What to see

Some visitor attractions are season and closed during the winter months (often late October to March). Also remember that daylight is limited during mid-winter (it gets dark around by 4pm in December). But, the bonus is long summer evenings (with daylight until as late as 11pm during June/July) In Scotland smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces.

Aberdeen Art Gallery

Details of shows and exhibitions at Aberdeen City Council's website. Aberdeen Art Galleries and Museums

Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC)

Venue for major exhibitions and concerts. Find out what's on at www.aecc.co.uk

Float past Bennachie on a Virgin Balloon Flight

Aberdeen Fun Beach

Leisure Centre, Swimming Pool, Funfair, Cinema, restaurants, diners, Bingo, Sunset Boulevard - all at Aberdeen Beach.

Visiting Britain?   1 ticket - 600 attractions

Aberdeen Harbour

Hub of the North Sea oil industry and ferry port for the Northern Isles. For safety and security, most of the quayside is fenced off, but you can watch the vessels come and go from the quayside at Footdee or the Torry Gun Battery on the south side.

The new Marine Operations Centre on the north breakwater replaces the distinctive Roundhouse which has served as harbour control for more than 200 years. The design of the £4.5 million centre exhibits nautical themes with a design that suggests a traditional Scottish lighthouse support a ship's bow and bridge.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

First class museum of the sea including the fishing, shipbuilding and offshore oil industries.

Aberdeen Parks

Details of the parks and gardens in Aberdeen are at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

Aberdeen Tolbooth Museum

A small but fascinating museum in the old Tolbooth, at the east end of the Town House, nearest Castle Street.

The old town hall and jail is incorporated behind the facade of Aberdeen's Town House and is now a museum. Pictured here you can see the tower with the "Mannie in the Green" old town water supply in the foreground.

For many years there was a square of cobble stones in the road just outside the Tolbooth, which marked the site of the last public hanging in Aberdeen. The gallows faced the ancient "flyover" (yes the old stone bridge has been replaced with a wider concrete one to cross the dual carriageway!) from Castle Street, down Marischal Street to the Harbour.

Hence the old expression in Aberdeen for anyone who has done something wrong: "You'll end up looking doon Marischal Street!".

Aberdeen Winter Gardens

A must for any visitor to Aberdeen with its lush tropical gardens, desert cactus and succulents, Japanese garden and corridor of perfumes. Open every day except Christmas and New Year and admission is free. Details at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alford Valley Railway

Narrow gauge railway which runs from the Alford Station museum to Haughton Park pulled by Saccharin the steam engine.

Archaeolink

You will find Archaeolink north of Inverurie just off the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness Road. Follow the signs onto the B9002 at the "Oyne fork" junction.

Balmoral Castle

Royal Deeside – Balmoral the Royal Family's castle on Deeside, on the A93 west of Ballater. Open mid April to late July. Tel 013397 42334.

Balvenie Castle

Balvenie may be best known as a whisky, but there is also Balvenie Castle – 13th century castle near Dufftown, last occupied in 1746.

Bennachie Visitor Centre

Bennachie holds a very special place in the hearts of the people of Aberdeenshire. With its distinctive profile, this former volcano has been immortalised in the song "At the Back o' Bennachie".

The Blairs Museum

Set in the former Blairs College, on the B9077 South Deeside Road just west of Aberdeen. A former Roman Catholic college, Blairs Museum has a remarkable collection of embroidered vestments and church artefacts, plus a special exhibition on Mary Queen of Scots. Open May to October Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm. More details at www.blairs.net

Braemar Castle

Braemar Castle is an L-plan fortress dating from 1628. Tel 013397 41219

Cairness House

Four miles south of Fraserburgh, Cairness House is one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in Britain and one of the great houses of Scotland. Built between 1791 and 1797 to designs by architect James Playfair, it was largely forgotten and neglected until a few years ago and is now the subject of a major restoration. Cairness House contains a very fine collection of furniture and works of art.

