Aberdeen
 

In all the probable itineries on Scotland I've seen mentioned no-one thinks about going to Aberdeen. Is it not worth the visit- I thought that there were lots of castles around it. We were wondering if it was worth including it in our itinery?

It's only enjoyable if you watch your backside.

what on earth was that last reply about?IS there anyone who can give me a genuine answer to my ( I thought civil) query?

Sandy <BR> <BR>In this part of Scotland we call the A9 Glasgow/Inverness road, "the North East by-pass" <BR> <BR>What we have is pleasant rolling agricultural landscape; not the grandeurs of the Highlands; we have spectacular sea cliffs and great beaches, but not quite so stunning as Orkey's;more pigs per hectare than anywhere else in Britain, but that's hardly a tourist attraction; a city which dates back 200 years, with a fine mediaeval University founded by the Borgia pope, but Edinburgh and Glasgow and St Andrew's Universities are older and they've got pretty good mediaeval bits too. We have a working port in the heart of the city (and I don't think anyone can beat that), and a fine Victorian architecture in silver granite which is also unique. We have over 2000 archaeological sites in Grampian including recumbent stone circles which are unique in the world. We have the Castle Trail where youc an see castles as different as the grandeur of Fyvie, the quirkiness of Craigievar and big old ruined bastions like Tolquon and Kildrummy. <BR> <BR>And we're two hours drive from the Whisky trail and all those great Speyside distilleries. <BR> <BR>So come along; you'll love it; and we'd love to show you a good time:-)

Sandy, <BR>It is absoluletly worth a visit, not only the city, but the surrounding countryside of Aberdeenshire is full of pictish stones, hillforts and stone circles. One of the best interactive museums we visited was Archeolink, about 15 to 20 miles east of the city. Sheila, our very own resident expert on Scotland, can fill you in on the details. We only had a brief foray into the city, but the university and city itself is quite beautiful. South of Aberdeen, along the coastal tourist route is Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven. The ruined castle is on a promontory suspended suspended surreal-like above the North Sea. You can fill in the spaces with your imagination. To complete the experience, a bagpipper had set up near the entrance. <BR>My experience of Scotland is that it has it all. Wish we had more time to explore the city, but there'll be other trips. If you have time, include it and the surrounding areas. <BR>Dr. Betty <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

to Sheila: <BR>You make it sound fantastic!! I'm now going to do some more research myself as I now am pretty certain that we will be visiting. Do you happen to know the tourist office address?(encourage my laziness!!)also any useful web addresses that you know of?

Woops, make Archeolink West of the city. I'm a little dyslexic when it comes to directions.

I've been to most parts of Scotland and finally made it to Aberdeenshire this year. I loved it. I didn't make it into Aberdeen city, but I did the rounds of many archaeological sites and several castles. As Sheila said, you don't get the grandeur of the Highlands, but you do get beautiful rolling green hills. Of course, it did help that we had fabulous weather(!!). If you go, try to get a copy of the book on Aberdeen and the Grampians in the regional series published by Historic Scotland -- it gives you a lot of background and a number of good touring routes.

Nope; you're just plain dyslexic:-) That'll be Archaeolink.... <BR> <BR>Sandy, I don't mean to make it sound fantastic. It's just good. Scotland has fantastic and much as I love where I live Aberdeen is not is. I wouldn't like to mislead you <BR> <BR>However, you will get a series of web links if you look at <BR> <BR>http://www.openroads.com/easy_search..._type=geo_text <BR> <BR>and the Tourist Board is to be found at Freepost AB320 Aberdeen AB10 1ZQ or 27, Albyn place, Aberdeen AB10 1ZQ <BR> <BR>But who needs them when you've got me :-)? <BR> <BR>Incidentally, for anyone who cares Archaeolink is www.archaeolink.co.uk <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>www.agtb.org

I just want to reiterate one of Sheila's points - Aberdeen is the "granite city" with some of the most beautiful domestic architecture to be found in Britain, IMO. An Aberdonian architect friend of mine and I agreed one boozy night that it looked like God made Aberdeen out of granite and the humans just removed the dirt, yesterday. <BR> <BR>Also a visit to Craigevar castle is a fun detour for one of Scotland's most picturesque sites - see http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Square...raigievar.html for one of many beautiful pictures of this place.

thanks so much to everybody who gave me ideas(with the obvious exception of the first one). when we have finalised our itinery( which will include Aberdeen) and I have investigated the various web sites I am quite sure I'll be asking more questions!!!

sorry! I posted the first reply. You share the same name as someone who is always "trolling". I get quite annoyed with her,as you can see! Enjoy your holiday!

Dear xxx. <BR> <BR>thank you for almost losing us a real live tourist:-) <BR> <BR>And I think you'll find your troll spells her name with an "i" (no doubt when she's writing it she puts a little circle over the "i")

Not everything I do makes sense to others, so my overnight trip from London to Aberdeen in the middle of February for one day might seem odd, so don't discount my opinions. <BR> <BR>Aberdeen is a beautiful city in my eyes. I grew up in New England, and the Granite City reminded me of the cities in Vermont and New Hampshire: massive stone buildings with no frou-frou stuff. Serious business takes place in our city hall, and the building says so! Throw in the gazillion years of history, and Aberdeen is a winner. Oh and shop that had wonderful woolens (kilts, jackets, sweaters) at terrific prices. <BR> <BR>The countryside is beautiful, with stone circles and castles and the Royals summer "homes". And I even ate haggis and really liked it. <BR> <BR>Aberdeen is a definite do-over.

Stick with glasgow and Edinburgh, also the west coast. there's not a great deal to do in Aberdeen!

Due work, have just spent 5 weeks in Aberdeen with side trips all over Scotland. The area has lots to recommend it, but I found the city itself a hassle, with none of the charm of Edinburgh. <BR> <BR>If you have a car and are driving, I definitely would not stay in Aberdeen. There are lots of castles in Aberdeenshire that are worth visiting. The coast is also lovely and it does rain less here than in the west (tho still more than I'd like). I especially recommend a boat ride in Spey bay to see dolphins. However, driving in Aberdeen is a major pain - traffic much worse than you would expect from its size, not to mention the roundabouts. I would stay at a bed and breakfast in Aberdeenshire instead. You could also stay in a castle for the same price as a standard hotel room in the city. <BR> <BR>If you are taking the train, Aberdeen might be a convenient location for day trips to castles and distilleries. You can also take a ferry from here to the Orkneys. Check the schedule if you are interested, it only goes a couple times a week. <BR> <BR>Good luck with your planning.

Sheila mentioned Kildrummy, We stayed at Kildrummy castle hotel right on the grounds of the ruined castle. It was very pleasant , large rooms, good food and convenient for seeing the sights around the area. I'm sure they must have a website.

Have been away and so must apologise for not replying sooner. thanks for the latest advice. I think that I will try contacting Kildrummy Castle Hotel!