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Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

Aberdeen adventures

26 replies

notashotasthepreviousyear · 03/04/2019 19:53

We are heading off to Aberdeen Alford area next week for a cottage break with 2 teenagers, both reasonably outdoorsy, also like like a bit of culture, could anyone suggest the best bits please? We are taking lots of warm clothes!

OP posts:
Ricekrispie22 · 04/04/2019 06:00

There’s a Go Ape at Crathes Castle
Deeside Activity Park has archery, go karts, quad biking, orienteering etc...
Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre has mountain bikes for hire. You can cycle straight from the centre or go to other great cycle routes nearby. Popular spots for mountain biking around Huntly include the Bin Forest and the Clashindarroch Forest. The centre also has a dry ski slope with various activities like tubing.

Original poster
notashotasthepreviousyear · 04/04/2019 07:05

these sound perfect, thanks very much ricekrispie

OP posts:
BlueChampagne · 04/04/2019 13:13

Haven't been to Aberdeen for years but remember a good art gallery.

A trip to Slaine's castle?

chemenger · 04/04/2019 13:23

Never heard of Slaine’s Castle. There is a National Trust Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire, Castle Fraser might be your closest. Alford has a transport museum which is good for a few hours.

Lisette1940 · 04/04/2019 13:26

Aberdeen Art Gallery is being refurbished but the Maritime Museum is still open. You might like a walk around Old Aberdeen, including the Uni Library Museum which has a small exhibit on Asian art at the moment.

Lisette1940 · 04/04/2019 13:28

Slains Castle - inspiration for Dracula?

www.visitabdn.com/listing/slains-castle

Lisette1940 · 04/04/2019 13:29

Crathes Castle, Fyvie Castle - all good.

Nemesia · 04/04/2019 13:33

There is a dry ski slope in Alford.

Kam610 · 04/04/2019 13:34

I'm from Aberdeenshire 😊 have you been up here before? In Alford there is the Grampian transport museum. They often have events on so might be worth checking if there's anything planned during your stay. There are also loads of Castles in that area that are beautiful! Alford also has a dry ski slope which is great for lessons or tubing. If you have hired a car, it is worth a drive out to Ballater and Braemar. The Queens Balmoral Castle is between those two villages and the scenery is stunning!

Lisette1940 · 04/04/2019 13:39

Craigievar castle is near Alford. I don't think I've ever been despite living here for 12 years. Need to get out more.

Kam610 · 04/04/2019 13:43

Lisette same here 🙈 I've lived here my whole life and never been to Craigievar Castle, or even Castle Fraser 😂

Lisette1940 · 04/04/2019 13:49

I haven't been to Crathes either. I'm ready to chain myself to the front of the Art Gallery as they were meant to have reopened aaaagees ago.

Meanwhile I'm off to Dundee next week for a break - Aberdonians look at me as if I'm mad but it's a novelty to me!

Enjoy your break OP.

chemenger · 04/04/2019 13:49

For a ruined castle experience Dunnottar is hard to beat. I think Slains wasn’t open to the public when I was growing up in Aberdeenshire, hence my ignorance! I do prefer non-ruins, especially in April in Aberdeenshire.

chemenger · 04/04/2019 13:50

I had never been to Dundee until last year, having lived in either Aberdeenshire or Edinburgh all my life. It is surprisingly nice. Lots to do.

Lisette1940 · 04/04/2019 13:51

Yep - Dunottar is absolutely fab. Even I've been there!

chemenger · 04/04/2019 13:53

I have been to all the NT castles in Aberdeenshire, I think, Drum is my favourite, or maybe Haddo House.

Bittern11 · 04/04/2019 13:59

www.visitabdn.com/listing/lochter-activity-centre
and
transition-extreme.com/ - climbing and BMXing course

Science Museum
Aberdeen beach and carbival
Think the RSPB runs dophin watching trips from the harbour
Loads of walks by the Dee - www.deesidewalks.com/

Check out the Lemon Tree and His Majesty's Theatre for culture - www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/

HAve fun!!

Lisette1940 · 04/04/2019 14:07

I'm a member of the NT chemenger so I've no excuse. Haddo's nice too.

Bardolino · 04/04/2019 14:27

You might want to look at the latest tourism website: www.visitabdn.com. It's got quite a good overview of what's in the area and has an events guide which could be useful.

While the Aberdeen Art Gallery is being refurbished, apparently some of their works are on display at Drum Castle - art and history in one. Plus Drum is a lovely castle! Most of the NTS castles have great tearooms (fab home bakes!!) and most have lovely gardens with a variety of walks.

If you're feeling more energetic, there are a range of paths up and around Bennachie, which is a local landmark. Great views from the top (if the weather's good!).

ContinuityError · 04/04/2019 14:52

There's not much to see at Slains, it's a bit disappointing - Dunottar is a lot better, and if you go to Stonehaven the Tolbooth is good for seafood. If you do go to Slains, then drop in to see the seals at Newburgh - they make the weirdest sounds (you need to be on the south side of the estuary).

Loch Muick is a lovely walk, and there are some good walks round Glentannar. Bennachie is a good hike too.

Lots of NT properties - Cragievar, Crathes, Drum, Fyvie, Castle Fraser, Haddo, Leith Hall.

Old Aberdeen is interesting - take a wander around Footdee and have lunch at the Silver Darling. Duthie Park winter gardens worth a look in if you're nearby. And there's a full size 50m pool up by the university - the nearby university library is worth a look. If you like curry then 8848 on Union Street is excellent, Amarone is good for pizza, there's also Bistro Verde on the Green, and have a drink at The Grill - it has a huge range of whiskies, and has the dubious honour of only getting a ladies loo installed about 20 years ago.

Isanyoneevertrulyfree · 04/04/2019 14:52

If you fancy a day in Aberdeen itself 50mins drive. You will be spoiled for choice with teenagers.
Maritime Museum - free
Tollbooth museum - 17th century former jail now museum - free but access up original windy stairs.
Codona’s fun fair - pricy but teenagers love it
Transition Extreme for indoor skate boarding and cycling , climbing walls and outdoor rope climbing thing
Innoflate - huge indoor bouncy castle place for all ages
Jump in - a trampoline place
Ice skating rink, leisure pool with flumes etc.
A really nice beach, or go to Balmedie for a more wild beach with sand dunes great for sand sledging.
Aberdeen is also the best place to see wild dolphins ( Torry Battery best view point) take binoculars.
Agree with pp Dunnottar castle near Stonehaven ( nice little town with an open air swimming pool, think it’s only open in the summer though lovely pubs right on the harbour ) is gtreat has been used in a few films. Quite a scramble to reach it though. Loads of other castles to see, can end up pricy though.
Other wildlife things free are the seals at Newburgh (protected site) you view them from accross the bay. Cliffs at the Bullars of Buchan for sea birds near to Slains Castle as well.

ContinuityError · 04/04/2019 14:55

Oh yes - Balmedie beach has great sand dunes, and you can look in at the Trump International golf course.

Lisette1940 · 04/04/2019 15:15

I think Amarone Aberdeen is still closed after their November fire.

Original poster
notashotasthepreviousyear · 04/04/2019 17:06

wow thanks everyone we're going to have a busy time Smile

OP posts:
Bittern11 · 04/04/2019 17:41

Your problem will be deciding what to do - and what to leave for next time! There's so much to do.

Other posters have mentioned the seals at Newburgh - they really are fab. There ae lots of seabirds, eg eider, knot, too. Take binocs if you have them. Beautiful beach - we made a fire there last time we were there. Nice pub in the village for food too - the Newburgh Inn.

Have a wonderful time.