Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Aberdeen City guide including Aberdeen Hotels


Aberdeen, in the heart of Scotland's Grampian Highlands, is an ideal
destination for art, history and culture that is slightly off the
beaten track. Scotland's third largest city was inspiration for the
well known Scottish folk song The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen which
portrays a well worn Scottish theme: that of extreme homesickness when
away from my home native land and celebrates the spectacular
phenomenon of Aurora Borealis.


Places of interest:


Aberdeen was established in 1179, and her fortunes were transformed by
Robert Bruce's 1319 Charter, in recognition of his gratitude to the
people of Aberdeen who had sheltered him during his campaign against
the English. Since 1509 when the renowned University of Aberdeen was
established, Aberdeen has been an academic centre of Europe, which
influences a great many of the cultural and historical activities on
offer in the city and its surrounding areas.


  • Described by Queen Elizabeth II as my dear place in the Highlands
    Balmoral Castle offers visitors guided tours of the gardens, historical
    exhibitions and luxury safari in the Caledonian Pine Forest, where
    visitors can catch glimpses of Scottish wildlife.

  • Another ancestral home continuously inhabited for over 400 years is
    Haddo House. Visitors can enjoy Gordon family ancestral portraits,
    memorabilia, the old stables and traditional Scottish tea room. Opera,
    ballets and plays are presented from May to October.

  • The NorthEast Falconry Centre offers a uniquely close experience
    with Scotland's birds of prey. Introduction to Falconry, outside
    demonstrations and walks with hawks are just some of the exciting and
    educational activities on offer.

  • Aberdeen Art Galleries and Museums comprises Aberdeen Art Gallery,
    Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Lord Provost's house and The Tollbooth in
    one site, and offers a varied programme of events and exhibitions. The
    Art Gallery hosts collections dating back to the 18th century of fine
    art, and the Maritime museum exults in the region's proud seafaring
    traditions. The Tollbooth is made up of 17th century cells, and the
    Lord Provost's House portrays the elegance and ritual of upper class
    Highland living.



  • Things to do:


    Aberdeen offers a whole host of recreational activities to enjoy. From
    parks to museums, tourists will never be bored while in Aberdeen.


  • Storybook Glen in Royal Teeside is a magical adventureland set over
    28 acres where kids and adults can see their favourite fairy-tales and
    nursery rhymes come to life, and wonder at the natural beauty of
    waterfalls, brooks and flora.

  • The Gordon Highlanders Museum celebrates the history and culture of
    over two centuries of one of Scotland's greatest kilted regiments, the
    Gordon Highlanders.

  • For family entertainment, it is hard to beat Sunset Boulevard, an
    indoor entertainment centre that offers bowling, dodgems, games and an
    adventureland - perfect for the Scottish weather!

  • Known as the jewel in the crown of the city's fantastic parks,
    The David Welch Winter Gardens boasts a Tropical House featuring flora
    from South and Central America, an Acrid House which creates desert
    conditions for exotic cacti to flourish, and a Corridor of Perfumes
    which celebrates the variety of perfumes from different plant species.

  • A visit to the Lighthouse and Harbour Master is a don't-miss to
    learn about Scotland's marine history, and find out what ships will be
    arriving in the port and when.

  • The world's sixth oldest golf club, The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
    may be able to lay claim to being the site of the invention of the game
    of golf. Today the club retains the old world elegance of a gentlemen's
    club, and boasts a healthy membership of both local and overseas golf
    enthusiasts who enjoy the stunning Balgowie Course, which has played
    host to many major tournaments.



  • Food & Drink:


    There are a number of fine locations to dine at while in Aberdeen. No
    matter what a tourist's preferences are, Aberdeen offers something to
    appeal to everyone's tastes.


  • The Stage Door Restaurant is the destination for a
    step-back-in-time dining experience. Situated in the old Aberdeen Union
    & Music Hall, the restaurant is furnished in art deco style with
    many of the original architectural features surviving, and serves
    inimitable and innovative seafood delights.

  • For the best fish and chips in the UK, The Ashvale cannot be beaten
    for traditional fare.

  • The Square boasts great value high quality dining, including Gluten
    free options, an extensive kids' menu and even regular visitors can
    experience variety thanks to the menu that changes every three months.

  • Italian Deli Delight is a relaxed caf? by day and buzzing
    restaurant by night, serving up mouth-watering Italian cuisine at all
    times.



  • Hotels & Accommodation:


    From family run, family friendly establishments to self catering
    cottages and apartments to West End four star luxuries, Aberdeen offers
    accommodation to suit every taste and budget.



  • Waterwheel Inn

  • The Edwardian Hotel

  • Britannia Hotel Aberdeen

  • Royal Hotel

  • Station Hotel

  • Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen

  • Bimini Guest House

  • Macdonald Ardoe House Hotel

  • Udny Arms Hotel

  • Express by Holiday Inn Aberdeen

  • Speedbird Inn Aberdeen Airport

  • Thistle Aberdeen Airport

  • Thistle Aberdeen Altens

  • Thistle Aberdeen Caledonian

  • Dyce Skean Dhu

  • The Spires Serviced Suites

  • Antrim Guest House

  • Summerhill Hotel and Suites



  • Entertainment


    The Lemon Tree is known as the world's only year round festival,
    presenting a constant programme of theatre, dance and musical
    spectaculars, and national touring West End theatre is also on offer at
    Her Majesty's Theatre. Cinema is also well represented, with a UGC and
    local Belmont Theatre. For clubbing to international DJs, Ministry is
    the best bet, or DeNiros is a local clubbing option, playing Top 40 and
    House music. World class shopping is available at St Nicholas Centres
    and in the historical district around Union Street. The Aberdeen
    Exhibition and Conference Centre hosts international touring music acts
    and sporting events.


    Aberdeen is truly the jewel of the Highlands, offering world class
    dining, nightlife and cultural and historical attractions to satisfy
    visitors of all ages and interests. The architecture of Aberdeen is
    distinctive and visually stunning, carved as it is from silver granite,
    creating a cityscape unrivalled in its beauty. Aberdeen boasts a
    cosmopolitan diversity, having been a premier Northern European trading
    port for many generations, enjoying centuries of established links with
    Scandinavian traders and Asian merchants. Nestled in the craggy
    landscape of the North East Highlands, and set against the romantically
    bleak North Sea, Aberdeen offers breathtaking views that have more in
    common with Scandinavian countries than the British Isles, and culture
    and history resplendent in maritime tradition Celtic heritage. The oil
    capital of Europe is also home to a thriving nightlife and theatre
    scene, just one in many contradictions that make up this intriguing
    ancient city.


    Biography


    Name: Maria Williams

    Website: http://www.sleepuk.com
    Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK
    providers of
    hotels in aberdeen.
    About the Author

    Biography

    Name: Maria Williams

    Website: http://www.sleepuk.com

    Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK

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