Aberdeen is overflowing with exciting attractions for visitors to explore. From museums and heritage trails to castles and beeches, this beautiful Scottish city and ‘shire’ are awaiting your discovery.
Learn more about booking a city break in Aberdeen.
If you’re staying for a few days or more, you might like to explore beyond the city itself. And with so many beautiful places to see, we wouldn’t blame you for venturing outside of Aberdeen.
There are lots of great attractions just a short drive or bus journey from our Aberdeen hotel, including:
For those of you travelling on to other parts of Scotland from Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen or Leonardo Hotel and Conference Venue Aberdeen Airport, it’s easy to get across the country by either car or train. To help plan your trip, here’s a snapshot of journey times to some of the most popular onward destinations from Aberdeen.
Inverness: two hours 50 minutes by car, or two hours 25 minutes by train
Edinburgh: just under three hours by car, or two hours 25 minutes by train
Glasgow: three hours by car, or two hours 40 minutes by train
We look forward to welcoming you here at our hotels in Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Heritage Trails
There are a number of walking trails across Aberdeen to explore the rich history and heritage of the district, as well as its breath-taking landscapes and coastlines. We recommend going on The Castle Trail, The Coastal Trail, or The Victorian Heritage Trail, however there are many more routes to discover.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
From shipbuilding and fast sailing ships, to fishing and port history, this coastal city is rich maritime heritage. The Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers an interesting and engaging day out for all, and it’s the only place in the UK where you can learn about the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Integrated into Provost Ross’ house, which was built in 1593, the museum contrasts old and new architecture while overlooking the busy harbour. Admission to the Aberdeen Maritime Museum is free for all, and it’s open from Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm and from 12pm-3pm on Sundays. You can find the museum just a short 6-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen.
The Tolbooth Museum
Housed in one of the oldest and best-preserved 17th century gaols in Scotland, the Tolbooth Museum is brings to life the unique and gruesome history of crime and punishment over the last few centuries. A visit to the museum lets you immerse yourself in the eerie atmosphere of the historic cells and the background behind them, including what it was like to be a prisoner or a rebel throughout through the years.
The Tolbooth Museum is free to enter, open from Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, and from 12pm to 3pm on Sundays. You can find the museum only a 9 minute walk from the Leonardo Hotel in Aberdeen.
Dunnottar Castle
Sitting atop a huge red rock conglomerate, Aberdeen’s Dunnottar Castle could be a fortress or kingdom from a fairy-tale! The castle is rich with Scottish history, having hosted historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and the future King Charles II, and been involved in a number of battles and skirmishes.
Dunnottar Castle is open from 9am-6pm in the summer and from 10am-5pm (or a half hour before sunset, whichever is sooner) in the winter, with entry costing £7 for adults and £3 for children. You can find the castle just a short 30-minute drive from our Aberdeen hotel.
Tarves Heritage Centre
The village of Tarves is steeped in history, proudly displayed at the Tarves Heritage Centre. The centre’s exhibitions are housed in part of an elegant school from the mid-19th century, which also includes a reproduction of a real Victorian classroom. School desks, books, and even a blackboard with chalk and an easel all recreate the atmosphere of the typical Victorian school. Outside of the classroom, the Corbett Room offers a look at the history of the local trade, with displays varying from farming, agriculture, and domestic life to business and trade, shopping, and school. Look out for the locally found Bronze Age sword, one of many Bronze and Stone Age artefacts housed in the centre.
The centre is open April- October, 2pm-4.30pm Thursday – Sunday. Admission is free and the Tarves Heritage Centre can be found a half hour drive from our Leonardo Inn Hotel Aberdeen Airport.
Milton Art Gallery
The Milton Art Gallery prides itself on its collection of locally produced, original arts and crafts. With painted selections from artists such as James Fraser, Kathleen Bremner, and Peter Goodfellow, as well as designer jewellery, works of ceramics, glass, and wood, Milton Art Gallery offers an excellent display of Aberdeenshire’s artistry. Situated within a renovated farm complex, there’s a range of other things to do and see, from The Milton Brasserie to a children’s play area. The gallery is open from 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday, and 11am-5pm on Sundays.
The Milton Art Gallery is just off the River Dee, a thirty minute drive from Leonardo hotel Aberdeen Airport.
