Aberdeen - Home of Malt Whisky…and Roses
Aberdeen provides a wealth of amazing views from an unspoilt waterfront on its eastern coast to the awesome Grampian Mountains in the west. With so much to see, it’s a good idea to rent a car from Aberdeen Airport. Since it’s the 3rd largest city in Scotland, expect the city to have a wide selection of cosmopolitan merits from theatre, cinema etc to old historical sites and countless opportunities for shopping. The region of Aberdeen and the Grampians is the home of that magnet for discerning drinkers everywhere, the Malt Whisky Trail. If and when you have recovered from imbibing the world famous whiskies of eight distilleries, then it’s time to follow the Castle Trail amidst the breathtaking views of this amazing region. You will find a huge range of activities including fishing, golf, whisky tasting, skiing and loads more on offer here in The Grampian Highlands.
Don’t be surprised to find a festival or gala to be taking place while in the city. Visitors and residents regularly get together to celebrate the region’s history with traditional entertainment and events such as the Lonach Highland Gathering and Games. Locally known as the “Friendly Games” the event are held each year on the 4th Saturday of August at Strathdon in Aberdeenshire. Other events worth attending whilst visiting Aberdeen include, the Aberdeen Jazz Festival (March), the Braemar Telemark Festival (March), the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (April-May), the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (June), The Wickerman, Tartan Day and the Stonehaven Fireball Festival. The Stonehaven festival is one of few remnants of an east coast fire festival traditionally held to see in the New Year.You will find a big selection of value for money Aberdeen hotels
The new part of Aberdeen known as the “Granite City” offers grand granite buildings and any number of fine restaurants, a superb range of top shops and a very lively ‘what’s on’ listing whenever you arrive. Coincidentally, if the region has so much to offer, why is its own population recognised as internationally well travelled? Why would they want to ever leave this wonderful place? They say you never seem to appreciate what is already yours but the truth is that Aberdonians can look more forward to returning home more than the rest of us. Who can blame them? Everything is here! A generally cool and dry climate, sandy beaches, the Lemon Tree (Aberdeen’s own year round Festival Fringe), pretty streets, warm friendly people, fishing villages worthy of a place on a postcard and Union Street where you find a vast array of shops, as well as three shopping precincts!
Aberdeen is often known as the “City of Roses” with very good reason. A popular landmark and attraction in these parts is that of Duthie Park’s Rose Hill with in excess of 12,000 different brilliant colours and types of Rose.
The Old Town district of Aberdeen has a historic air about it. The area known as Old Aberdeen is a preserved site, and was once a single burgh. Here you can find the cobbled high street with Aberdeen Art Gallery, Provost Ross’s House, the harbour and many other attractions within close proximity of one another. Don’t miss a chance to visit Aberdeen University’s ancient King’s College with its 15th century chapel and fixtures.
While visiting Aberdeen a lot of visitors are interested in the relationship between the city and North Sea. For a number of years North Sea oil reserves have played a huge part in the growth and prosperity as well as devastating losses of life in the area. Visitors can pay their respects at the Piper Alpha Memorial, a rose garden situated in Hazelhead Park dedicated to the loss of 167 North Sea oil workers lost in the 1988 tragedy. For further information about oil exploration in the North Sea, the 5 Star Maritime Museum situated on the Shiprow, provides exhibitions on the fascinating subject well as an in depth insight to earlier (but equally as dangerous) forms of fishing and shipping in the region.
Take a map and the area around Aberdeen and the Grampians seems to be very compact. This is far from the truth. In reality, there is a huge expanse of territory to explore with generous servings of attractions at every corner and much to miss if limited to public transport. Cycling out in the countryside around Aberdeen is amazing and highly recommended for all able-bodied souls. For the rest of us, swapping two wheels for four and exploring the glorious surrounding from behind the wheel of a hire car from Dyce Airport has many attractions. For those fresh air lovers hiking is a wonderful way to explore beautiful landscapes “off the beaten track”.
The Grampian Highlands
Walking is certainly the premier activity of the Grampians with so much to explore and virgin vistas only ever experienced on foot. Walkers can enjoy a diverse landscape challenge from the exposed coastline to the heights of the Grampian and Cairngorm mountain ranges. If an active outdoor pursuits holiday is called for this Grampians corner of Scotland will be the perfect solution! The possibilities are wide and varied from water-sports to gliding and cycling to horse riding. Another exciting possibility is off-road driving as well as exploring Scotland’s official Long Distance footpaths.
Drive over to Balmoral and in an instant you’ll see why Queen Victoria memorably called this amazing location her “Paradise”. Designed as a royal holiday destination, the estate is today enjoyed by lots of (non-royal) guests for its world famous sporting activities such as salmon and trout fishing in the River Dee and cycle races across the Royal estate.
Across at the coast there are some superb facilities for water sports. A notable event is that of the annual sailing race to Stavanger and back. The marina at Peterhead is extremely popular with visiting yachtsmen while yachting enthusiasts make for Findhorn at Moray Firth.