Old Aberdeen Guide
Old Aberdeen Guide – Aberdeen is a modern city, but Old Aberdeen is its historic heart. We took the kids for a wander on New Year’s Day for a budget day out that works at any time of year. Everything is free! Don’t forget to schedule the playground at the end, as a carrot to dangle before little ones.
The University of Aberdeen & Kings College Chapel – Old Aberdeen Guide
The University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university and the UK’s fifth oldest (after Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews and Glasgow) so, architecturally, it’s grand and very different to the rest of the city. Plaques highlight past alumni, unicorns wave saltires, and students trot about looking suitably studious.
My kids found the sculpture by Kenny Hunter the most interesting, asking why the student held apples in his hands. Apparently they are meant to represent knowledge and intellectual awakening.
MacRobert Fountain – Old Aberdeen Guide
We stumbled across the MacRobert fountain, which I’ve never seen before. It’s dedicated to the MacRobert boys who gave their lives to flying and to the RAF during the Second World War. Ultimately their mother lost her three sons in quick succession, between 1938-1941.
The MacRobert family home in Tarland, has been transformed into a quality country house hotel, with an excellent tasting menu that I’d thoroughly recommend. The kids spent ages at the fountain, shredding my nerves as they jumped from stone to stone, enjoying the risky possibility of falling into the icy cold water. Fun…
Seaton Park, Old Aberdeen Guide
The cherry on the cake for kids is Seaton Park. Its paths are great for learning to cycle or scoot, or simply take a circular walk through the park up to the cathedral. End the experience with a play at the relatively newly refurbished playground with its popular wee train.
St Machar Cathedral
We took the kids briefly to the Cathedral, a grand granite building that hosts regular events and services.
Brig o’Balgownie
This old bridge features in Lord Byron’s poem Don Juan. Byron grew up and attended school in Aberdeen, so it’s not surprising the city features in his work.
University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum
FREE – The University of Aberdeen’s Zoology Museum is a hit with kids – huge animal skeletons everywhere, from elephants to whales and chimps. Plus taxidermy and curious specimens. Wonderful that this venue is absolutely free. It’s also right next door to the Cruickshank Botanic Garden so little legs can have a run around after seeing all the animals. Delighted to say this attraction is free. Opening hours – Mon-Fri 1000-1600.
Cruickshank Botanic Gardens
Part of the University of Aberdeen, these eleven acre gardens offer a rock and water garden, sunken garden, rose garden, herbaceous border and an arboretum, and houses a collection of over 2500 labelled plants. Access these gardens via the main entrance on The Chanonry, close to St Machar’s Cathedral.
The last time we visited the tots’ highlight was seeing a row of beehives, then an actual beekeeper appeared and was kind enough to answer a LOT of questions about bees and beekeeping (mainly from my pal Sophie who suddenly discovered a passionate interest in honey). FREE. For opening hours click here.
Houses & Architecture
Generally, this is an interesting area to explore to wander amongst the old granite houses, grand homes and cute cottages. A slice of living history that has me peering in windows and imagining life in Old Aberdeen.
Looking Forward
The Kings Museum is currently closed for refurbishment. I have no idea what to expect, but I’m naturally curious. For other things to do in Aberdeen click here.
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