Gordon Highlanders Museum
For a display dedicated to one of the most celebrated regiments of the British Army, look no further than the Gordon Highlanders Museum. The museum houses a number of exhibitions that cover the Highlanders’ exploits from its early history and its deployment in Asia and Africa, through both World Wars, and up to its present day. Visit the armoury for an impressive selection of weaponry from the Napoleonic era to today, or peruse the Silver Room, which offers a glimpse into one of the great traditions of the British Army.
Visit the gardens and stroll amongst the wildlife with squirrels, butterflies, various birds, and Ben, the local cat, as well as a beautiful array of plant life. The museum season runs February to December 12th, opening Tuesday- Saturday 10am-4.30pm. Admission costs £6.65 for adults and £3.33 for children. The Gordon Highlanders Museum can be found just a fifteen minute drive from our Aberdeen hotel.
Blairs Museum
Aberdeenshire’s Blairs Museum gives visitors a view into the rich Catholic heritage of Scotland, one of the most influential periods of its history. Housing collections of priceless relics from Scotland’s Catholic past, the museum is a fascinating representation of times gone by. The displays range from paintings of some of Scotland’s most famous historical individuals, such as Mary Queen of Scots, to sacred silver, gold relics, and a collection of hand-made church textiles dating back centuries.
The museum is open April to October on weekends, 2pm-5pm. Admission costs £3.50 for adults and £1 for children (8-16). The Blairs Museum is a twenty-five minute drive from Leonardo hotel Aberdeen Airport.
His Majesty’s Theatre
For evening entertainment, nothing beats watching a show at His Majesty’s Theatre. Just 10 minutes away from our Aberdeen hotel on foot, the theatre is considered one of the most beautiful in the UK. Whether you’re seeing a musical, enjoying some light-hearted comedy or listening to live music, His Majesty’s Theatre is the perfect place to unwind in the evening.
We recommend: looking out for the statue of Scottish hero William Wallace on your way to the theatre
Cowdray Hall
If you want to experience incredible acoustics inside a breathtaking building, Cowdray Hall is one of Aberdeen’s most popular concert venues, and only 8 minutes away from Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen on foot.. If you have the chance, make sure you pop in to watch one of the free lunchtime concerts.
East Aquhorthies Stone Circle
Scotland is home to some incredible ancient structures, and the stone circle near Inverurie is no exception. If you choose to visit East Aquhorthies, don’t forget to bring a camera to photograph this magical place.
We recommend: visiting at sunrise or sundown to experience the site’s unique mystical beauty.
Castle Fraser Garden and Estate
A visit to Scotland isn’t complete without seeing a castle or two. Castle Fraser, run by the National Trust Scotland, is one of our favourites, with huge grounds perfect for walking. Look out for the forests, lake, and children’s play area.
We recommend: braving the climb up the castle steps for fabulous views from the tower’s viewing platform.
Cairngorms National Park
The largest national park in Britain, the Cairngorms National Park’s breath-taking natural beauty alone is worth visiting for. The Cairngorms is home to an abundance of wildlife, including several endangered species such as the red squirrel, as well as a variety of scenic landscapes waiting to be explored.
With plenty of activities to take part in, from snow sports and water sports to cycling and golf, as well as the first permanent bridge-based bungee jump in the UK, the Cairngorms make the perfect place for a day of adventures. You can find Braemar Castle in the National Park just an hour's from Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen.
Codona’s Aberdeen
Codona’s in Aberdeen is a hub of amusement and fun for the whole family, offering a variety of activities and rides including roller coasters, dodgems, a log flume, and an 18-hole adventure golf course! It even caters for rainy days with the Sunset Boulevard indoor complex, including bowling alleys, an arcade, and an adventure play land. There are also four restaurants and two bars for when you want to put your feet up!
Neatly placed to overlook the stunning shore, you can find Codona’s a 26 minute walk or 11 minute drive from our Leonardo Hotel in Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Science Centre
Aberdeen Science Centre attracts over 50,000 visitors each year with a range of exhibitions, workshops, and shows, all offering an exciting and educational day out. Aiming to inspire people of all ages, the science centre provides hands-on exhibits where you can engage with the science of the world and learn about everything from space exploration to deep sea robotics!
The centre also holds a Tramsheds Coffee House, where you can buy a range of light bites and baked goods. The Aberdeen Science Centre is open from 10am-4pm on Mondays and from Wednesday to Friday, closing at 5pm on weekends and school holidays, with admission costing £5.75 for adults and £4.50 for children. You can find the Aberdeen Science Centre a 22-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Beaches
Whether you’re taking a sandy summer stroll or a wintery walk in the crisp air, you’ll find the perfect place to ramble on one of Aberdeen’s beaches. With a variety of picturesque coastlines waiting to be explored, a walk along the waterfront is a great way to spend an hour or two before settling in for a picnic and a lounge.
