Relaxing Things To Do in Aberdeen

An Overview of Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a northern port city of Scotland, well-known for its enduring grey stone buildings. The solemn structures have earned it the name “Granite City.”  The city has exceptionally strong ties with the northern sea and shipping and fishing have historically dominated it’s industries.  Buildings are composed of impressively large spires and the surrounding cliffs to the north are considered some of the most striking views in the country.  There are several relaxing things to do in Aberdeen making it a great destination for a northern Scotland trip.

Transportation Advice

Aberdeen has a decent bus system, but since it’s far-removed from the rest of Scotland, a car is probably needed.  The drive from the south takes travelers through some of Scotland’s most impressive terrain and deserves to be appreciated, especially when passing through Perth, Dundee and Cairngorms.  

Relaxing Things To Do in Aberdeen

Golfing in Aberdeen

Aberdeen has some of the most unique and wind-hazardous golf courses in the country. The gold courses in this part of the world are well-tended and meander through beautiful highland scenery. Some of the more famous greens actually following immense cliff ledges overlooking the North Sea.

Duthie Park

For people wishing to relax in the city, Duthie Park is a large green space which hosts the large David Welch Winter Gardens. This indoor space is Europe’s third-largest indoor garden.

St Machar’s Cathedral

Located along several walking trails, this church has been functioning since it’s completion in the 12th century.  The building is often called Old Machar and remains an important spiritual center of Scotland.

Old Aberdeen

This is the most famous portion of Aberdeen. Old Aberdeen still holds many of the thin spires of its ancient heyday.  Cobbled roads trace lines to Charonry, Sir Duncan Rice Library, Seaton Park and the 13th century Brig o’ Balgownie

Johnston Gardens

This is a uniquely manicured garden area which has won the Britain in Bloom Award multiple times. The garden space is full of small wooden bridges, colorful flowers and rounded shrubs. The venue is popular for quiet walks and wedding photos.

The Gordon Highlanders Museum

Highlander military history and Scottish Highland culture are popular topics for museums throuhgout Scotland. This museum contains numerous interactive maps, several uniforms and weaponry displays covering the 200-year-long history of the Highlander Army Regiment.

Dolphin Spotting in the Harbor

Aberdeen is a major migration point for aquatic mammals, giving visitors splendid views of wildlife. The harbor of Aberdeen often has bottlenose, white-beaked, and risso dolphins swimming past.  There are also minke whales that patrol the nearby sea.  

Book and Beans

Located at 22 Belmont Street, this small venue is a notoriously photogenic and peaceful café and second-hand bookstore.

King’s College Chapel

The King’s College Chapel is a haunting beautiful heritage site in the city. The two major components of the building includes the Crown Tower, a beautiful emblem of the university. Underneath the Chapel sanctuary, there’s a tranquil space open to visitors Monday-Friday, 9am-3.30pm..

Slains Castle

This is a grand and half-broken castle still holding out against incoming elements of the 21st century. Also known as New Slains Castle (Old Slains Castle is nearby), this crumbling fortification overlooks the North Sea from atop a towering cliff. The core feature of the castle is a 16th-century tower house.

Girdle Ness Lighthouse

This pure white pillar is situated near Torry Battery on the Girdle Ness peninsula. The lighthouse is known to be a truly spectacular place to watch North Sea sunrises. The lighthouse is an active station, glowing at night and managed by the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Dunnottar Castle

This large castle is located 22 km south of Aberdeen. Dunnottar Castle is atop some of the most impressive and sheer cliffs of the highlands.  It’s a rather steep climb to reach, but the views, stonework and blustering winds are splendid.

Read more about relaxing things to do in Aberdeen and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Destination Information.

Affiliate Disclosure: Leftfade Trails contains affiliate links, so using services or products through these links supports the website, at no extra cost to the user. All links are to tested services and products designed to aid travelers on their journeys. Some links specifically connect to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate this website earns from qualifying purchases.