Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Scotsnet

Welcome to Scotsnet - discuss all aspects of life in Scotland, including relocating, schools and local areas.

Original poster

Aberdeen break - tips please!

12 replies

TeeNoG · 14/06/2023 16:49

We are a family of 3 (me, DH and DS, 8 years old) who live in Edinburgh and are coming up to Aberdeen for 4 nights at the beginning of July.

We have been before, but would love some ideas this time of what to do, where to eat etc. DS is very active, so it would be good to have some tiring activities 😁.

We are travelling by train so won't have a car. Food wise me and DH are open to anything, DS less so. Mid range budget.

Thanks all 😁

OP posts:
Highlandhome · 14/06/2023 21:10

I'm an Aberdonian - so it's got the brain cells working thinking of what tourists might like!!

All of these are walking distance from city centre - not sure where you'll be staying - or easy to get to by bus. Union Street is the main drag but not much there - other than buses!

For the kid specifically - there's Innoflate, inflatable activity park (indoors). Down near the beach.

See Aberdeen City Council website for all the parks - I'd say Seaton Park or Duthie Park maybe the best for all-round running about! Also on there should be trail maps for the areas, if you're into wandering around seeing the sights (there's also a couple of guided walks companies - curiousabout.co.uk is one, but there's a local one I'll try to find). Westburn park has tennis courts.

Codonas - funfair at the beach; not my bag but appeals to many kids!!

Maritime Museum - for an indoor day. Next door is Lane 7 for table games / bowling. Close to Union Street & Union Square.

Nature Reserves (maidencraig / Donmouth / Scotstown) will often have guided walks / activities.

Think there's a circus on early July - would be down at the beach again.

Foodwise - the Turkish Kitchen restaurant at the beach is good if you're down that way (there's the usual Pizza Hut / Burger King etc). In town - Union Square shopping centre (where train comes into) has standard mall eateries, you'll not go hungry there. Otherwise, I'd recommend Esslemonts at corner of Broad Street & Union Street. Further up Broad Street - Maggie's Grill.

If you wanted to head out of the city, then you'd easy get a bus out the main routes (Banchory / Ballater / Braemar for Royal Deeside; beaches further north - Newburgh / Balmedie) and there's a whole (wee world) outside the city!

telli · 14/06/2023 21:11

Mackies ice cream parlour

Original poster
TeeNoG · 14/06/2023 22:39

@Highlandhome thanks so much for your excellent and helpful response.

Great suggestions there and I'm grateful for the indoor suggestions too, just in case the weather doesn't play ball. I'll try and find out about the circus too as he's never been to one before, poor little blighter.

We are at Turkish Kitchen last time, and I'll definitely look up your other suggestions.

I'm afraid there will be no avoiding Codonas........

@telli ice cream is always a winner, thank you

OP posts:
DumboLives · 14/06/2023 22:51

Take the train to Stonehaven and walk to Dunnotar castle or head to the heated open air swimming pool should be open (check the times first for when the inflatables are out).

YerAWizardHarry · 14/06/2023 22:52

Transition Extreme might be a good shout to get out some energy

CancelledCheque · 14/06/2023 23:11

Dunnottar castle (a few miles south of Stonehaven) is great and a good tiring activity with all the steps up and down! Stonehaven open air pool (check their Facebook page for current water temperatures and if it’s below their standard temp they will offer free swims). Aunty Betty’s ice cream on the beach front is great and only a minute’s walk away from the pool.

The Science centre (previously Satrosphere) is down near Aberdeen beach and there are loads of hands-on experiments and demonstrations. The beach front is always a hit with my kids and we love the hot chocolate from the Promenade cafe, or the loaded fries from The Pier cafe…

Original poster
TeeNoG · 15/06/2023 06:36

Stonehaven seems like a popular choice, I think we will go for this one. DH loves open air swimming too, so even better.

Great suggestion re the Science Centre @CancelledCheque . We recently went to the Glasgow one and DS loved it.

Thanks everyone

OP posts:
angelopal · 15/06/2023 06:49

Dolphin cruise is really good. Run by Aberdeen Harbour Tours.

Crathes castle is interesting and has lovely grounds and a good play park. Bus should go nearby.

Cazziebo · 15/06/2023 15:40

If you want to go a bit further, there's a good bus service to both Peterhead and Fraserburgh. Peterhead prison museum is fascinating, and next to the Lido, and the lighthouse museum in Fraserburgh is a great day out.

Original poster
TeeNoG · 15/06/2023 20:58

Thanks everyone, such great tips! I think it's going to be a very busy 4 days 🙂

OP posts:
Tiredmum100 · 15/06/2023 21:45

DumboLives · 14/06/2023 22:51

Take the train to Stonehaven and walk to Dunnotar castle or head to the heated open air swimming pool should be open (check the times first for when the inflatables are out).

Yes, my sister lives in Aberdeen, when we went to visit we went to Stonehaven, lovely place.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page