Aberdeen - The Granite City

Aberdeen gives us a wealth of wonderful views from an ancient waterfront on its eastern coast to the majestic Grampian Mountains in the west. With so so many sights to take in, it's well worth the cost to get a hire car from Aberdeen Airport. Bearing in mind that it's the third biggest city in Scotland, expect the city to have a wide selection of cosmopolitan merits from theatre, cinema etc to old relics and endless shopping possibilities. This area of Aberdeen and the Grampians is the home of that mad drawer of crowds and alcohol lovers, the Malt Whisky Trail. When you have recovered from sampling the oustanding malts of eight distilleries, then it's time to follow the Castle Trail amidst the region's most stunning of views. There is a huge range of activities including golf, fishing, whisky tasting, skiing and a whole lot more on offer here in The Grampian Highlands.

Don't be surprised to find a celebration or festival to be taking place during your trip to Aberdeen. Visitors and residents often get together to celebrate the area's heritage with traditional entertainment and events like the Lonach Highland Gathering and Games. Locally known as the “Friendly Games” they are held annually on the 4th Saturday in August at Strathdon in Aberdeenshire. Other events worth attending whilst visiting Aberdeen include, the Braemar Telemark Festival  (March), the Aberdeen Jazz 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 welcome in the New Year.You will find a superb selection of discounted Aberdeen hotels

The new part of Aberdeen known as the "Granite City" offers superb granite buildings and a wonderful range of superb restaurants, a superb range of top shops and a very lively social calendar whenever you arrive. In fact, if the city has such a wealth of riches, why are its own people considered internationally well travelled? Why would anyone ever want to leave this wonderful city? They say you never seem to appreciate what is beneath your nose but the truth is that Aberdonians are able to look more forward to returning home more than most of us. Who can blame them? Everything is here! A pleasant climate, sandy beaches, the Lemon Tree (Aberdeen's own long-running Festival Fringe), picturesque streets, warm friendly people, fishing villages worthy of a place on a postcard and Union Street where you find a whole host of shops, as well as three shopping precincts!

Aberdeen is famous as the "City of Roses" with very good reason. A popular attraction and landmark in this area is that of Duthie Park's Rose Hill with over 12,000 different captivating varieties 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, which was once a single burgh. Here you can find its cobbled high street with Aberdeen Art Gallery, Provost Ross's House, the harbour and many other places of interest within a few hundred yards of one another. Don't miss an opportunity to explore Aberdeen University’s ancient King's College with its 15th century chapel and fixtures.

While in Aberdeen many visitors are interested in the relationship between the city and North Sea. For a number of years North Sea oil reserves have fueled the growth and prosperity as well as devastating losses of life in the area. Visitors can see the Piper Alpha Memorial, a memorial garden found in Hazelhead Park dedicated to the memory of the 167 oil workers lost to the North Sea in the tragedy of 1988. For further information about oil exploration in the North Sea, the 5 Star Maritime Museum situated on the Shiprow, offers 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 region of Aberdeen and the Grampians appears very compact. This is far from the truth.  In reality, there is a huge expanse of territory to explore with plenty of attractions at every corner and much to miss if limited to public transport. Cycling out in the Aberdonian countryside 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 the fresh air lovers hiking is a great way to explore beautiful landscapes “off the beaten track”.


The Grampian Highlands

Walking is possibly the leading activity in the Grampians with so much to explore and virgin terrains which can only be found when travelling on foot. Walkers can experience a diverse landscape challenge from the exposed coastline to the high altitudes of the Grampian and Cairngorm mountains. If you are looking for an active pursuits holiday this Grampians region of Scotland will be the ideal 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 walking Scotland's official Long Distance footpaths.

Make your way to Balmoral and instantly discover why Queen Victoria memorably called this royal estate her "Paradise". Historically a royal holiday destination, the estate is currently enjoyed by a vast number of (non-royal) guests for its world famous sporting activities such as fly fishing in the River Dee and cycle races across the Royal estate.

Across at the coast there are some brilliant facilities for water sports. A notable event is that of the annual sailing race to and from Stavanger in Norway. The marina at Peterhead is extremely popular with visiting yachtsmen whilst sailing enthusiasts make for Findhorn at Moray Firth.