Cairngorm National Park

Ski and winter sports during the winter weather and mountain experience during the summer. There is a chairlift from the car park to the Ptarmigan restaurant near the summit and the funicular railway. www.cairngormmountain.com

Castle Fraser

One of the grandest castles of Mar, Castle Fraser is near Kemnay. The castle is open April to October.

Castlegate

The historic centre of Aberdeen with its ancient Market Cross and the magnificent Salvation Army Citadel at one end and the Town House at the other.

Coastal trail

A sight-seeing trail around the coastal towns and villages in North East Scotland. This is Pennan, immortalised in the Hollywood film Local Hero.

Codona's Amusement Park

All the fun of the fair at Aberdeen Beach. White knuckle rides, funfairs and games.

Corgarff Castle

Beautifully restored, Corgarff Castle's most distinctive feature is the star-shaped ramparts which presented a flat wall to almost any direction of attack. It is on the Tomintoul road over the Lecht, near Cock Bridge.

Craigievar Castle

A fine example of Scots Baronial architecture, Craigievar castle was completed in 1626. It is on the A980, six miles south of Alford.

Crathes Castle and Gardens

Between Aberdeen and Banchory on the A93 Braemar road, Crathes Castle is one of the "must do" visits in the North East. In addition to the castle a stroll in the gardens is inspirational. Open April to Sept 30 daily 10.30 am to 5.30 pm, Oct 10.30-4.30.

Crathie Church

The picturesque little church on the hill where the Royals worship when they stay on Royal Deeside. On the A93 west of Braemar. Visitor centre.

Cruickshank Botanic Garden

Aberdeen University's Cruickshank Botanic Garden is on St Machar Drive is open to the public from 9am to 4.30pm Mon to Frid and Saturday and Sunday afternoons from May to September. No admission charge, but no car park on site.

Deeside Activity Park

Activity park with facilities for archery, off-road driving, hovercraft, JCB, quad biking, kart racing, orienteering, mountain biking, clay shooting, fly fishing and skiing. Restaurant and farm shop on site.

Deer's Den Roman camp

There is virtually nothing to see now, but this is one of several Roman marching camps in the area, Deer's Den at Kintore was possibly known as Devona. It ties in with the other marching camps near Culter in Aberdeen and at Ythan Wells.

Although no-one really knows where the battle of Mons Graupius took place, some authorities believe that the battle of Mons Graupius - fought between the Romans and Caledonians in AD84 - took place on the north slopes of Bennachie. If so the Roman camp in Kintore would have been near the front line.

Dunnottar Castle

On the coast south of Stonehaven, Dunnottar Castle is an impressive ruined fortress of the 12th Century, famed as the hiding place for the Scottish Crown Jewels and more recently the setting of Zefferelli's "Hamlet".

Duff House

Near Banff, Duff House is a magnificent country house designed by the architect William Adam and built between 1735 and 1740, Duff house contains masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland. the furniture includes pieces by Chippendale and the paintings include one by El Greco.

There is a regular artistic programme and the house also has a tea room and shop. More details at www.duffhouse.com

Fyvie Castle

Eight miles south east of Turriff on the A947 Aberdeen to Banff Road, Fyvie castle has connections with Robert the Bruce. Its interiors are Edwardian and there is a superb collection of armour and armaments and a restored 1903 racquet court and bowling alley.

Glenfiddich Distillery

Glenfiddich is the famous malt whisky distillery in Dufftown. Glenfiddich is open from early January to mid December.

Glenshee Ski Centre

The Glenshee Ski Centre is between Braemar and Blairgowrie on the A93.

Glover House

The house of Thomas Blake Glover is at 79 Balwownie Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. Born in Fraserburgh in 1838, Glover was instrumental in establishing modern industry in Japan. A prime mover in the development of the development of the massive Mitsubishi corporation, the Scottish Samurai's house in Nagasaki attracts almost two million visitors a year. In his homeland his house is open only part time!

