Destination Fact File
Aberdeen, Scotland's third largest city, lies between the Don and Dee rivers, backs onto fertile hinterland and faces the wild North Sea, and owes everything to its coastal position. Atrading port since 1124, the town thrived on fishing and shipping until just after the Second World War, when in the early 1970's it struck rich, with the discovery of North Sea oil and gas. Although the boom of the 1980's might have gone, the town remains prosperous, buzzing with bars, theatres, restaurants and shops and a flourishing university. It's known as the Granite City due to the tons of granite hewn here, used to constuct its striking Gothic structures. But it's also titled the City of Roses as a result of its profusion of blooms everywhere. The early morning fish market is well worth seeing, while the oldest part is the 13th century Castlegate, at the end of Union Street, the city's main artery. Old Aberdeen is beautifully preserved with cobbled streets clustering around St Machar's Cathedral.
Food and Drink
Head for Golden Square for the flashiest restaurants, or Belmont Street for the trendy bars. The beachfront is perfect for families as it has a whole range of restaurants, old and new. Aberdeen has places to eat from all corners of the globe Mexican, Italian, Greek, Indian, Thai, French, Hungarian....not to forget the native Scottish fare, its a world on a plate. Whatever your taste Aberdeen has choice and variety, be it a romantic meal for 2, a family outing or entertaining an evening group.
Nightlife
Aberdeen is a city where energy and excitement thrive and the nightlife is vibrant. At night Aberdeen really lights up with a pulsating nightlife second to none and is designed to appeal to everyone. The huge variety of pubs and clubs ranges from trendy theme bars to live music venue's featuring everything from folk and jazz to indie, rock and blues.
Shopping
Whether your souvenir hunting or on a mission to indulge, Aberdeen is the place to do it. Offering some of the most distinctive, specialist and stylish shopping in the UK, Aberdeens famous Granite Mile is the gateway to over 800 shops selling the latest designer fashions to traditional Scottish crafts. All the best known high street names have outlets in the city and you'll find them in the five main indoor shopping centres. The west end offers a wealth of designer boutiques and speciality shops, whilst other popular shopping areas provide a selection of high quality shops.
Things to See and Do
There are over 160 miles of coastline to explore featuring some of Scotlands best beaches, coastal villages and Maritime attractions. The victorian Heritage trail takes you through royal Deeside to Balmoral Castle, holiday home of the royal family. Take a journey back in time by visiting Aberdeens oldest private Townhouse the 16th Century Provost Skenes house, the Gordon Highlanders Museum, fishing village with a unique atmosphere and old sea front fort gives the best panoramic views across Aberdeen. The Tolbooth Museum , now the home of Aberdeens Museum of Civic History, served as a prison. Here you can experience the atmosphere of times gone by and visit the original cells where witches, debtors, criminals and felons spent their days. Aberdeen has lots to offer, great shopping, a mix of restaurants to satisfy everyones taste buds, beautiful coastline and the amazing History.
Flights : Norwich - Aberdeen. Daily