Aberdeen Adventure: Castles, Clifftops, and Whisky Wonders

Discover family fun amidst the Scottish splendor of Aberdeen!

19 July 2023

Aberdeen, located on the east coast of Scotland, offers a perfect family-friendly vacation. Known as the Granite City, it offers a unique blend of historical sites, stunning coastal landscapes, and plenty of outdoor activities for children. Families can explore the fascinating exhibits at the award-winning Aberdeen Maritime Museum, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Aberdeen Beach, and enjoy a fun-filled day at the Codona's Amusement Park.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Castles, Clifftops, and a Cat Named Hamish

  • Start your day at Dunnottar Castle, perched precariously on a cliff, it's the perfect spot for aspiring knights and history buffs.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along Aberdeen Beach, feel the sand between your toes while the seagulls try to steal your fish and chips.
  • Have a tail-wagging good time at the Balmedie Beach, where your furry friend can run free and build sandcastles with their paws.
  • Explore the quirky streets of the Old Town, make sure to stop and greet Hamish, the resident cat of the charming Old Aberdeen Library.
  • Indulge in a hearty Scottish meal at the Rusty Knuckle, where the haggis is as legendary as Nessie, and the whisky flows like the River Dee.
Day 2

Whisky, Maritime Mysteries, and Lighthouse Adventures

  • Start your day with a strong cup of coffee at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, where you can dive into the city's seafaring history.
  • Embark on a guided tour of the Glenfiddich Distillery, where the amber nectar flows freely, and you can pretend to be a whisky connoisseur.
  • Take a ferry to the atmospheric Aberdeen Bay where the grey granite Torry Battery stands tall, protecting the city from seaborne invaders.
  • Discover the underwater world at the Macduff Marine Aquarium, where you can meet creepy critters and colorful creatures of the deep.
  • Wrap up your trip with a visit to the charming Girdleness Lighthouse, watch the waves crash against the cliffs and bid farewell to Aberdeen in style.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Aberdeen by plane is to fly into Aberdeen International Airport, which is located approximately 7 miles northwest of the city center. Airlines such as British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet offer frequent flights to and from major cities across the UK and Europe.

Car

Driving to Aberdeen is relatively straightforward, with the A90 and A96 being the main roads linking Aberdeen to other major cities within the UK. It is advisable to check traffic updates prior to the journey and parking is available throughout the city center of Aberdeen.

Train

There are several train services that run to Aberdeen, with frequent services operated by ScotRail, Virgin Trains, and CrossCountry. The main train station in Aberdeen is Aberdeen station, which is located in the city center and provides easy access to the rest of the city.

Boat

Ferry services run to and from Aberdeen to locations across Northern and Western Scotland. The harbor in Aberdeen is located near the city center and a popular ferry operator is Northlink. These ferry services are recommended if you want to see some of Scotland's best coastal scenery and islands.

Bus

One of the easiest ways to get to Aberdeen by bus is through the national bus network which has services to Aberdeen from many cities across the UK. Scottish Citylink and Megabus are the popular bus services. The main bus station in Aberdeen is the Union Square bus station, which is located in the city center.

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