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TOP 20 ATTRACTIONS IN ABERDEEN & GRAMPIAN
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Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Shiprow
Aberdeen
AB11 5BY
Awarded Scottish Museum of the Year 1997, this new museum brings the history of the North Sea to life with multimedia displays and exciting exhibitions on the offshore oil industry, shipbuilding and fishing. Aberdeen's famous clipper ships are commemorated by displays of historic ships portraits and models. The four-storey complex incorporates Provost Ross's House and the 19th Century Church linked by an award winning steel and glass building.
Hours: Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 12:00 - 15:00
Details: 01224 337 700
Aberdeenshire Farming Museum
Aden Country Park
Mintlaw
AB42 5FQ
Explore North East farming heritage and estate life at this museum set in beautiful surroundings of Aden Country Park. Discover the 'Aden Estate Story' and the award-winning 'Weel Vrocht Grun' (Well Worked Ground) exhibitions set in the unique semi-circular Home Farm steadings and visit Hareshowe, the working farm where you can step back in time to the 1950s.
Price: admission free
Hours: April & October, weekends only12:00 - 16:30; May - Sep 11:00 - 16:30 (last admission 16:00)
Details: 01771 622 906
Archaeolink
Oyne
Near Insch
Aberdeenshire
AB52 6QP
Take a journey back through time. See ancient history recreated in our dramatic triple screen film presentation and discover what life was really like with our unique hands-on activities, interactive displays and outdoor reconstruction park. All weather, all ages, Archaeolink is for everyone.
Hours: Apr - Oct 10:00 - 17:00
Details: 01464 851 500
Ballindalloch Castle
Banffshire
AB37 9AX
Ballindalloch is one of the most beautiful and romantic castles in Scotland. It lies in the heart of whisky country with the distilleries of Glenfiddich, Glenfarclas, and Glenlivet nearby. The setting is magnificent; surrounded by majestic hills, the tumbling waters of the rivers Spey and Avon flow through the grounds. First and foremost Ballindalloch is a much loved family home and one of the very few privately owned castles to be lived in continuously by its original family, the Macpherson Grants, since 1546. It exemplifies the transition from the stark Tower house, necessary for survival in 16th Century Scotland, to the elegant comfortable country house so beloved of Victorians in the Highlands.
Hours: Good Friday - 30th Sep 10:00 - 17:00
Details: 01807 500 206
Balmoral Castle
Aberdeenshire
The Royal Family still regularly visit this Castle and have done since Prince Albert bought it in 1852. He also designed the present castle as a gift for his wife Queen Victoria. The present castle was finished in 1855. The only room that visitors can see is the grand Ballroom where you can see paintings from the royal collection, royal tartans, silverware and porcelain. Visitors can also view the Carriage Hall where there is a display of royal carriages, wildlife and a collection of commemorative china.
Hours: Apr - May Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00; July & Aug 10:00 17:00
Details: 01463 715 757
Baxters Visitors Centre
Fochabers
Moray
IV32 7LD
The Baxter story began over 130 years ago when George Baxter and his wife Margaret set up a grocery store in the village of Fochabers. The next generation, William and Ethal, expanded the business and developed many new products, including the famous Royal Game Soup. The third generation, Gordon, Ena and Margaret developed the business into a worldwide organisation, and the name Baxter has become synonymous with quality. The children of Gordon and Ena - Andrew, Audrey and Michael - are now managing the company with enthusiasm and determination. Come and see "The Baxter Story" audiovisual presentation, enjoy a Factory Tour, browse around our four speciality gift shop and enjoy a snack or a meal.
Hours: Factory tours Apr - Oct 9:00 - 18:00; Nov - Mar 10:00 - 17:00
Details: 01343 820 666
The Buckie Drifter Maritime Heritage Centre
Freuchny Road
Buckie
Banffshire
AB56 1TT
Enter the Buckie Drifter to find out why thousands of North East Scotland's fisherfolk spent their lives following the herring. Walk along a recreated quayside of the 1920s and catch a glimpse of life in a busy harbour. Find out why Buckie went from being a small port to become the major fishing port of the Moray Firth and by 1913 was to have the largest steam drifter fleet in Scotland.
