Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour

We will take you on a tour to some of the most interesting historical areas of Old Aberdeen and Aberdeen. In Old Aberdeen, we explore the buildings of the 15th Century University, a 12th Century Cathedral with an amazing heraldic ceiling and a dark secret. We visit other fascinating areas and buildings and a secret graveyard very few locals know about. We then take an interesting 25 minute walk to historic parts of Aberdeen’s City Centre. Whilst exploring impressive historical buildings and areas, including one of the world’s largest granite buildings, you also learn about and visit the sites of the brutal realities of medieval times. Aberdeen has been the site of military invasions, riots and body snatching and you also find out about the local officials who colluded in the 18th century to kidnap and sell children. Our tour covers 800 captivating years. Access to Chapel interiors is subject to availability and seasonal opening times. Please contact us for details.

1. 1

   St Machar's Cathedral

   30 min

   Stunning cathedral building with an amazing Heraldic ceiling, dating back to the 14th Century. Also infamously where a part of "William Braveheart Wallace" was buried and the scene of many a grave robbing.

2. 2

   Seaton Park

   5 min

   St Machars is on the edge of this Stunning and vast public park. The formally private grounds were given to the city in the 20th Century. Famous for it extensive flower beds that make the park very colourful in the summer.

3. 3

   Old Aberdeen

   50 min

   This part of the walking tour round Old Aberdeen, includes the famous Powis Gates, The Town House, The Mercat Cross amongst other places and a 16th century secret graveyard that very few locals even know about.

4. 4

   King's College Chapel

   35 min

   The original part of Aberdeen University dating back over 500 years and other fascinating historic buildings and monuments. The iconic tower is topped by an imperial crown, a story in itself.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   20 min

   We take a 20 minute walk towards Aberdeen City Centre passing many interesting and historic buildings.

6. 6

   Marischal College

   10 min

   Marischal College is one of the world’s largest Granite Buildings. Built in 1593, and now guarded by Robert The Bruce it was originally used as a university. This stunning building sits next the Tolbooth and looks down on the location of where many a public execution took place. We walk past the marked site of these gruesome practices.

7. 7

   Castlegate

   15 min

   The home of Aberdeen's famous "Mercat Cross", the scene of the notorious Military Riot in 1802 and across from The Tolbooth, Aberdeen's infamous 17th Century prison. Outside this building was the spot where many a soul were publicly hanged and flogged.

8. 8

   Provost Skene's House

   15 min

   The oldest building in the city centre which dates back to 1545. It is named after a famous Provost of Aberdeen but more infamously associated Prince William, Duke of Cumberland aka The Butcher of Cumberland. The moniker gained by his brutality during the Jacobite Rebellion. The building is next to Guestrow, the scene of the famous Anatomy Riots and also the site of Scotland's first ever distillery.

9. 9

   St. Nicholas Churchyard

   30 min

   Fascinating graveyard with many famous local names in the grounds of St Nicholas Church which dates back originally to the 12th century.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.