Aberdeenshire (Paid Att.)
Discover the top 9 things to do in Aberdeenshire today!
Discover the top 9 things to do in Aberdeenshire today!
The table above lists all the 'paid entry' attractions in Aberdeenshire that we recommend. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that activity.
Dunnottar Castle
Aberdeenshire is a county in North East Scotland which has some beautiful scenery spanning inland from the Cairngorms National Park to the coast on the North Sea.
The county surrounds Aberdeen city which is the third most populous city in Scotland, with over 210,000 residents and counting.
The name Aberdeen is the Anglicised version of the Gaelic word Aberdon, meaning "new settlement" or "mouth of the Don". The town has been settled since at least 6000 BC by hunter gatherers with the Romans arriving in the 1st Century AD and built a fort near present-day Old Aberdeen to protect their frontier from the Picts.
Today the city is the 'Oil Capital of Europe' with plenty to see and do. Take a look below at our recommended 'paid entry' options.
You can't miss these paid entry experiences when you visit Aberdeenshire
See below for the top 9 things to do in Aberdeenshire today! The county has many towns and villages with lots to see and do.
For attractions that are of no cost at all check out our other Aberdeenshire blog post here.
Pitmedden Gardens
Pitmedden Garden is a 17th-century estate with the house and gardens open to the public. It is particularly noted for its collection of plants from around the world, as well as its extensive antique furniture, paintings and ornaments.
The garden has a beautiful and symmetrical layout with broad lawns, finely sculptured hedges, well-regulated trees laid out in an interesting pattern. The grass beds produce striking variation on the theme while lavender plants fill areas throughout the yard for added beauty!
North East Falconry Centre
Huntly Falconry Centre is a haven for all bird enthusiasts. It offers demonstrations of falconry, where you can see owls and eagles fly every day in addition to other feathered friends like hawks or vultures who also call this place home!
The demonstrations are held every day so visitors can see all the birds showcasing their different skills in action!
Aberdeen Science Centre
Aberdeen Science Centre is the perfect place for budding scientists!
This awe-inspiring building has plenty to offer visitors, with plenty to see and involve yourself in. It's a great way to learn about science in an exciting environment.
Have your curiosity answered by meeting RoboThespian, the friendly and knowledgeable robot and enjoy 60 amazing interactive exhibits across six innovative zones at the newly renovated Aberdeen Science Centre. Immerse yourself in The OPITO Theatre of Energy to play your part for some spectacular live experiments or demonstrations that are sure not only titillate but educate as well!
Royal Lochnagar Distillery by Alexander P Kapp under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
The Royal Lochnagar Distillery is a historic distillery in Ballater, Scotland. It was founded in 1826 by James Robertson and takes its name from the Lochnagar estate where it is located.
The Royal Lochnagar Distillery was issued a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria in 1848 and now exports to more than 100 countries around the world! The tour lasts for 1 hour and shows an introduction into the making of the whisky and a walk around the distillery with a tasting session at the end.
Ballater itself is a small community with just over 2000 residents situated on Deeside near the River Dee and Cairngorms National Park. Once you’ve enjoyed your visit to this heritage site why not take some time out and visit the small town that has plenty to offer.
We've reviewed many hotels across Aberdeenshire. Have a look at the blog posts by clicking the buttons below:
Dunnottar Castle
Dunnotar Castle is a Scottish castle near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. The castle has a long history all the way back to the Picts and the arrival of St Ninian who first spread Christianity in this area.
The castle has been modified many times, with most of the original buildings being destroyed in 1645 during the civil war. The chapel within the castle ruins dates back to 1276 and is still partially visible today. With views across the North Sea and plenty of history to learn about, Dunnottar Castle is a must see. The castle in one of the most iconic in Scotland as it has featured on many people's desktop computers, used as a background screen for years on Microsoft Windows operating system.
Peterhead Prison by Sagaciousphil under license CC BY-SA 3.0
Crathes Castle
Crathes Castle is a breathtaking Scottish manor that provides guests with plenty of opportunity to learn about Scottish history. The setting in the country, surrounded by rolling hills and set within its own gardens makes it hard not to be impressed by what you see when walking through these grounds - especially if you come across one of the many ghosts!
King Robert the Bruce granted land to Burnett family in 1323. Learn about the gift from King Robert alongside a labyrinth of cultural history within the walls of the castle.
Peterhead Prison Museum
Peterhead Prison Museum is a heritage site that offers visitors the chance to learn about Scotland’s dark past. It was built in 1888 and housed prisoners until as recently as 2013, with many of those who were incarcerated there never leaving. The museum has been open since 2016 and offers visitors an audio tour of the prison taking roughly 2 hours to complete. See the rough conditions prisoners lived in for many years and hear stories of their crimes and their 'behavior' whilst locked away in this cold, dark prison in the North East.
Museum of Scottish Lighthouses
The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh offers visitors the chance to explore the history and culture surrounding lighthouses in Scotland. This coastal museum is situated overlooking North Sea, home to some of the most iconic lighthouses in Britain. Your admission ticket gets you access to The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, Kinnaird Head Castle and a guided tour of Kinnaird Head Lighthouse. Learn about how these structures were used for centuries as well as what they mean culturally today by exploring this unique space filled with stories that are sure not only titillate but educate as well!
Haddo House
Haddo House is a Scottish manor house located near Pitmedden in Aberdeenshire. It was originally constructed in the late 18th century and holds a commanding presence across the estate.
It has been used as a private home and also served as a maternity hospital during World War II before being purchased by the National Trust of Scotland in 1979.
This stunning property offers guests with plenty of opportunity to learn about the history of the house and the local area. The setting in the country surrounded by the North East countryide and set within its own gardens makes it hard not to be impressed by what you see when walking through these grounds (which you can do free of charge).
Conclusion
Aberdeenshire has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and educational opportunities. If you're looking for an escape from the hustle-and-bustle of city life, why not spend some time exploring the 'things to do in Aberdeenshire today', listed above? The stories they tell are sure to fascinate both children and adults alike! To find out more about things to do in the area, click on the buttons below:
I hope this article has been useful in giving an insight into some of the best attractions (paid entry) in Aberdeenshire. If so please share with your friends by clicking the social media icons below.