Sightseeing in Aberdeenshire

If you like to do the driving yourself there is a great new way to explore in the North East of Scotland. We love showing people the wonderful places to visit in Aberdeenshire but we know some visitors want to travel on their own. If you are planning a visit and have the freedom of a car then there is something you need to know about.  You can explore the best of Aberdeenshire and receive discounted entry by using the Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass.

Exploring with the Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass

We are delighted to recommend the Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass.   This multiday sightseeing pass offers discounts at a variety of attractions and venues in Aberdeenshire and Moray. Whether you want to learn about history and visit some of the area’s National Trust for Scotland properties, seek an active adventure by enjoying a gastronomic Food & Drink tour or discover what life would be like for a prisoner at Peterhead Prison Museum there are options for you.   The East Coast of Scotland has a lot to offer and the team at Northern Highlights have done the hard work for you by bringing together several of the best sights, attractions and venues in the region to enhance your holiday in Scotland.

National Trust for Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has responsibility for looking after 271 listed buildings in Scotland such as historic houses, castles, vernacular buildings, early industrial buildings and architectural treasures.   With nearly a dozen properties and gardens in Aberdeenshire, there are an interesting collection of properties and estates to visit.

Crathes Castle is a stunning example of a Scottish Castle and estate managed by the Trust.  The magnificent 16th century castle has an intricate maze of turrets, fanciful towers, stunning oak panels and painted ceilings. Make sure you have time to wander through the historic walled garden and admire the iconic yew hedges planted as early as 1702.  Before you travel, please check with the properties on the National Trust for Scotland website to make sure the property is open.  Most properties will have guided tours at set times and pre-booking is advised.

 Peterhead Prison Museum

For something a bit different, take a self guided audio tour through one of Scotland’s notorious prisons. You will hear stories of prisoners who stayed there and the history of the prison.  Peterhead Prison Museum also highlights the work of the brave personnel that served here between 1888- 2013, you will visually see what “real” prison life was like, whilst listening to the officers speak of their experiences as part of the audio tour. Your sense of smell will be stimulated as you enter the laundry, shower block and hospital areas’.  This is an experience you are bound to remember for a long time.  You shocked by the daily routines and the difficult circumstances in which the staff worked.

Aberdeenshire has a lot to offer

Want to know more about this beautiful county? For more help on things to do in Aberdeenshire we recommend the VisitAberdeenshire website for self drive itineraries. If you want to have a guided tour and learn first hand the stories of the region then consider booking a tour with us! For more inspiration watch the video!