St. Machar’s Cathedral is named after a disciple of St. Columba, and the first place of worship on the site was built in 580AD. The current building mostly dates from the 12th to the 16th centuries and features a stunning heraldic ceiling. After William Wallace was executed, one portion of his body was buried here, in the walls of the cathedral.
St. Machar’s Cathedral, The Chanonry, Aberdeen, +44 1224 485988
Interior of St. Machar’s Cathedral | © Keith Laverack/Flickr | © Keith Laverack/Flickr
Established in the 12th century, St. Nicholas Kirk — or The Kirk of St. Nicholas Uniting, to give it its proper title — is the site of many important burials of the important families of Aberdeen. It has also been extensively surveyed and dug by archaeologists, who have revealed much about the history of the building and people of the Royal Burgh of Aberdeen.
St. Nicholas Kirk, Union Street, Aberdeen, +44 1224 643494
Opened in 1906, His Majesty’s Theatre seats more than 1,400 people, making it the largest theatre in north-east Scotland. When it originally opened, shows would be performed to a staggering 2,300 people, across four different levels. Designed by the famous theatrical architect, Frank Matcham, this is a truly beautiful building.
His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, +44 1224 641122
The 15th-century King’s College Chapel is the heart of the modern University of Aberdeen. Originally a part of the University and King’s College of Aberdeen, which was an independent university, founded in 1495, it was the third university to be established in Scotland — and the fifth overall in the UK.
King’s College Chapel, College Bounds, Aberdeen, +44 1224 272137
Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, and a short drive to the north of Aberdeen, Pitmedden Gardens was originally laid out in 1675 by Sir Alexander Seton. There are over 30,000 bedding plants, a huge orchard, and honeysuckle and jasmine to add to the wonderful scents.
Pitmedden Gardens, Ellon, Aberdeen, +44 1651 842352
Many visitors to Aberdeen are surprised to learn of the beach, a swathe of golden sand that stretches between the harbour and the mouth of the River Don. As well as the beach itself, there is also a popular esplanade, full of amusement arcades, restaurants and shops.
The village of Footdee, known locally as Fittie, is now entirely surrounded by the city of Aberdeen. Originally a fisherfolk village, this area is full of small and picturesque fishing cottages along narrow streets. It is exceptionally photogenic, with wonderful wee gardens and is only a short walk to the harbour mouth.
Marischal College is the second largest granite-built building in the world, and the pinnacle of the city’s 19th-century constructions. Owned by the University of Aberdeen, it is leased to the council for their headquarters and, following extensive restoration and cleaning, once more gleams in the sunlight.
This new library, only opened in 2012 by the Queen, houses the largest of the University of Aberdeen’s collections, with over 24 kilometres (15 miles) of shelving. There is a gallery and a café open to the public and the stunning architecture has won several awards.
Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen, Bedford Road, +44 1224 273330
Originally a separate Royal Burgh, Old Aberdeen is full of historical and beautiful buildings. The area is extensively used and owned by the University of Aberdeen, and includes the Brig o’ Balgownie spanning the River Don, possibly the oldest bridge in Scotland, and built in the 13th century.
