The Castle Trail

http://www.agtb.org/castletrail.htm

Aberdeenshire is rich in tradition, and by following Scotland’s only Castle Trail, clearly laid out on a sign-posted tourist trail, visitors can experience a selection of eleven magnificent castles ranging from the magical Craigievar to the rugged Kildrummy Castle ruins and the grandiose Leith Hall. Other dramatic castles on the trail include Crathes, Drum, Fraser, Corgarff, Tolquohon, Fyvie, Huntly and Delgatie Castles, along with the splendid Duff House and Haddo House.

Aberdeen Art Gallery
Schoolhill,
Aberdeen,
AB10 1FQ
Tel: 01224 523700

http://www.aagm.co.uk

Aberdeen Art Gallery has been rated as one of Scotland’s top galleries and is home to an important collection of art; 18th Century portraits by Raeburn, Hogarth, Ramsay and Reynolds are joined by 20th Century works by Paul Nash, Ben Nicholson and Francis Bacon. The gallery also includes works by Monet, Pissaro, Sisley and Bonnard, and a significant collection of Scottish silver and other decorative arts. New and emerging artists also heavily feature and special exhibitions are held throughout the year.

The Malt Whisky Trail

http://www.maltwhiskytrail.com/

No visit to the Highlands would be complete without sampling one of the fine malt whiskys that for centuries have made the area so famous. The Malt Whisky Trail comprises seven historic distilleries and a cooperage, each with its own individual charm and fascinating historical links, and with a backdrop of breathtaking Highland scenery.

The Victorian Heritage Trail

Queen Victoria made many visits to Aberdeenshire; the Victorian Heritage Trail allows visitors to experience some of the many sights she enjoyed during her visits to the area. The trail is well sign-posted with brown signs carrying her distinctive profile. The trail includes Fettercairn village and distillery, Drum Castle and Banchory village, the breathtaking views at Lumphanan, Aboyne Green where the famous Highland Games are held, the Cambus O’May suspension bridge, Ballater, the rugged beauty of Glen Muick, Crathie Kirk, and Braemar, famous for the Braemar Gathering, attended by the Royal family on the first Saturday of September each year.

Balmoral Castle
Ballater,
Aberdeenshire,
AB35 5TB
Tel: 01339 742534

http://www.balmoralcastle.com

The Scottish home of the Royal family since 1852, when it was purchased by Queen Victoria for Prince Albert, Balmoral Castle is still used as the private residence of the Queen. Standing in its own working estate, the magnificent granite Castle, grounds and gardens are open to visitors from the beginning of April until the end of July each year.

Duthie Park Winter Gardens
Polmuir Road,
Aberdeen,
AB11 7TH
Tel: 01224 583155

Set in the splendid Duthie Park, the two-acre Winter Gardens are reputed to be the largest area under glass in Europe. Flora and fauna from around the world share the magnificent glass structure with the stunning and fragrant Rose Mountain, as well as exotic fish and birds. Refreshment can be sought at the licensed restaurant and artists frequently perform during the summer.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Shiprow,
Aberdeen,
AB11 5BY
Tel: 01224 337700

http://www.aagm.co.uk

A modern, interactive museum chronicling Aberdeen’s long and proud association with the sea; from shipbuilding, fishing and the history of the harbour to exhibitions bringing the massive North Sea oil platforms to life. The museum also features a fascinating collection of maritime models and portraits.

The Marischal Museum
Marischal College,
Broad Street,
Aberdeen,
AB10 1YS
Tel: 01224 274301

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/marischal_museum/

Housed in the second largest granite building in the world, the Marischal Museum was founded in 1786 and has notable collections of Egyptian and Classical antiquities, non-Western ethnography, Scottish prehistory and numismatics. The museum also features regular exhibitions and evening lectures, as well as many initiatives for young archaeologists.

Storybook Glen
Kirkton of Maryculter,
South Deeside Road,
Aberdeen,
AB12 5FS
Tel: 01224 732941

http://www.storybookglenaberdeen.co.uk/

Set in 28 acres of landscaped gardens in the heart of beautiful Royal Deeside, Storybook Glen is a spectacular family theme park. With over 100 life-sized nursery rhyme models, a working farm and licensed restaurant, it makes a great family day out.

Provost Skene’s House
Guest Row,
Broad Street,
Aberdeen,
AB10 1AS
Tel: 01224 641086

Named after Provost George Skene, a wealthy 17th Century merchant, the oldest surviving private house in Aberdeen is now an attractive museum with elegant period furnishings and a costume gallery featuring monthly exhibitions of fashion through the ages. There is also an exhibition depicting the social history of the Granite City.