Are you looking to explore the history of Aberdeen through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Aberdeen including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Aberdeen. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Aberdeen ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Aberdeen, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Aberdeen for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Aberdeen
Let's witness the history of Aberdeen with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
-
Aberdeen Marine Museum
(789 Votes)
History says, Aberdeen had a long relation with the North Sea. If you wish to know some captivating stories related to the sea, visit this award winning museum named Aberdeen Marine Museum. Situated on the historic Shiprow, this beautiful museum was built in 1593. A visit to this museum will take you on a historical journey of the booming fishing industry of the city to the present flourishing ...Read more -
This beautiful park, covering 44 acres was donated by Miss Duthie in 1880 and that’s how the park got it’s name. However, the park was opened for public visit in 1883. Take a tour into the park and you can see many architectural artefacts like fountains, ponds, statues and a bandstand. The entire park is divided into different climatic regions, like, Tropical, Arid, Japanese and Med...Read more -
Crathes Castle
(281 Votes)
Another fairytale like castle on the countryside of Aberdeen! Winding staircases, turrets and towers, ornate ceilings and sculpted yew trees are some of the unique feature of this magnificent castle. The surrounding garden area has colorful herbaceous borders and yew hedges, making the site a great location for a family day out. Walk through the woodland to get the feel of Scottish countryside ...Read more -
St Machar's Cathedral
(461 Votes)
Located in the old town region of Aberdeen, St. Machar’s Cathedral is a Presbyterian church without any bishop or cathedrals. Technically, this church is not a cathedral but is often referred as that. Due to this distinction, this church has often been considered as one of the reason in the past to have caused a serious conflict where Scotland, England and Ireland got involved. The presen...Read more -
Castle Fraser
(398 Votes)
This stunning castle is located around 25 kilometers away from the city. Till date it is considered as the lavish castle of Scottish baronial tower houses. It was built in 1575 by Michael Fraser, the 6th laired. The unique feature of the castle is its ‘z-pattern’. Within the castle, you can see decorated Great Hall, family portraits, centuries old furniture, curtains and many such i...Read more -
Drum Castle, Garden & Estate
(135 Votes)
It is one of the must-see places of Aberdeen that speaks about the history of the famous Irvine family. The castle displays the stories dating back to 1323, when the castle and the estate were granted to William de Irwyn by King Robert the Bruce. Explore the castle in your own way and take a look at to the interior décor that has a renaissance influence. In the garden area, you can see b...Read more -
Huntly Castle
(158 Votes)
The highlighted feature which makes this castle so popular is its finely decorated interior and exterior look. Its fine heraldic sculpture and stone friezes are something to look up and praise. According to history, the castle used to serve as baronial residence for 5 centuries. At present, it has turned into a historical site to visit. Other highlighted features of the castle are: - Its locat...Read more -
The Tolbooth Museum
(390 Votes)
Visit one of the oldest buildings of Aberdeen, named as the Tolbooth Museum. It is also said to be the most well preserved jail house of Aberdeen. Take a tour into the museum and you will come across facts related to the history of the city and stories related to the crimes and punishment given in earlier centuries. You get to see cells of 17th and 18th century old, original doors and barred wi...Read more -
Presently in a ruined state, Slains Castle displays that part of Aberdeen’s history which has been left neglected by the city. Located near Cruden Bay in Aberdeen, once a royal residence, this castle belonged to the Earl of Eroll. However, in 1594, King James VI attacked the castle to punish the Earl of Eroll. From that period, the castle has been left in a ruin state. However, its rustic...Read more -
Described as one of the beautiful castles of Scotland, this beautiful historical site now stands in a ruin state. Sir William Forbes was proposed o expand the castle and incorporate many gunloops to defend the invaders. However, with passing days, the castle turns into its ugly form. However, people still visit this place to see some of the remarkable ruins of this place. Explore the building, ...Read more -
Balmoral Castle
(90 Votes)
Situated among the stunning scenic beauty of Royal Deeside, this castle is one of the popular sites to visit in Aberdeen. It was first purchased by Queen Victoria and since then is used to be the royal residence of the British Royal family. Till date the Royal family has taken the effort to preserve every single feature of the castle. Besides, they have maintained the surrounding garden area we...Read more -
It is the only stunning Neo- Gothic Town House of Scotland, dating back to 1870’s. According to the story involving this tower was, initially it was recommended that be build with sandstone. However, John Fyfe offered Kemnay stone at a reasonable price to the Council. This ultimately led to the building of this tower. The architectural design was done by Peddie and Kinnear. Till date, thi...Read more -
William Wallace Statue
(5 Votes)
The majestic bronze statue of William Wallace was built by William Grant Stevenson and erected in 1888. The statue has a significant position opposite His Majesty’s Theatre and across Union Terrace Gardens. There is an inscription on the statue that says, “I tell you a truth, liberty is the best of all things, my son, never live under any slavish bond”. Standing on the mound ...Read more -
Kirk Of St. Nicholas
(176 Votes)
It is one of the pretty historical churches located at the center of the city. You can find the mention of this church’s name in a Papal document of 1157. The legend says that the church was considered as the patron saint because it had saved many sailors miraculously in the storm. Today, the church houses the Drum Aisle (the ancient burial of the Irvines of the Drum Castle). Previously i...Read more -
Haddo House
(128 Votes)
It is an elegant Scottish mansion with a brilliant interior Victorian style decor. The castle is known for its antique furniture and paintings. Climb up to its terraced garden and it will lead you to the Country Park. This Country Park is filled with lakes, walking trails and monuments. Pay a visit to this beautiful castle where you get to experience the classic Scottish etiquette through its d...Read more