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Aberdeen: 15 hidden gems

The recently refurbished Marischal College, Aberdeen (Alamy)
The recently refurbished Marischal College, Aberdeen (Alamy)

1. Marischal College, Broad Street

It’s best known as the Aberdeen Council HQ, but few realise that historic Marischal College is the world’s second largest granite building after El Escorial Palace in Madrid. You can peek inside during the city’s Open Doors Day events.

Where: AB10 1AB

Old Aberdeen, St. Machar's Cathedral, interior, Scotland Scottish cathedrals nave naves interiors UK Saint Machar

2. St Machar’s Cathedral, The Chanonry

Legend has it that after Sir William Wallace was executed in 1305, his left arm and torso were buried in a wall at this stunning cathedral.

Where: AB24 1RQ

 

(Rory Raitt)
(Rory Raitt)

3. Donmouth Local Nature Reserve

Watch the seals in relative seclusion at the Donmouth Nature Reserve. It’s in the old part of the city where the Don meets the sea.

Where: AB23 8DR 

(Simon Walton)
(Simon Walton)

4. Footdee Former Fishing Village

This enchanting fishing “village” has its back to the sea, while the oil capital of Europe swarms around it.

Where: AB11 5DX

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5. Fish and Ships, Aberdeen

A boat tour from the harbour complete with fish suppers! There’s no better way to eat fish and chips.

Where: AB11 5SS

The memorial for the Piper Alpha tragedy in Hazlehead Gardens in Aberdeen (Colin Rennie)
The memorial for the Piper Alpha tragedy in Hazlehead Gardens in Aberdeen (Colin Rennie)

6. Piper Alpha Memorial, Hazlehead Park

One of the city’s greatest treasures, paying tribute to those who died in the tragic offshore oil disaster.

Where: AB15 8BL

The maze at Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen
The maze at Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen

7. Hazlehead Park

This park covers 180 hectares and lays claim to having Scotland’s oldest maze, planted in 1935.

Where: AB15 8BL

Brig O' Balgownie (Tom Watt)
Brig O’ Balgownie (Tom Watt)

8. Brig O’ Balgownie, Old Aberdeen

It’s said that Robert the Bruce had a hand in the completion of pretty Brig O’Balgownie.

Where: AB24 1XP

9. Torry Battery, Greyhope Road

Dolphins can be seen cavorting near Aberdeen harbour between April and August, and Torry Battery is a good viewing spot with binoculars.

Where: AB11 8QX

(Derek Ironside / Newsline)
(Derek Ironside / Newsline)

10. Trinity Cemetery, Erroll Street

The cemetery is the final resting place of Robert Hichens, the man at the wheel of the Titanic when it sank. He lies in an unmarked grave.

Where: AB24 5PP

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11. Deeside Way

The Deeside Way is a stunning route which runs for almost 41 miles from Aberdeen to Ballater.

Start: Polmuir Road, AB11 7WA

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12. Girdle Ness Lighthouse, Greyhope Road

Girdleness Lighthouse was built in 1833 and stands 56 metres high.

Where: AB11 8QX

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13. Beach Ballroom, Promenade

Immerse yourself in the glamour of the 1930s with an over-50s tea dance at the Art Deco Beach Ballroom.

Where: AB24 5NR

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14. Cruickshank Botanic Gardens, St Machar Drive

Behind a high granite wall in 11 glorious acres are these gardens – one of the best places in Britain to see rose displays.

Where: AB24 3UU

 

pic of a plate Rowie 19/1/06 Picture by MICHAEL TRAILL.

15. J.G Ross Bakers, Old Aberdeen

The Granite City is the home of the Aberdeen roll (aka rowie or buttery). If you haven’t tried them now’s the time – they’re affa fine!

Where: AB24 3EH

 

Want to explore more of Scotland? Head to our Scottish Gems section.