The closest shore to the city centre is just a 23-minute walk from Aberdeen’s Leonardo Hotel, with the promenade offering a range of restaurants and activities to enjoy.
Tolquhon Castle
Tolquhon Castle offers large ruins to explore from its magnificent gatehouse (fully intact and more for impressing visitors rather than defending against any unwanted guests!) to the main house structure. Almost fairy-tale like in appearance, Tolquhon Castle warrants plenty of exploration with the family rooms upstairs, the Steward’s Room, and the Pit Prison, all waiting for you to uncover the castle’s hidden mysteries.
The castle served as a permanent residence for almost three centuries, and remains well intact today despite being classed as a ruin. The grounds can also afford exceptional viewpoints of Aberdeenshire. The castle grounds and shop open 9:30am-5:30pm every day, and admission costs £4.50 for adults and £2.70 for children. Tolquhon Castle can be found under a half an hour’s drive from Leonardo Hotel and Conference Venue Aberdeen Airport and Leonardo Inn Aberdeen Airport.
Fyvie Castle
Aberdeenshire’s Fyvie Castle is one of the region’s proud monuments to its own history. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle has a mix of old and new with an appealing, well decorated Edwardian interior, displaying a vast collection of arms, armour and art. Keep an eye out portrait collections of the timeless work of Batoni, Romney and Gainsborough whilst exploring the lavish hallways and corridors.
The castle grounds are offer a restored racquets court, an ice house, a bowling alley, a bird hide, and a great stone wheel-staircase, one of the finest in the country. Fyvie Castle is also home to a range of wildlife, from swans and coots to geese and even the occasional osprey. Visitors can also experience the grounds from a balloon ride, which will give you unmatched views of the surrounding woodlands and lochs.
End the afternoon by popping in to the tea room, where there is a delicious selection of snacks and light lunches, before visiting the castle shop for souvenirs of your trip. You can find Fyvie Castle just over a half hour by car from our Aberdeen hotel.
Forvie National Nature Reserve
The Sands of Forvie create a landscape of typical Scottish beauty. The rippling sand dunes flanking the Ythan estuary are home to a stunning collection of wildlife, including but not limited to the largest colony of breeding Eider ducks in the UK. The scenic setting also offers a number of walking trails and empty expanses perfect for picnics and long family strolls. Take a glimpse into the history of Aberdeenshire as you uncover the half-buried remains of a 12th century church, the victim of a blistering sandstorm some 300 years later.
The visitors centre contains a number of exhibits and displays about the area, as well as a touch-screen DVD presentation. Forvie National Nature Reserve is located a thirty minute drive from Leonardo Hotel and Conference Venue Aberdeen Airport and Leonardo Inn Aberdeen Airport.
Haddo House and Country Park
Haddo House and Country Park is one of Aberdeen’s classic manors. A settlement for thousands of years, dating back as early as the Bronze Age, Haddo House now receives over 220,000 visitors a year. Despite a fire in 1930, the house still retains its original Palladian design, combining a Georgian exterior with a Victorian interior to make a classic cocktail of beautiful brickwork.
Haddo also houses fine art collections from 18th century artists such as Gainsborough and Batoni, and an assortment of vintage period furniture and decoration. The stunning country park extends for almost 240 acres, in which you can follow Scot’s Mile for a stunning viewpoint of Aberdeenshire and the grounds, or take a long, peaceful walk through Craigie Wood and Deer Park. The estate also has a new adventure playground available for the kids and a number of picnic areas.
You can enjoy some lunch or a snack at the onsite tearoom, or pick up a souvenir at the National Trust for Scotland Shop. Opening times vary depending on the attraction, and Haddo House and Country Park is just a thirty-minute drive from our Aberdeen Airport hotels.
Stonehaven Open Air Pool
Stonehaven Open Air Pool offers visitors the perfect opportunity to relax. With clean sea water heated to a comfortable 29 degrees, the 50 metre Olympic swimming pool and accompanying Lido provide fun for the whole family, whether you’re dipping your toes or diving straight in. Specific sessions include a quiet swim, a lane swim, a fun swim for the young ones, and a midnight swim under the stars with some retro disco music.
