Search the World - enter sentence or part of word
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite]
City A - Z
Aberdeen (Scotland) is considered to be the powerhouse of the northeast for the reason that this place is fueled by petroleum industry of North Sea.
Aberdeen, in the heart of Scotland’s Grampian Highlands, is an ideal destination for art, history and culture that is slightly off the beaten track. Scotland’s third largest city was inspiration for the well known Scottish folk song The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen which portrays a well worn Scottish theme: that of extreme homesickness when away from my “home native land” and celebrates the spectacular phenomenon of Aurora Borealis.
Places of interest:
Aberdeen was established in 1179, and her fortunes were transformed by Robert Bruce’s 1319 Charter, in recognition of his gratitude to the people of Aberdeen who had sheltered him during his campaign against the English. Since 1509 when the renowned University of Aberdeen was established, Aberdeen has been an academic centre of Europe, which influences a great many of the cultural and historical activities on offer in the city and its surrounding areas.
Described by Queen Elizabeth II as “my dear place in the Highlands” Balmoral Castle offers visitors guided tours of the gardens, historical exhibitions and luxury safari in the Caledonian Pine Forest, where visitors can catch glimpses of Scottish wildlife.
Another ancestral home continuously inhabited for over 400 years is Haddo House. Visitors can enjoy Gordon family ancestral portraits, memorabilia, the old stables and traditional Scottish tea room. Opera, ballets and plays are presented from May to October.
Aberdeen Art Galleries and Museums comprises Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Lord Provost’s house and The Tollbooth in one site, and offers a varied programme of events and exhibitions. The Art Gallery hosts collections dating back to the 18th century of fine art, and the Maritime museum exults in the region’s proud seafaring traditions. The Tollbooth is made up of 17th century cells, and the Lord Provost’s House portrays the elegance and ritual of upper class Highland living.
Things to do:
Aberdeen offers a whole host of recreational activities to enjoy. From parks to museums, tourists will never be bored while in Aberdeen.
Storybook Glen in Royal Teeside is a magical adventureland set over 28 acres where kids and adults can see their favourite fairy-tales and nursery rhymes come to life, and wonder at the natural beauty of waterfalls, brooks and flora.
For family entertainment, it is hard to beat Sunset Boulevard, an indoor entertainment centre that offers bowling, dodgems, games and an adventureland – perfect for the Scottish weather!
Main tourist attractions in Aberdeen include Aberdeen Art Gallery, displaying a diverse collection of works of art, such as work by the Impressionists and the Scottish Colorists; Provost Ross’ House, the third oldest dwelling in Aberdeen; James Dun’s house, now a museum featuring temporary exhibitions; Aden’s Country Park, which covers about 230 acres on the Buchan Estate which dates from the 18th Century; King’s College Conference Centre; Provost Skene’s House, a good example of early burgh architecture; Braemar Castle, built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar; Doonies farm, one of the largest collections in Scotland of endangered breeds of farm animals; the Northeast Falconry Visitor Center, featuring spectacular falcons, owls and eagles and regular daily flying demonstrations; and Marischal College.
A visit to the Lighthouse and Harbour Master is a don’t-miss to learn about Scotland’s marine history, and find out what ships will be arriving in the port and when.
The world’s sixth oldest golf club, The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club may be able to lay claim to being the site of the invention of the game of golf. Today the club retains the old world elegance of a gentlemen’s club, and boasts a healthy membership of both local and overseas golf enthusiasts who enjoy the stunning Balgowie Course, which has played host to many major tournaments.
The Lemon Tree is known as the world’s only year round festival, presenting a constant programme of theatre, dance and musical spectaculars, and national touring West End theatre is also on offer at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Cinema is also well represented, with a UGC and local Belmont Theatre. For clubbing to international DJs, Ministry is the best bet, or DeNiros is a local clubbing option, playing Top 40 and House music. World class shopping is available at St Nicholas Centres and in the historical district around Union Street. The Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre hosts international touring music acts and sporting events.
Aberdeen is truly the jewel of the Highlands, offering world class dining, nightlife and cultural and historical attractions to satisfy visitors of all ages and interests. The architecture of Aberdeen is distinctive and visually stunning, carved as it is from silver granite, creating a cityscape unrivalled in its beauty.
Aberdeen boasts a cosmopolitan diversity, having been a premier Northern European trading port for many generations, enjoying centuries of established links with Scandinavian traders and Asian merchants. Nestled in the craggy landscape of the North East Highlands, and set against the romantically bleak North Sea, Aberdeen offers breathtaking views that have more in common with Scandinavian countries than the British Isles, and culture and history resplendent in maritime tradition Celtic heritage.
Getting there
Aberdeen International Airport is situated 7 miles from the city centre in Dyce and offers a wide range of domestic and some international flights like British Airways, BMI, Easyjet etc.
Buses are operated by First Group, Stagecoach Group, and First Aberdeen, which has the largest share of routes with 22 services running throughout the city.
Aberdeen also has regular rail services to Glasgow and Edinburgh, including long distance trains to London. Regular trains run north westerly towards Inverness and north to Dyce for the airport.