For anyone looking for inspiration and somewhere to go for a day trip out then Aberdeen has a multitude of options for all types of people and with a whole city to discover then I hope this blog offers you some ideas.
After leaving Braemar follow the A83 eastwards towards Balmoral and Ballater direction. The A83 is the main road leading straight to Aberdeen, without any detours, and will take on average 1hr 15mins dependant on traffic.
You will pass some familiar places on the way, Balmoral, Crathie Kirk, Ballater, Aboyne and Banchory. All worthy of a visit on another day out.
Aberdeen, being the third largest city in Scotland, has a wealth of things to do from places to see, places to eat and a whole host of interesting architecture finished in the characteristic, glistening, grey granite stone.
Parking in and around the city is made easier with the plentiful supply of easy to follow signposted parking areas.
Visitors to the city can enjoy a wide variety from golf courses, shop lined streets and modern shopping arcades to the two miles of sandy beaches on the east coast and the numerous parks making this a very green city in the sunny summer months.
Within these parks are some very interesting bridges. One of these can be accessed via Seaton Park and is the oldest bridge in Scotland, the Brig o'Balgownie or Bridge of Don. This bridge was built on the instruction of Robert the Bruce around 1320 and restored in 1607.
In another park, Duthie Park, you will find another old bridge, the Brig o'Dee. This was built in the 1520's and is decorated with coats of arms and many inscriptions. This park is also home to one of the largest winter gardens in the world.
When wandering around the city you will find many interesting buildings well worth a visit. In Castlegate you will find the Tolbooth Museum, formerly the town hall and prison, inside you will find extraordinary displays on crime and punishment including a prison cell dating from the 1600's used to imprison Scots prisoners after the battle of Culloden.
Whist in Castlegate, across from the Tolbooth Museum, you will also find the very ornate and elaborate Mercat Cross. This dates back to 1686 and signified Aberdeens right to hold a market and was built by the city guild of merchants.
From here enjoy a wander down busy and bustling Union Street which can be traced back some 200 years with a multitude of shops, arcades and cafes.
Aberdeen is also a busy fishing port and is a main ferry point for Orkney and Shetland islands as well as having been heavily involved in the oil and gas industry since the 1970's.
Another fascinating area worth a visit and away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city streets is Old Aberdeen and thoroughly recommended for a different experience. Medieval cobbled streets and buildings have a wealth of history to open your eyes and imagination. To find this area head for Old Aberdeen which is well signposted on the city street signs. This area was originally an independant town from Aberdeen between 1499 and 1891.
In the few, short examples I have mentioned above, my wish is that you may be inspired to discover this fascinating and historical city, Aberdeen, and tell others of your interesting day out.
I hope you enjoy your day out in Aberdeen and return home feeling another visit must be made to satisfy your need to see areas that you have missed on your first visit..