Hours: Apr - Oct Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 12:00 - 17:00
Details: 01542 834 646
Cardhu Distillery
Knockando
Morayshire
A visit to Cardhu (from the Gaelic meaning 'Black Rock') takes you to the very heart of the highland distilleries. Here, hidden in a fold of the glorious Spey Valley, you can see the distillers at work, harnessing fresh local spring water in the timeless production of the distinctive Cardhu single malt, long famed for its inclusion in Johnnie Walker blended whiskies. Take your time as you enjoy a complimentary dram and soak in the flavour of the atmosphere of the genuine article.
Hours: Mar - Nov Mon - Fri 9:30 - 16:30; Dec - Feb Mon - Fri 10:00 - 16:00; July - Sep Sat 9:30 - 16:30, Sun 11:00 - 16:00
Details: 01340 872 555
Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery
Mannachie Road
Forres
The last distillery to be built in the 19th Century. Visitors can wander at will through this completely preserved time capsule of the distiller's craft. Explore the fine old Victorian distillery and then enjoy a dram in the audio-visual theatre as the story of scotch whisky unfolds before you.
Price: Adult £2.50 Child £1.00
Hours: Apr - Sep Mon - Sun 9:30 - 18:30; Oct - Mar Mon & Wed - Sat 9:30 - 16:30, Thurs 9:30 - 12:30, Sunday 14:00 - 16:30
Details: 01309 676 548
Duff House
Banff
Aberdeenshire
AB45 3SX
Set in the Deveron Valley, Duff House was designed by William Adam in 1735 for William Duff, Lord Braco. Although unfinished, the House is remarkable for its architectural planning and carved features. It contains fine paintings and furniture, which also make a memorable setting for musicals, and other events held throughout the year.
Hours: 1st Apr - 31st Oct 11:00 - 17:00; 1st Nov - 31st Mar Thu - Sun 11:00 - 16:00
Details: 01261 818 181
Dunnottar Castle
One mile south of Stonehaven
Sir William Keith, the Great Marischal of Scotland, built this castle in 1392. It sits on a cliff top overlooking the North Sea. One of the features that most visitors find fascinating is the Whigs Vault Dungeons where, in 1685, 167 Covenanters died. Other areas of interest include a tower, a gatehouse, the chapel and the priest house. The Scottish Crown Jewels were hidden here from Oliver Cromwell's Roundhead's. The castle was also used as a location for Zeffirelli's 'Hamlet' starring Mel Gibson.
Price: £3.00
Hours: Easter - October Mon - Sat 9:00 - Sunset
Details: 01569 762 173
Fyvie Castle
Turriff
Aberdeenshire
AB53 8JS
One of the grandest examples of Scottish baronial architecture dating from the 13th Century. Five towers enshrine five centuries of history, each being named after one of the five families who have owned the castle. See the finest great wheel stair in Scotland, and the arms, armour and 17th Century tapestries.
Price: Adult £4.40 Child £2.90 Family £13.50
Hours: 1st May - 30th June 13:30 - 17:30; 1st July - 31st Aug 11:00 - 17:30; 1st Sep - 3rd Oct 13:30 - 17:30; Weekends in Oct 13:30 - 17:30
Details: 01651 891 266
Gordon Highlanders Museum
St Luke's
Viewfield Road
Aberdeen
AB15 7XH
At the Gordon Highlanders Museum, you can re-live the compelling and dramatic story of one of the British Army's most famous regiments through the lives of its outstanding personalities and of the kilted soldiers of the North East of Scotland. Interactive displays, audio-visual theatre, handling area and life-size reconstructions.
