’s first absinthe Murmichan, eeNoo gin and Haroosh (a whisky-based liqueur). For those looking for an introduction to the distillery check out the micro tour/tasting experience or for the connoisseurs sign up for the Spirits School experience to get hands-on experience on what it takes to make a botanical spirit from scratch.
17. Speak easy
Tucked away beneath Union Street, the cocktail bar under Vovem is an intimate, speakeasy-style hideaway where every drink feels personal. They craft a cocktail from scratch just for you, guided by your answers to three simple questions, making each visit a unique and memorable experience.
18. Taste Scotland’s ‘water of life’
Get into the spirit of Scotland’s ancient art of whisky production and delve a little deeper into the Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire. There are seven local whisky distilleries in Aberdeenshire to choose from, find out more here.
19. Unleash your inner scientist
Let out your inner scientist at Aberdeen’s Science Centre, Scotland’s oldest science and discovery centre. The centre is full of hands on exhibits, activities and family challenges as well as live science shows perfect for keeping your little ones entertained.
20. Get a little dizzy
Dizzy Rascals is designed divided into specialist ability zones with activities selected to enhance and develop children’s motor and cognitive skills in a fun and playful environment. Children won’t know where to start with games, activities, obstacles, slides and ball pits
For more inspiration about what to do on a rainy day in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire go to www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do.
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