Things to do in Aberdeen

Aberdeen is the most populous city in the North of Scotland and makes a great base for adventurous trips into the Highlands and out to neighbouring islands. However, you won't have to travel far from your Aberdeen hotel to find great attractions and entertainments in this cosmopolitan city.

Aberdeen's history may not be as long or bloody as that of Edinburgh and some other destinations in Scotland, but the Granite City still has a proud heritage, and the best way to experience this for yourself is to walk around the city centre. The omnipresent pink granite occasionally gives way to other Victorian-era architectural flourishes at locations such as His Majesty's Theatre, St Mark's Church, the Central Library, the Victorian Union Terrace Gardens and Aberdeen Art Gallery, the latter of which houses one of the country's finest art collections - from Monet to Damien Hirst.

The nearby North Sea is an attraction in itself. The shores of the North Sea are a popular spot for sports such as surfing, and you can also find a number of attractive beaches in the area, such as Balmedie with its distinctive pink sand and miles of boardwalk. The old fishing village of Fittie can be found by heading to Aberdeen's harbour district, before heading to The Prince of Wales pub to enjoy a drink or meal in one of Aberdeen's oldest operational pubs.

No historical tour of Aberdeen would be complete without visiting nearby castles such as the imposing ruins of Slains, reputed to have been the inspiration for Dracula's Transylvanian castle in Bram Stoker's novel. There are 16 castles signposted on the Aberdeenshire castle trail, in varying conditions, and anyone keen to see this side of Scotland's past should consider visiting Craigievar, Fyvie and Dunnottar at least, the latter of which occupies an eye-catching position on a cliff top.

Depending on your interests and physical fitness, you can also find a number of outdoor pursuits within easy reach of your hotel Aberdeen, including horse riding and golfing at Hazlehead Park. If you're a keen climber, Aberdeen's sea cliffs are among the most dramatic in Britain, or you may prefer the more relaxed alternative of dolphin spotting from local lighthouses and other vantage points.

Visiting Aberdeen at different times of the year will likely leave a very different impression of this city, with many outdoor activities being inadvisable in the winter. On the other hand, visiting Aberdeen in the winter or early spring may offer you the chance to see the dazzling spectacle of this Victorian city covered by snow, and if you're visiting over New Year you're not likely to forget the stunning fireworks displays and other events of Hogmanay.