Great times in the Granite City and beyond
With everything from history and heritage to retail therapy and street food, Aberdeen and its surroundings are among Scotland's most rewarding places to explore. What's even better is that with Club 50, you can get there and back for just £17 up until the 15 March. For a taster of what to expect, take a look below.
City lights
The train journey to the Granite City takes you past some impressively wild and dramatic scenery, but once you arrive in Aberdeen you’ll find a bustling and cosmopolitan city with everything you could ask for. Aberdeen has it all from museums, fine architecture and culture to top-class shopping and fine dining.
While you’re there, don’t miss the the quirky and colourful fishing village of Footdee, which feels like a step back in time and can be reached within a half hour walk of Aberdeen station. Elsewhere, within the cobbled streets of historic Old Aberdeen you’ll find medieval architecture, the city’s Botanic Gardens and the picturesque Seaton Park.
Out in the shire
Just south of Aberdeen, the pretty town of Stonehaven hosts a range of independent shops and eateries, plus one of Scotland's most picturesque harbours.
Nearby you’ll find the incredible Dunnottar Castle, one of the most evocative castles in the UK and Aberdeenshire's most-photographed landmark.
If you're visiting Dunnottar, make a day of it and take a brisk cliffside walk there from Stonehaven station, passing the war memorial and sea stacks on the way.
West of Aberdeen you'll find the busy market town of Inverurie and if you stay on the train a little longer to Huntly, you can take a look at the imposing ruins of its castle.
Retail therapy
Next door to Aberdeen station, Union Square is of the UK’s largest shopping malls and home to brands including Apple, Michael Kors and Hugo Boss as well as the seriously decadent Hotel Chocolat. Union Square also hosts countless restaurants plus a cinema to keep you entertained before your train home.
Elsewhere in town, Union Street and the Bon Accord Centre will further cater to your shopping needs with a solid mix of high street and designer brands, as well as a John Lewis department store.
For a more local flavour, head out of the city to Dean’s of Huntly and pick up some of their legendary shortbread. Try the Strawberry and Pink Peppercorn version for something a tad different.
Wining and dining
Aberdeen has it all from steakhouses and Mexican to fine French dining. The city's coastal location makes for excellent seafood, with Moonfish Cafe, Silver Darling and several others making it into the Michelin guide.
For something more casual, then near Stonehaven harbour you’ll find what Lonely Planet has described as one of the world’s best food experiences. The suppers at The Bay Fish & Chips are nothing short of extraordinary, so be prepared to queue.
For lovers of the hard stuff, gin fans can see the science behind the spirit at Porters Distillery, before enjoying a cocktail at the Orchid next door. For something less punchy, Brewdog's selection of craft beers can't be beaten.
Train services run direct to Aberdeen and Stonehaven regularly from most major cities on the ScotRail network. Other stations including Huntly can be reached direct form Aberdeen or Inverness. Until 15 March 2019, Club 50 members can travel to stations in Aberdeenshire from anywhere in Scotland for just £17 return. For more information on Aberdeenshire including what's on, go to https://www.visitabdn.com .