Guided Tours

Discover Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with expert guides, from historic city walks to scenic countryside and coastal experiences.

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Learn from the locals

Make the most of your visit with guided tours in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, offering a deeper way to explore the region’s history, landscapes and culture. From walking tours through the Granite City to whisky tastings, wildlife experiences and scenic countryside adventures, guided tours provide unique insights you might otherwise miss. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to discover more, there’s a tour to suit every interest.

City tours

Explore the stories behind Aberdeen’s streets with guided walking tours that bring the city’s past and present to life. From historic landmarks and hidden corners to street art and cultural insights, these tours offer a fascinating way to experience the Granite City through the eyes of knowledgeable local guides. Whether you prefer a structured group tour or a more flexible self-guided experience, there are plenty of ways to explore on foot.

Join expert-led experiences like Walking Tours in Aberdeen, where local guides talk about the city’s history, culture and vibrant street art scene. For engaging storytelling and hidden tales, Aberdeen walking tours by Scot Free Tours offers entertaining and insightful tours packed with surprising stories from the city’s past. For Art lovers, learn about local street art on a Nuart walking tour during spring and summer months.

You can also explore Aberdeen city on the open top bus, The Aberdeen Adventurer, offering a unique perspective on Aberdeen’s heritage and culture. For a more flexible option, Aberdeen Walking Tours provides app-based audio tours, allowing you to discover the city at your own pace using GPS-guided storytelling.

Together, these tours offer a varied and engaging way to explore Aberdeen, whether you’re discovering it for the first time or looking to uncover something new.

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Private tours and blue badge guides

For a more personalised and in-depth experience, private tours offer a flexible way to explore Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire at your own pace. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these tours can be tailored to your interests, whether that’s castles, whisky, coastal routes or hidden wonders. Many also include transport, making it easy to cover more of the region in comfort while enjoying expert insight along the way.

Guides such as Alasdair Brodie provide fully bespoke experiences shaped around your interests, while Aberdeenshire Tours offers tailored day tours with convenient door-to-door service. You can also explore with Innes Carma Tours and Time Exposure Travel Ltd, both offering small-group and customised itineraries across the region.

For something a little different, Language Travel Tours combines travel with cultural and educational experiences. Together, these tours provide a curated and stress-free way to discover the very best of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

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Food and drink tours

Discover the flavours of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with guided food and drink experiences that combine local storytelling with tastings along the way. From whisky distilleries to craft beer and local produce, these tours offer a great way to experience the region’s food and drink scene while learning more about its heritage and traditions.

Visit Fettercairn Distillery to explore one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries, or enjoy curated tastings with Whisky Experience Aberdeen in the heart of the city. For craft beer lovers, ScotBeer Tours offers guided experiences celebrating Scotland’s thriving brewery scene.

You can also join tours with Bothies & Bannocks and Grampian Escapes & Tours,  who both include food and drink experiences as part of a wider range of tours. From foraging and local food storytelling to scenic day trips and sightseeing, these providers offer a more immersive way to explore the region beyond just tastings.

Image: Fettercairn Distillery

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Outdoor, wildlife and adventure tours

Experience Aberdeenshire’s stunning landscapes with guided outdoor, wildlife and adventure tours that take you off the beaten track. From coastal explorations to mountain trails and wildlife spotting, these tours offer a hands-on way to discover the region’s natural beauty.

Wild Braemar provides nature-focused experiences in the heart of the Cairngorms, including guided hill walks, wildlife spotting and family-friendly adventures. For bird enthusiasts, Aberdeenshire Bird Tours delivers expert-led excursions to see seabirds, raptors and other local species across the region.

Coastal adventures are also on offer, Stonehaven Shellfish and Boat Trips combines boat trips with seafood experiences, giving visitors a chance to explore the shoreline and taste local produce, while Wild Discovery offers guided wildlife and nature walks throughout Aberdeenshire.

For more active experiences, Hillgoers provide scenic guided walks and hikes tailored to different levels, and Granite Adventures offers adrenaline-fuelled outdoor activities such as climbing, paddleboarding and adventure days. Mountain bikers can join Deeside MTB for guided trail rides, while Ride in Peace Adventures combines cycling tours with beautiful local routes and outdoor sightseeing.

Image: Ballater

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Scenic and themed tours

Explore Aberdeenshire through themed and scenic tours that combine local stories, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable experiences. From sports and heritage trails to golf adventures and whisky tasting, these tours provide a curated way to see the region in depth.

Sports fans can join Aberdeen Football Club for behind-the-scenes stadium experiences, while heritage enthusiasts can follow the Banff and Macduff Heritage Trail to uncover the stories of historic towns along the North coast.

Golf lovers can enjoy Bonnie Wee Golf for a mix of sport and scenic beauty. Finally, discover hidden corners and secret spots with Secret Scotland Tours, perfect for those seeking something off the usual tourist trail.

These tours provide a variety of ways to explore Aberdeenshire, giving insight, inspiration, and memorable experiences along the way.

Image: Banff Marina

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book guided tours in advance?

While some walking tours or city tours allow walk-ups, most guided tours, especially private or multi-day tours, benefit from advance booking. Booking ahead ensures availability and gives guides time to tailor the experience to your interests.

Are guided tours in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire suitable for families?

Many tours cater to families, with options for children to enjoy interactive experiences, wildlife spotting, or easy walking routes.

Are tours dog-friendly?

Assistance dogs are permitted. Outdoor and wildlife-focused tours may allow dogs on leads, we recommend you to check each provider’s guidelines before attending.

What should I wear for outdoor or adventure tours?

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Guides often provide extra safety gear if required.

Are guided tours accessible for people with mobility issues?

Accessibility varies by tour type. Many city tours and some private tours are suitable for those with limited mobility.  Check with individual providers for step-free routes, wheelchair access, or assistance options.

How long do guided tours usually last?

Tour duration varies from short 1–2-hour city walks to full-day or multi-day private experiences. Most outdoor and adventure tours last between 2–5 hours, while scenic or themed tours can last a full day.

Can I combine different types of tours in one day?

Yes. Many providers offer flexible schedules or multi-stop itineraries, especially private tours and themed tours like whisky, heritage, or scenic routes. Combining city walks with outdoor experiences is popular for first-time visitors.

Are guided tours available all year round?

Most city and private tours operate year-round; some tours may be restricted to specific seasons.  Always check opening dates and availability before planning your visit.

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