Aberdeen beach harbour

Aberdeen - A City in Bloom

Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland Aberdeenshire & Moray

Recommendation added: 06/11/2006 13:13
By: velvet202 (YSUK rating +187)

velvet202 has been thanked 5 times for this contribution

"Before embarking on my three-week tour through Scotland, I had planned to land at Aberdeen airport and spend two, three days in the city itself. Or so I thought. But then I arrived and I thought I would never ever want to leave.

Although Aberdeen is one of the most well-known British cities due to the fact that its economy is based on oil and energy production and selling, it is by far not a big one. Giving the fact that it has its own airport, it is a good starting point from where to rent a car/or travel by bus to various other cities and sights throughout Scotland.

Called 'The Granite City' mostly because the majority of houses are built from grey shiny granite, Aberdeen is very clean with cheap yet trendy B&Bs located within a short walking distance from the town centre, where you will find plenty of restaurants, pubs and bars at various price ranges to keep you entertained at nights. Bells Bar on Union Street is a fancy place to start the evening. Apart from excellent food, it also offers drinks at reasonable prices and daily evening shows. Maltmill on Holborn Street is well-known among younger people as it hosts local bands on a basically daily basis.
The city has won the 'Britain in Bloom' award on numerous occasions, a well-earned title, you will think if you visit this beautiful city during the months from March to August, when thousands of daffodils and roses are in full bloom. Although there are numerous churches and museums to visit, the probably most mentionable sight of the city is the beautiful Duthie Park, which boasts of the famous 'Rose Mountain', which is a large hill covered in multi-coloured roses.
Outside the City, visitors can embark on various 'Whiskey Trails' tours, which take one to various distilleries – tasting included. Several castles are also located within driving distance of the city, of which Castle Fraser with its high white walls is probably the most stunning one and well worth a visit. The scenery in and around Aberdeen with its bays and harbours is breathtaking.

The main shops are located within three shopping centres (Mall Trinity, Bon Accord Shopping Centre and St. Nicholas) on the High Street and Union Street. A smaller shopping Centre, The Academy, which is only ten minutes away, sells designer fashion.

The Scottish are very friendly and laid-back, and you may even find yourself invited to travel for free if you don't have the exact change before embarking on local public transport. The city is well covered by public transport with many buses that cover the city and the suburbs. The fares are reasonably priced and compared to London, the buses are always on time.

Aberdeen is great for city breaks, and not only for the young and free. Although it is very popular due to its busy nightlife and relaxing atmosphere during the day, travelers with children will find that the amusement park with its free bowling and play arcade located on the beach front is great to keep kids entertained for hours. Strolling on the beach in the cold, fresh sea wind is very relaxing and on a clear day you can see miles stretched in front of you."