There are deck chairs surrounding the pools and the Splash Café, which serves up hot and cold drinks, hot food, sweets, and delicious baked goods! Opening times vary depend on season and day of the week, and tickets cost £5.30 for adult and £3.20 for children. Stonehaven Open Air Pool is situated a thirty-five minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen Airport.
Duthie Park Winter Gardens
Visit one of the biggest indoor gardens in Europe, Duthie Park Winter Gardens, where you’ll find rare plants, exotic flowers and the biggest collection of succulents and cacti in Britain. Take a walk along the Corridor of Perfumes and experience a different climate in the Tropical and Arid House before going to see the boating ponds and children’s play areas.
We recommend: taking the kids to see Spike the talking cactus!
Balmedie Beach
Whether the sun is shining or the winds are blowing, there’s nothing quite like a walk along Balmedie Beach during your stay in Aberdeen. Explore the dunes and blow away the cobwebs as you wander along the endless stretch of sand, and make sure you take a camera.
We recommend: wrapping up warm because after all, this is Scotland, and the weather can be rather nippy and changeable
Old Aberdeen
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Union Street, take a wander through Old Aberdeen. Located to the north of the city centre, it’s got everything from cobbled streets to a cathedral, botanic gardens and the King’s Museum.
We recommend: continuing north to Seaton Park, a huge green space along the River Don.
Glen Garioch Distillery
Located in the historic market town of Oldmeldrum, Glen Garioch is one of Scotland’s oldest operating distilleries. Go to the visitor centre and take a guided tour to find out how this Highland single malt is made, and learn more about the history of whisky distilling in Scotland. Best of all, you’ll even get to indulge in some whisky tasting. We recommend: choosing the ‘A Rare Pair’ tour for a truly one-of-a-kind experience including cheese and whisky tasting by a roaring fire Balmoral Castle While in Aberdeenshire, a visit to the Royal Family’s Scottish home, Balmoral Castle, is a must. The estate is home to beautiful gardens and engaging exhibitions of history and art, right at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
We recommend: playing a round of golf or going salmon fishing on the estate for a truly Scottish experience.
The Academy Shopping Centre
Housed in an architecturally stunning converted school building from the Victorian era, The Academy in Aberdeen offers a huge variety of fashion and beauty brands, a number of which are unique to Aberdeen. There are also a selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, from Costa to Nandos, as well as Rye and Soda, a cafe that turns into a cocktail bar in the evening! With a relaxed central courtyard, it’s perfect for a spot of after-shopping al-fresco dining.
You can find the Academy an 8 minute walk from our Leonardo hotel in Aberdeen.
Bon Accord & St Nicholas
Bon Accord & St Nicholas offers the chance to indulge in an afternoon of retail therapy, with over 65 shops and restaurants in the huge combined shopping centre. As well as a series of high street stores there are also stores unique to the shopping centre, and a new Roof Garden hosting things like bouncy castles, petting zoos, and Jurassic gardens that are perfect for keeping the kids entertained.
Bon Accord & St Nicholas is a short 8-minute walk from our hotel in Aberdeen.
Union Square Shopping Centre
Find the biggest brands and the best eats at Aberdeen’s Union Square Shopping Centre for a day of shopping, eating, and drinking. With mega stores like Apple, Boots and Hollister, a Cineworld cinema, and countless restaurants and bars from Handmade Burger Co.to Chiquito, Union Square offers a shopping experience like no other
Weekday opening hours are 9am-8pm, closing an hour earlier on Saturdays, and 11am-6pm on Sundays. Find all of your retail needs just twenty minutes by car from Leonardo Hotel and Conference Venue Aberdeen Airport and Leonardo Inn Aberdeen Airport.
Union Street
Lined with granite buildings, Union Street stretches for an entire mile through the city and is home to a huge range of shops, from designer brands to high street stores and everything in between. If you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from too.
We recommend: walking as far as the quirky West End area of the city, where you’ll find lots of great independent boutiques
Teasel and Tweed
Teasel and Tweed of Aberdeen offer a unique and stylish collection of furniture, accessories and gifts, produced only by Scottish designers and artists. With displays of beautiful ceramic and metal jewellery, art work, printed and woven textiles, metal work and knitwear, and much more, the quaint shop is a ‘must visit’ for souvenirs and gifts that really represent Scotland. The store opens at 10am Tuesday to Saturday, and closes at 4pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 5pm on Saturday and 6pm on Thursday.
Teasel and Tweed can be found just a fifteen minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen Airport and Leonardo Inn Aberdeen Airport.