The third most populated city in Scotland, Aberdeen, located in the northeastern part of the country, is filled with history. Sometimes called the Silver City because of its mica-flecked granite buildings, it’s a bustling city with plenty of cultural opportunities and natural beauties.
Aberdeen in the Wintertime
There isn’t a bad seat in the house in His Majesty’s Theater, a beautiful Victorian era theater built completely from granite. With a seating capacity of over 1400, and an elegant restaurant and cafe, you can enjoy a beautiful winter night on the town by attending one of its many excellent theater productions. The “big five” of the Scottish National Touring companies perform there often as do other touring companies.
A tranquil walk in Duthie Park’s Winter Gardens that nature lovers will love and bring warmth to even the coldest and dreariest of winter days. The greenhouses of the winter gardens comprise one of the largest collection of cacti in Great Britain, along with other warm and lush tropical plants.
Wildlife lovers will also enjoy the flora and fauna of the National Nature Reserve at Muir of Dinnet. Woodlands and water provide bountiful habitats for birds, and birdwatchers will find much to enjoy there in all seasons.
Families with younger children looking for a fun and educational indoor attraction will especially enjoy Satrosphere, a hands-on science center with live shows and plenty of interactive exhibits.
What could be more enjoyable to visit in the holidays than a castle? Aberdeen is known for its “castle trail”, which gives you 17 different castles to choose from. Visitors can enjoy the ghostly 16th century Crathes Castle, on land once owned by Robert the Bruce, and its adjoining gardens. Balmoral Castle, originally purchased by Queen Victoria, is the current residence of the Scottish royal family. Its gardens, ballrooms and grounds are open to the public for most of the year and always worth a visit.