Golf

You could play a different course each day for a month, and then some, in Aberdeen City and Shire. More information on some of the clubs the Sports page.

Gordon Highlanders Museum

An insight into the history of one of the British Army's most famous regiments.

The Gordon Highlanders Museum is on Viewfield Road, near the Anderson Drive Ring Road in Aberdeen. Take the A944 turning west along Queen's Road, then first left into Viewfield Road. The museum is near the bottom of the hill.

Grampian Transport Museum

Grampian Transport Museum is at Alford. As well as the magnificent vehicles and other memorabilia on show, the museum has a wonderful fairground organ and there are sporting events on particular weekends on the sprint circuit and parade ground adjoining the museum. A visit can be combined with the neighbouring Alford Valley Railway and museum.

Haddo House

Haddo House combines Victorian comfort with Georgian elegance. The house itself is bordered by rose gardens and a country park. Open daily late April to September. www.nts.org.uk

His Majesty's Theatre

William Wallace statue and His Majesty's Theatre in the centre of Aberdeen.

Huntly Castle

Also known as Strathbogie Castle, this ruin stands on the banks of the River Deveron. Its history dates from a Norman fortress to a 17th century palace. There are remains of a 12th century motte and bailey, a mediaeval L-plan tower house and defence works from the civil war.

Kildrummy Castle
The ruins of a 13th century stone courtyard castle which was dismantled after the first Jacobite rising in 1715. In addition to the castle there are nearby gardens. Kildrummy Castle is on the A994 from Alford to Strathdon.

Kings College

Kings College, with its famous crown on the tower, is where the University of Aberdeen was founded in the 15th century. There is a visitors' centre which tells the story of the university and a gift shop. www.abdn.ac.uk/central/visitors.hti

Kintore

Royal Burgh 12 miles north of Aberdeen on the A96 Inverness Road. The town features an 18th Century Town house (above) and Pictish Stones in the churchyard of Kintore Kirk.

Kirkhill Forest Trail Quest

Orienteering on a bicycle. Open dawn till dusk every day. No admission charge. Start from the Mountjoy car park at Kirkhill Forest - it's on the North side of the A96 trunk road from Aberdeen to Inverness, about two miles beyond the Dyce Airport turnoff. Allow half a day for the full quest.

Leith Hall

Mansion house which was begin in 1650, now open the public by the National Trust for Scotland. Leith Hall is between Huntly and Rhynie, off the A97. In addition to the house itself, there is a bird hide, picnic area and tea-room.

The Lecht Ski Centre

Between Strathdon and Grantown on Spey, the Lecht Ski Centre offers winter and summer activities.

Little Treasures
Dolls house and toy museum at Petersfield, near Kemnay.

Macduff Marine Aquarium
One of Britain's deepest tanks with a unique kelp reef. Wolf fish, conger eel, octopus. Audio visual display and shop.

Marischal College and Museum

Marischal College is the second biggest granite building in the world right in the centre of Aberdeen. Sadly in need of some cleaning and refurbishment, which should come as it is converted into Aberdeen City Council headquarters, it is still quite amazing as an example of intricate detail in granite.

Within Marischal College is Marischal Museum which is open Mon-Fri 10am to 5pm and Sun 2pm - 5pm. Exhibits include "Encyclopaedia of the North East" and "Collecting from the World". Admission is free. www.abdn.ac.uk/marischal_museum

Museum of Scottish Lighthouses

The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, consists of the first lighthouse built on mainland Scotland and a purpose-built museum. The highlight of a visit is a 45 minute guided tour to Kinnaird Head lighthouse. Open all year.

National Trust for Scotland

Find out all about the National Trust for Scotland properties - including nearby properties like Castle Fraser, Crathes Castle and Gardens, Craigievar Castle, Drum Castle, Pitmedden Gardens and Haddo House - on the National Trust for Scotland website.