Price:
Hours: Apr - Oct Tue - Sat 10:30 - 16:30,Sun 13:30 - 16:30 Closed Monday
Details: 01224 311 200
Grampian Transport Museum
Alford
Aberdeenshire
AB33 8AE
Exhibitions trace the history of road and rail transport in North East Scotland - many vehicle exhibits have strong local associations including the famous 19th Century steam tricycle 'The Craigivar Express'. Video, climb-aboard and push-button exhibits will interest all age groups. An extensive events programme throughout the season bring the subjects alive.
Price:
Hours: Apr - Oct 10:00 - 17:00
Details: 019755 62292
Loch Garten Osprey Centre
Nethybridge
 Volunteers of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds run this nature centre which has been the home for many years to breeding pairs of this very rare bird of prey They migrate to Africa every winter and return in the spring. There are guards who protect the nest, as in the past robbers have tried to steal the birds eggs or cut down the tree they nest on. There is a close circuit television link on the nest so that visitors can see right into it and observe the ospreys without disturbing them.
Price: £2.00
Hours: Apr - Aug 10:00 - 18:00
Details: 01479 831 694
Macallan Visitor Centre
The Macallan Distillers Ltd.
Easter Elchies
Craigellachie
Scotland
AB38 9RX
High on a hill overlooking the River Spey, with magnificent views across to Ben Rinnes, the new Macallan Visitor Centre nestles within the glorious Easter Elches Estate at Craigellachie. Here you can discover the extraordinary lengths we go to to create our single malt Scotch whisky. You'll also see the rarest and most valuable collection of Macallan in the world.
Price: admission free
Hours: Easter - Oct, Mon- Sat 9:00 - 18:00, Nov - Easter, Mon - Fri 9:00 - 17:00
Last guided tour 15:30
Details: 01340 872 280
MacDuff Marine Aquarium
11 High Shore
MacDuff
AB44 1SL
Set in one of Britains deepest tanks, with a unique kelp reef. Enjoy spectacular views of sea life of the Moray Firth, including wolf fish, conger eel and octopus. There are also wave tanks, touch tanks and lots more. An all year family attraction.
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00
Details: 01261 833 369
Peterhead Maritime Heritage
South Road
Peterhead
Aberdeenshire
AB42 2YP
Telling the story of the whalers, fisher folk, sailors and navigators from the North East port of Peterhead, this new building (voted 'Best New Building in Scotland' 1996) incorporates a series of interactive displays, an innovative video presentation, and hands-on displays. Observation box with telescope.
Hours: 1st Apr - 31st Oct Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00 Sun 12:00 - 17:00
Details: 01779 473 000
Scotland's Lighthouse Museum
Kinnaird Head
Fraserburgh
For over 200 years the Northern Lighthouse Board has lit the coast of Scotland. Discover for yourself the skill, the dedication, the science and the romance of Scotland's Lighthouse. Your visit to this purpose built museum with all its incredible displays including a multi screen projector show and touch screen technology, also includes a unique guided tour right to the very top of Kinnaird Head Lighthouse. Just 75 yards and 72 steps from the museum. Kinnaird Head was the very first lighthouse built by the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1787. Now it stands as a fitting monument to Scotland's lighthouse service.
Price: free admission
Hours: 1st Apr - End of Oct Mon - Sat 10:00 - 18:00, Sun 12:30 - 18:00; 1st Nov - End of Mar Mon - Sat 10:00 - 16:00, Sun 12:30 - 16:00
Details: 01346 511 022
Storybook Glen
Maryculter
Aberdeen
Visit this family theme park and live happily ever after. Come and see more than a hundred nursery rhyme characters amidst 20 acres of spectacular scenery, with a lovely walk through gardens and the land of make believe.
Hours: 1st Mar - 31st Oct 10:00 - 18:00; 1st Nov - 28th Feb Sat & Sun only 11:00 - 16:00
Details: 01224 732 941
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