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.