Nave Nortrail

Nave Nortrail is a partnership project grant aided by the European Regional Development Fund Interreg IIB. The objective is to provide a footpath network along the North Sea coastline. Part of the route is from Dunnottar Castle to Stonehaven (right).

North East Falconry Centre

At Cairnie, near Huntly.

Old Aberdeen

No visit to Aberdeen would be complete without a trip to Old Aberdeen, on the North side of the city. High Street begins with Kings College and its magnificent crowned tower, where Aberdeen University was founded by Bishop Elphinstone in the 15th century. The full story is presented in the Kings College Visitor Centre exhibition.

From there walk down the cobbled street to the Old Town House, from there take the Chanonry to St Machar Cathedral (see below). In daytime, head north through the park or the riverside walk to the ancient Brig o'Balgownie and the delightful little cluster of houses and cottages around it.

Peacock Visual Arts

A registered educational charity, Peacock Visual Arts includes printmaking, photography, exhibitions and projects among its events.

Peterhead Maritime Heritage

The story of whalers, fisher folk, sailors and navigators. Located on South Road, it is open April to October Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 12noon to 5pm. Times subject to variation, check on 01779 473000.

Pitmedden Garden and Museum of Farming Life

The centrepiece is the magnificent great garden set out in 1675. Visitors can also enjoy the insight into farm life in the adjoining museum.

Provost Skene's House

One of the oldest and most historic houses in the heart of Aberdeen.

Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society Visitor Centre

Recently opened visitor centre housed in two railway carriages at Milton of Crathes (on the A93 Aberdeen to Braemar road opposite the entrance to Crathes Castle). Open 11am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday only for the summer.

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Royal Lochnagar is at Crathie, near Balmoral Castle, this distillery was established in 1845. Open Easter to October. Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 11am to 4pm.

Salmon fishing

Salmon fishing takes place on all the main rivers in the the area, but probably the most famous is the River Dee. Details of salmon fishing on royal Deeside can be found at www.fishdee.co.uk

Satrosphere
Innovative hands-on science centre in the old tram sheds at Aberdeen beach.

Speyside Cooperage

At Speyside Cooperage see whisky barrels being prepared to mature whisky. Exhibition and audio visual in six languages. Gift shop.

St Machar's Cathedral

There has been a church on the site of St Machar's Cathedral, Old Aberdeen, since 580AD. St Machar's Cathedral is know for its unusual twin spires of castle-like fortified appearance.

Storybook Glen

A day out for the children with their favourite storybook characters, just a few miles west of Aberdeen on the South Deeside Road at Maryculter.

Strathisla Distillery

Strathisla distillery in Keith is open seven days from April to October 10am to 4pm Mon-Sat, 12.30pm- 4pm Sunday. Children under eight cannot be admitted to the production areas.

Sunset Boulevard

Twenty lanes of Cosmic Ten-Pin Bowling, an American pool area, Lounge Bar, Rambo's Children's Adventure Land, the Games Deck video arcade, Caesar's Games Emporium , Super Dodgem's, restaurants and bars.

Thainstone Agricultural Centre

Agricultural Mart, auctions, Sunday car boot sales and the occasional disco and exhibition. Details at

Tolquhon Castle

Now a ruin, the castle was built in the 15th century. Open April to September daily, then weekends only.

Town House

Aberdeen's magnificent Town House stands at the east end of Union Street.

Transition Extreme

Transition extreme sports centre located at Aberdeen Beach and housing a huge indoor skatepark, a dramatic 15m high climbing centre, "2 on 2" basketball court, cafe and recreation areas, band practice studios, a major visitor centre and three leading retailers.

Whisky Trail

The Whisky Trail is a great day-trip. The area around Speyside has the world's greatest concentration of whisky distilleries, producing famous Scotch single malt whiskies like Glenfiddich, The Macallan, Glenfarclas, Glenlivet and Royal Lochnagar beside Balmoral Castle on Royal Deeside.