Scotland’s seven cities attract visitors from all over the world. Sometimes overlooked for the more famous cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh is Aberdeen. With Flybe offering plenty of cheap flights from all over the UK, now is the time to visit. Here’s a guide on what you can discover in 48 hours in this beautiful port city.
Aberdeen Day 1:
Touch down
Flights go directly from London City airport and take 1hr 55mins. Other non-stop journeys are available from Manchester, Birmingham and Belfast city.
Take a hike
Stretch your legs after sitting down but do remember to bring walking shoes. The coast is easy to find in Aberdeen – just head east – and form there you can stroll the shoreline with plenty of gorgeous seascapes and lovely beaches to take in.
Other ideas for a walk include Kirkhill Forest and Tyrebagger hill, where you’ll find a viewing tower and Victorian folly called Tappie Tower. The walk uphill is rewarded with fantastic views. Tyrebagger forest, just across the other side of the A96, also has shorter trails.
Up and away
For the best views of Aberdeen, a hot air balloon trip should be on the itinerary. Float through the sky at several thousand feet and see for miles around on this hour’s trip in northeast Scotland.
Visit Balmedie Beach
Balmedie beach. Pic credit: Juicyverve on Flickr Creative Commons
As well as being great for walking, Aberdeen’s Balmedie is a great location for horse riding. Canter along the shore and, if the sun’s shining, follow this up by hiring a barbeque for £10 from April through to September inclusive. Walk through marram grass and enjoy spotting the various wildlife that the wetlands have to offer.
It’s ice cream o’clock
If you’re visiting on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday then enjoy pizza or pasta at the award-winning Casi de Gelato. If you didn’t already guess from the title, the ice cream’s pretty good as well….
Time for a crafty brew
After all that fresh air, sample some craft beers at the BrewDog pub, or check out the city’s oldest pub, Ma Cameron’s. A good rule of thumb is drink where the locals drink, so afterwards move on to the Noose and Monkey for a couple.
Aberdeen Day 2:
A wildlife haven
The Loch of Strathbeg is a great spot for any wildlife or bird enthusiasts the whole year through. If you’re visiting in winter, spy 30,000 pink-footed geese, which is quite a sight to behold. When the weather’s warmer, otters, gulls, terns, ducks and wild ponies can also be spotted.
Lunch-time eating
The Meze House offers delicious Turkish cuisine at very affordable prices. Look out for weekly special offers on the website. If you don’t know what to choose then there’s a two course and three-course set menu which is sure to please.
Visit the Royal Estate
Balmoral Castle. Pic credit: Bert Kaufmann on Flickr Creative Commons
If you’ve got any energy left, take a trip to the Balmoral Estate, which Queen Victoria once described as “my dear paradise in the Highlands”. Spend a few hours wandering round, taking in the beautiful architecture and scenery, and learning a bit about the history of the Royal Family’s Scottish retreat.
Dine out
For dinner visit 210 Bistro, located near Union Street and close to the train station. Enjoy locally sourced fresh fish, game, meat and organic vegetables plus an extensive wine list. Toast Aberdeen with a Highland whiskey – it would be rude not to.
Article written in association with Flybe.