Home to the country’s largest national park, a dramatically imposing coastline and of course the city itself, there is so much to explore in Aberdeen City and Shire. Fusing striking granite architecture, a rich and inspiring history, a dynamic modern arts scene and perhaps Scotland’s strongest industrial heritage, the country’s third largest city offers a host of treasures, just waiting to be explored again and again.
Literally translated as “between the Don and the Dee”, Aberdeen’s two bordering rivers create a beautifully Scottish backdrop to this historic and culturally rich city, with wildlife, nature, sport and adventure-a-plenty in the surrounding Shire.
Things to do
Thanks to its famous sparkling granite buildings, the Aberdeen skyline is certainly one of the most recognisable in Scotland. Combining history and heritage with a great range of shops, award-winning cuisine and a vibrant nightlife, Aberdeen is cosmopolitan, lively and well worth discovering for yourself.
Surrounding the city is the kind of scenery Aberdeenshire’s renowned for – rugged coastlines, tranquil lochs, inspiring glens and the unique mountain landscape of the Cairngorms National Park.
Aberdeenshire’s home to a string of trails which will help you explore the districts rich diversity and really make the most of your visit. Choose from the Castle Trail, Coastal Trail, and the Victorian Heritage Trail. Pick the one which appeals to you most and grab your camera, or why ‘mix and match’ from all four.
If you love to escape from it all and wander through picturesque villages and historic towns, then Aberdeenshire is the place for you. Even back in the buzzing city, you’re never far from a quick escape to Mother Nature. With a wealth of history and culture on it’s doorstep, Aberdeen has long been a magnet to visitors due to the stunning scenery of Britain’s largest National Park and vast choice of culture and action-packed activities on offer.
Find out why the wild valley of Royal Deeside has been a favourite holiday destination of the Royals for over 150 years, or discover for yourself what secrets are waiting for you in Banchory, or the many other towns and villages throughout the Shire.
Take in views of the Cairngorms National Park from above in a hang-glider, or choose from a wealth of local golf courses, fishing pools and wildlife hot spots. Or, for visitors looking to experience Aberdeen’s vibrant modern side, look no further than the city’s West End boutiques, award-winning restaurants and extensive shopping centres.
Where to eat
Aberdeenshire has a long and proud history of farming, fishing and food production. Especially well known for Aberdeen Angus Beef, Cullen Skink, Butteries or Rowies, Shortbread, ice-cream, malt whisky and more, this region has many mouth watering treats in store.
Cafe Boheme Restaurant – Specialising in French and seafood cuisine, open Tuesday – Saturday, 12 noon – 1.45pm and 6pm till late. Dominique and his team welcome you to his new restaurant, in the decadent Parisian surrounding, jazz in the background, candlelight at night, buzzing lunch time, a fusion of modern and traditional food with a twist of individual inspiration – a definite must visit.
Maryculter Country House Hotel dates from 1225 AD and was originally home to the Knights Templar. With its warm friendly atmosphere, Grand Cocktail Lounge, stone walls, open hearth fires, two quality restaurants, candlelit dinners, traditional menus using local produce and a professional quality service it’s a popular place. Open all year – the Poachers Lounge serves lunch Monday – Friday 12 noon – 2pm, Saturday and Sunday 12.30pm – 2.30pm. Dinner is served Monday – Sunday from 6.30pm – 9.30pm. The Priory Restaurant serves dinner Monday – Sunday from 7pm – 9.30pm.
Where to stay
The City Wharf Serviced Apartments in Aberdeen have one bedroom to four bedroom luxury serviced apartments in two locations in the heart of Aberdeen City. The first is situated on the quayside of historic Aberdeen Harbour while the second is located a few minutes to the south of Aberdeen’s main shopping street, Union Street.
All of the apartments are within five minutes walk of Aberdeen city centre and the Union Square retail complex, the largest in Scotland. They are close to restaurants, cinemas, pubs, shops and museums.
City Wharf Serviced Apartments offer so much more than a hotel and nightly weekend rates start from just £60. All of our apartments include free high speed wireless internet access, daily room service, free children’s pack including cot and high chair.
And the deluxe apartments have even more space than a standard apartment, most also have a double sofa bed in the lounge and include a free welcome hamper with a bottle of wine, tea, coffee, milk, cereal, eggs, fruit, butter, jam and juice, along with a free continental breakfast hamper of bread, roll, croissant, cereal, eggs, fruit, butter, jam and juice.
Free use of nearby health club with swimming pool, sauna, gym and jacuzzi is also included.
Included in all apartments are a modern fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher, washer dryer, fridge freezer and microwave, lounge with plasma TV, DVD and leather sofa, a separate bedroom with duck down bedding, separate bathroom with tiled under floor heating, bath and/or shower and an iron, ironing board, hanging space and much more.
