Famous for a rugged landscape, stunning views and, of course, great distilleries, Northern Scotland also boasts a long history that delivers a wide range of touring opportunities.
St. Machar's Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of St. Machar — usually referred to simply as St. Machar's Cathedral — is believed to occupy the site of a small Celtic chapel erected by St. Machar in AD 581. The succeeding cathedral was founded in 1136, although the earliest work in the present building dates from the 14th century (it was completed in 1552).
Of particular note to visitors are the striking towers on the West front, with their sandstone spires dating from 1518 to 1530, and the 16th-century wooden ceiling painted with coats of arms. Be sure to also pay attention to the stained-glass windows, most dating from the 1870s.
If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the frequent classical or choral concerts held here (details are available on the cathedral website below). A shop is located on-site.
The Cathedral Church of St. Machar — usually referred to simply as St. Machar's Cathedral — is believed to occupy the site of a small Celtic chapel erected by St. Machar in AD 581. The succeeding cathedral was founded in 1136, although the earliest work in the present building dates from the 14th century (it was completed in 1552).
Of particular note to visitors are the striking towers on the West front, with their sandstone spires dating from 1518 to 1530, and the 16th-century wooden ceiling painted with coats of arms. Be sure to also pay attention to the stained-glass windows, most dating from the 1870s.
If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the frequent classical or choral concerts held here (details are available on the cathedral website below). A shop is located on-site.
The Tolbooth Museum
Evidence of Aberdeen's old medieval town can still be seen around Castlegate, which centuries later is still very much the focal point of the city. While there's no longer a castle here, the tower of the 17th-century Tolbooth — formerly the town hall and prison — is Aberdeen's oldest building and home to a museum with fascinating displays on the development of crime and punishment.
Exhibits include original prison cells from the 1600s that were infamously used a hundred years later to house Scots prisoners after the Battle of Culloden. You can also see the "Maiden," the blade from the city's guillotine. This fascinating structure is also said to be Scotland's most haunted building.
Evidence of Aberdeen's old medieval town can still be seen around Castlegate, which centuries later is still very much the focal point of the city. While there's no longer a castle here, the tower of the 17th-century Tolbooth — formerly the town hall and prison — is Aberdeen's oldest building and home to a museum with fascinating displays on the development of crime and punishment.
Exhibits include original prison cells from the 1600s that were infamously used a hundred years later to house Scots prisoners after the Battle of Culloden. You can also see the "Maiden," the blade from the city's guillotine. This fascinating structure is also said to be Scotland's most haunted building.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Located in the harborside Shiprow district in an interesting old 16th-century Provost Ross's House, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum is one of the most popular places to visit in the city. Highlights include excellent collections of models, photos, and paintings documenting the development of the Dee estuary's port, as well as the arduous life of the whale-hunters, herring fishermen, and North Sea traders.
Also on display are the legendary Aberdeen clippers that American ship owners used to secure their monopoly over the trade in China tea, including the Stornaway, a prototype produced for Jardine Matheson in 1850. The museum also has exhibits on modern oceanic pursuits and is the only one in the UK with displays about the North Sea petroleum industry.
A shop and café are located on the premises and provide a great excuse to hang around awhile to watch the boating traffic in the harbor.
Located in the harborside Shiprow district in an interesting old 16th-century Provost Ross's House, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum is one of the most popular places to visit in the city. Highlights include excellent collections of models, photos, and paintings documenting the development of the Dee estuary's port, as well as the arduous life of the whale-hunters, herring fishermen, and North Sea traders.
Also on display are the legendary Aberdeen clippers that American ship owners used to secure their monopoly over the trade in China tea, including the Stornaway, a prototype produced for Jardine Matheson in 1850. The museum also has exhibits on modern oceanic pursuits and is the only one in the UK with displays about the North Sea petroleum industry.
A shop and café are located on the premises and provide a great excuse to hang around awhile to watch the boating traffic in the harbor.
Fort George
Fort George is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain.
Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest. The result, Fort George, is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe.
Its garrison buildings, artillery defences bristling with cannon, and superb collection of arms - including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition pouches - provide a fascinating insight into 18th century military life.
Fort George is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain.
Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest. The result, Fort George, is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe.
Its garrison buildings, artillery defences bristling with cannon, and superb collection of arms - including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition pouches - provide a fascinating insight into 18th century military life.
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