Things to do
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen Art Gallery was established in 1884, in a purpose built building by architect Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. It underwent a major renovation from 2015-2019 led by Hoskins Arcihtects. It saw a new dome to the main gallery, a widened balcony in the Memorial Court, which was opened in 1925 by King George V in memory of those killed in the Great War, re-establishment of the link to Cowdray Hall, and upgrading all the galleries. The McBey Library at the rear of the gallery also benefitted from the renewal programme.
The institution developed a notable modern and contemporary collection...
Aberdeen Arts Centre
Aberdeen Arts Centre, formerly ACT, has a broad programme of events alongside its long standing role as a commnunity theatre venue.
The first public performance of The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil took place in the venue in 1973.
It has a 350 seat auditorium as well as a studio space.
Aberdeen Science Centre
Aberdeen Science Centre is one of those education-by-stealth attractions equally loved by children and their parents. It is an interactive science and technology exhibition with a high interactive content so you are unlikely to spend hours in Disney-style queues awaiting your child’s turn to press the button. The Electricity Show and workshop examines electricity using clearly explained circuits, motors and buzzers and adventurous visitors can even conduct their own experiments.
Aberdeen Sports Village
Aberdeen Sports Village is the premier sport and exercise facility in Scotland, hosting an array of world-class sporting facilities.
We exist as a partnership between the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council, and SportScotland; and as a charity, regulated by the OSCR. We take great pride in operating on a not-for-profit basis, with any surplus income invested back into the facility for the benefit of Aberdeen and the North East.
The Sports Centre is near the historic Chris Anderson Stadium and first opened it's doors to the public in August 2009, with our Aquatics Centre opening in...
Albury Community Sports Hub
Albury Community Sports Hub is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SC051926) proudly run by volunteers working collaboratively with local people and Sport Aberdeen. First established in 1929, Albury Hub provides facilities for tennis, lawn bowls, petanque, and putting to annual users and pay-and-play users during opening hours. The Hub is a home to community initiatives such as Tennis Teams, Croquet Club, Walk Aberdeen, and Wellbeing group. It is conveniently located in the Ferryhill area of Aberdeen just a short walking distance from Union Street, Ferryhill House Hotel and...
Books and Beans
Books & Beans is a modern, colourful second hand bookshop, which turns the dusty stereotype on its head. Downstairs, Aberdeen's first independent Fair Trade café offers freshly made soups, salads and sandwiches as well as great coffee. Its short, strong ristretto is guaranteed to prevent you from falling asleep over your book. Upstairs, cosily packed shelves with everything from chick-lit to Chekhov.
Duthie Park and David Welch Winter Gardens
In the 1900s the David Welch Winter Gardens was added to the park. Unfortunately, it was severely damaged in 1969 due to extreme gales, so it was demolished and replaced with the building we know and love today. The ‘Winter Gardens’ now houses one of the most visited public indoor plant collections in Scotland and provides an oasis away from the typical North East weather! The Winter Gardens provides a unique venue for weddings and hosts an annual carol concert every December.
The Gordon Highlanders' Museum
The North East of Scotland. For two hundred years this spectacular landscape gave us the men who made one of the finest regiments the British Army has ever seen – The Gordon Highlanders.
Forming the ranks were farmers and fishermen, ghillies and labourers, aristocrats and university students. Ordinary men with an extraordinary sense of duty; all with a story to tell.
These stories are brought to life at The Gordon Highlanders Museum by exploring our Nationally Significant Collection. Guided by our knowledgeable staff and volunteers retrace the remarkable history of these famous fighting...
His Majesty's Theatre
His Majesty's Theatre was commissioned to replace Aberdeen's smaller Her Majesty's Theatre. Designed by the great Frank Matcham and opened in 1906, it was refurbished in the early 1930s by local businessman James F Donald, who added external neon lighting to give Aberdeen that hint of Broadway, and a revolving stage. It has received further refurbishments in the early 1980s and 2000s, and supposedly has its own ghost roaming the corridors, named Jake. The theatre receives major touring shows, operas and stand-up comedy.