Unusual things to do in Aberdeenshire
What are the most unusual things to do in Aberdeenshire? 8 things listed below!
What are the most unusual things to do in Aberdeenshire? 8 things listed below!
The table below lists all the unusual things to do in Aberdeenshire. Click on each name to be taken to the part of the blog post for that thing.
Footdee Terrace by Bill Harrison under license CC BY-SA 4.0.
Aberdeenshire is a county full of surprises. From its dramatic coastline and rolling hills to its bustling towns and charming villages, there's something for everyone here. And if you're looking for something a little bit different, you'll be pleased to know that Aberdeenshire and the city of Aberdeen, is home to some of the most unusual things to do in Scotland.
Once you've read up on the unusual things to do in Aberdeenshire, why not have a look at our posts for the other activities that are available to do in this beautiful area. You can find them on the following button below:
8 unusual things to do in Aberdeenshire
In this blog post, we will be discussing some of the different things to do and see in Aberdeenshire.
From going Nuart street mural spotting around the city of Aberdeen, taking in thousands of years of history at the many stone circles found in the area and having a blast at the Stonehaven fireball ceremony on New Year's Eve, there are plenty of tasty options available in this county. Here are a few examples we recommend:
Visit Footdee (pronounced 'Fittie')
Footdee is a charming old fishing village located in the city of Aberdeen. The picturesque village is home to one of the best seafood restaurants in the area; The Silver Darling. Its winding streets and quaint cottages are a delight to explore. If you're looking for a taste of traditional Scottish life, Footdee is definitely worth a visit and the small houses and interesting streets are good for a picture or two!
Go Dolphin Spotting
If you're looking for an exciting and unique activity to do in Aberdeen, why not go dolphin spotting? From Aberdeen Harbour, the Torry Battery or Cove Bay, you can often see dolphins swimming and leaping in the waves. It's a wonderful sight and a great opportunity to get up close to these beautiful creatures.
The best time to spot dolphins is usually during the summer months, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled whilst looking across the North Sea!
Loanhead of Daviot by Paul Allison under license CC BY-SA 4.0
See The Many Stone Circles
Aberdeenshire is home to many stone circles, which are thought to date back thousands of years. These mysterious circles have intrigued people for centuries and are popular tourist attractions in the area.
Some of the most well-known stone circles in Aberdeenshire are the Cullerlie, the East Aquhorthies and the Loanhead of Daviot. The stone circles of Scotland may be an ancient tradition but Aberdeenshire lays claim to having around 10% of all the stone circles found in the United Kingdom! It even has its own unique version which is the Recumbent Stone Circle, a version that has a large stone laid flat in the centre, flanked by the two tallest stones in the circle. For more information check out the Majestic Aberdeenshire Stone Circle Trail here.
Watch The Fireball Ceremony in Stonehaven
The Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony is a unique and spectacular event that takes place on New Year's Eve in the town of Stonehaven (just south of Aberdeen). This ancient tradition dates back to the 19th century and sees locals and visitors alike gathering on the streets of the town, to watch a fireball (traditionally made from old smoldering materials with tar) being thrown into the air after being set alight.
The event is said to burn off the bad spirits from the previous year and bring good luck for the year ahead by welcoming the good spirits. It's definitely an experience you'll never forget!
Go Nuart Mural Spotting
Aberdeen is home to the Nuart street art festival, which sees artists from all over the world come to paint murals on the walls around the city. The murals are often vibrant and colourful, and add a touch of personality to Aberdeen's streets. If you're in Aberdeen during the festival, be sure to take a walk around and see the art for yourself. The murals stay on the walls all year round and are seen by many locals and tourists alike every day. You can download a map of all the murals from here.
Take A Walk Around Slains Castle
Slains Castle is a ruined castle located near the town of Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire. The castle was once a magnificent sight but it is now in ruins, giving the area a bit of an eerie feeling. Said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' the castle was once a place that entertained celebrities in the 19th Century!
The castle is open to the public all year round and visitors are free to explore the castle grounds and the surrounding area. The views from the cliff tops around the castle are some of the best in the county.
Trig point at Tap O' Noth by Bill Harrison under license CC BY-SA 4.0
See The Largest Pictish Hillfort in Scotland
The largest Pictish hillfort in Scotland is called Tap O' Noth and it's located near Huntly in Aberdeenshire.
The fort dates back to around 5000 AD and was used as a stronghold by the Picts, a Celtic people who inhabited what is now Scotland. Archeologists believe at one point upwards of 4,000 people inhabited the fort with new information still coming to light that baffles historians to this day.
The fort is in ruins but it's still an impressive sight and is worth the trek up the hill to get there if you're interested in Scottish history.
Swim in An Open Air Pool
The open air pool in Stonehaven is a must-visit if you're in the area. It's one of the largest outdoor pools in Scotland and is perfect for a swim on a hot day. The pool is open from June to September for a small entry price. The Olympic size swimming pool is heated sea water at a temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. Find out more information before you go here.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the most unusual things to do in Aberdeenshire. The county in the North East of Scotland is a beautiful part of the country with plenty of things to see and do across the county and in the city of Aberdeen. If you're looking for an unusual experience, be sure to check out some of the activities listed in this article. From seeing the fireball ceremony to spotting street art, there's something for everyone here to keep you entertained. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Aberdeenshire for an unforgettable experience! To find out more about things to do in the area, click on the button below:
I hope this article has been useful in highlighting the best unusual things to do in Aberdeen(shire) giving an insight into some of the unique experiences in this area. If so please share with your friends by clicking the social media icons below.