Aberdeen tips please!

twink

baxters then glenfiddich distillery would make a good round trip glen grant distillery at Rothes has a nice garden too go by huntly and keith to fochabers then to rothes and dufftown for glenfiddich then over the hill to huntly then aberdeen

speff_2

furrypig wrote:

Hi

Planning a Scottish summer holiday, last 2 weeks of August. Bro in law and partner expecting twins in July so want to go up with family and combine visit and hols.

They live in Aberdeen, I don't know that part of Scotland at all (my mum's family mostly live in Fife). Any tips on things to do with kids (will be 5 and 8). Any idea of good area to stay near enough to visit Aberdeen? Any fab shops to explore??

Any tips gratefully received

Many thanks

I can only hope and pray that when you come to Aberdeen, it is a good sight warmer than it is just now! As an expat Weeg, it seems you have to dig a bittie harder for the good stuff in Aberdeen, but I would recommend the Maritime Museum for wet days, the beach amusements for dry, "Books 'n' Beans" in Belmont Street for lunches and "Shelley Leigh's" in Charlotte Street for dinner.

Katyag

Yes the weather now is decidely evil!! lol. Im inside with windows shut and im still freezing!!

neelpeel

For a days drive I would recommend heading to Stonehaven and the coast to the south. Here's a possible itinerary...
Head south to 'Stonie', walk round shops & beach (of sorts), lunch at Molly Gunnings (by the beach, just near the outdoor swimming pool).
Head South to Dunnottar Castle - The castle is most impressive from outside and worth the walk down even if you don't go in (take a camera!).

Head south again on the coast road. You could either take a left to Catterline, where there is a lovely secluded pebble bay (and the Creel Inn, which is also great for meals - if you go here for a meal you must have the crab soup! slurp!) or head down to Gourdon/Johnshaven and walk round the harbour(s). Actually there is a nice walk (or cycle) round the coast from Gourdon to Johnshaven.

Erm, i've just realised that maybe some of these things aren't for kids, but hey I'm not stopping now!...

I've you're a beach person then head south again to St Cyrus. You can either take the first left in the town and park up the road by the church. A 50 yard walk from there to the coast brings you out at the cliffs with fantastic views. You can walk down the cliffs to the beach from there (probably not advisable with kids).
Or you can go right through the town then take the first left once into the 60mph limit. This windy single track road will take you right down to St Cyrus beach/nature reserve. This is a great, long, sandy beach which is relatively quiet in the summer (certainly compared to 'down south' anyways).

If you're not a beach person then you could always keep on that road down to Montrose and have a walk round there.

The A90 isn't so picturesque so I'd recommend doubling back and heading home on the coast road again.

Again, maybe not a great kids day out but I hope the helps someone.

Katyag

neelpeel wrote:

If you're not a beach person then you could always keep on that road down to Montrose and have a walk round there.

Yes Montrose is great for a leisurely day out. Nice shops so you can spend a few bob but its not frantic like bigger town centres are. Lovely wee bakerys around too for lunch and coffee. We often go with my family and its ideal for my aunt who is 70 but still very sprightly and my mum who had a bad knee but its not too much for her.

mistythyme

Oor favourite place for a bar lunch in Aberdeen is Slaines Castle - I think it is a converted church and is decked out inside as a haunted/horror castle complete with toilets hidden behind fake bookcases and chairs like gothic thrones - the kids love it

It is down one of the side streets off the main street so you would need to ask a local for directions

Sherry2k

Slaines Castle is in Belmont Street.

Couldn't help myself!

S.x

furrypig

Wow hadn't checked this thread for ages, flying to Scotland tomorow for a week on Mull then a week nr Stonehaven so have taken lots of tips from all of you!!

Thank you all so much

Furrypig

furrypig

Just got back and had a great trip though prefered Mull overall but still had a fab time!

The self catering cottage was the best we have ever stayed in in this country! Our favourite places were the open air pool in Stonehaven, Archeolink and Satrosphere!

Thanks to all the locals (and others) for their contributions they were great!

randan

steve$$$$$ wrote:

I am sure your kids would love : http://www.storybookglenaberdeen.co.uk/

It all outdoor,but you should be ok in August (he says hopefully)

I can not believe anyone would suggest (never mind recommending) Story Book Glen !!!!!

I visited it recently and could not believe how badly lacking it is !!!