500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Discover Aberdeen’s Dark History with a Self-Guided Audio Tour

For those interested in uncovering a different side of Aberdeen, Scotland, the 500 Years of Crime and Punishment audio tour offers an engaging journey into the city’s shadowy past. Priced at $8.99 per person, this self-guided experience lasts between 45 minutes and over 2 hours, making it flexible for a relaxed exploration. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, mystery lovers, or anyone curious about the more sinister stories behind Aberdeen’s ancient streets.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its independent format, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace and start whenever they wish. It covers notable sites like Marischal College, the Mercat Cross, and the Anatomy Rooms, unveiling tales of bodysnatching, witchcraft trials, and public punishments. However, potential participants should be aware that some reviews mention navigation issues and construction barriers, so planning for some patience and attention to directions can enhance the experience.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $8.99 offers a budget-friendly way to explore Aberdeen’s darker history
• Flexible schedule with self-guided audio allows you to start and pause the tour at your convenience
• Highlights include Marischal College, the Mercat Cross, and the Anatomy Rooms with stories of crime and punishment
• Tour duration varies from 45 minutes to over 2 hours depending on your pace and stops
• Includes lifetime access through the VoiceMap app for Android and iOS with offline capabilities
• Limited to your group, providing a private and personalized exploration experience

Starting Point: The Historic Tolbooth Museum

The tour begins at the Tolbooth Museum on Castle Street, a site that once functioned as a jail where criminals were held. This location sets a fitting tone for the exploration of Aberdeen’s punishment practices over the centuries. From here, the narrative quickly moves to the Mercat Cross, where public announcements and punishments were once carried out. The cross is decorated with carvings of Scottish monarchs, and the stories focus on a queen’s response to treason, adding historical depth to the site.

The initial stops give an immediate sense of Aberdeen’s judicial history and public spectacle of punishments, making it clear that the city’s past was often dark and dramatic.

Exploring the Old Gaol and Its Significance

A key stop is the building that now functions as a museum, but historically served as the gaol or jail for Aberdeen. This site provides insight into criminal detention in earlier centuries. The tour also highlights public hangings that took place nearby, offering a sobering glimpse into the city’s past enforcement of justice. These stories help visitors understand how law and order were maintained in historic Aberdeen.

The Tower Inspired by Balmoral Castle

On the tour, participants pass by an impressive tower that is modeled on Balmoral Castle’s architecture. This landmark makes for a striking photo stop and adds a touch of royal grandeur to the otherwise grim history explored. While not directly tied to crime and punishment, this sight offers a broader view of Aberdeen’s architectural influences.

Navigating the Winding Streets of Seabury Court

Next, the tour guides you through Seabury Court, situated next to St Andrews Cathedral. This area preserves the winding, historic streets of Aberdeen, giving visitors a sense of how the city’s urban landscape evolved. This stop emphasizes the medieval layout, contrasting sharply with modern city life and providing context for the historic sites visited.

The Anatomy Rooms and Bodysnatching Tales

One of the most intriguing stops is at the Anatomy Rooms, part of the University of Aberdeen’s former medical facilities. Here, the tour recounts the history of bodysnatching, a practice that fueled medical advancements but was also shrouded in moral ambiguity. The dissections that took place here highlight the ethical tensions faced by historic medical students and the unscrupulous methods sometimes used to acquire bodies.

Visiting the Historic Graveyard and Witchcraft Trials

A visit to an atmospheric graveyard offers a chance to reflect on local history and hear stories about notable figures buried there, including a doctor notorious for questionable morals. The tour also covers the Mither Kirk of Aberdeen, an early religious site that once imprisoned witches and partook in horrific punishments. These tales underscore the fear and superstition that haunted Aberdeen’s past.

The Green: From Ancient Settlement to Hipster Enclave

The tour also explores The Green, an area that has been inhabited for thousands of years. Today, it functions as a hipstery neighborhood with street art and independent restaurants. Here, stories include the child-snatching gang that operated in Aberdeen’s history, adding a darker, more criminal layer to this vibrant part of the city.

Aberdeen’s Maritime Past and Punishments at the Harbour

Given Aberdeen’s maritime roots, the tour covers how the harbor played a role in punishments over the years. This location sheds light on public executions and other disciplinary acts that took place near the water, emphasizing the importance of the harbor in the city’s social control.

The Maritime Museum and Its Exhibits

Just off the tour route, the Maritime Museum offers a detailed look into Aberdeen’s fishing industry and oil industry, from traditional fishing to modern oil extraction. Visitors can choose to explore the museum further, gaining a broader understanding of Aberdeen’s maritime economy beyond its darker history.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The self-guided tour is delivered via the VoiceMap app, which offers lifetime access in English. It provides offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, making it convenient for exploration without needing an internet connection. The meeting point at the Tolbooth Museum is close to public transportation, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals.

While the tour is designed for independent exploration, some reviews note navigation challenges, especially in areas with construction or poor connectivity. It’s advisable to download the tour beforehand and use the map feature to stay on course. The tour ends outside Aberdeen Town House on Union Street, within easy reach of public transit options.

Strengths and Limitations of the Aberdeen Crime Tour

The main strength of this tour lies in its affordability, at just $8.99, and the flexibility it offers through self-guided exploration. The narrative quality of the stories, combined with notable landmarks like the Mercat Cross and Anatomy Rooms, provides a compelling look into Aberdeen’s offbeat history.

However, some navigation issues and ongoing construction can sometimes make following the route less straightforward, as reflected in mixed reviews. Visitors who prefer guided tours with a dedicated guide might find this format less satisfying, but those who enjoy independent wandering will appreciate the control over timing and pace.

Is the 500 Years of Crime and Punishment Tour Right for You?

This tour suits history buffs, mystery fans, and independent explorers eager to see Aberdeen through a darker lens. It’s best suited for those comfortable with self-guided navigation and interested in stories of crime, punishment, and historical justice. The affordable price and offline access make it accessible for most travelers, especially those looking for a cost-effective, flexible activity.

Those seeking a guided, narrative-driven experience may prefer a more traditional tour, but for self-reliant visitors, this audio guide offers a unique way to uncover Aberdeen’s less-publicized past.

What is included in this tour?
The tour offers lifetime access in English via the VoiceMap app, with offline audio, maps, and geodata.

How long does the tour take?
The duration varies from about 45 minutes to over 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on your pace and stops.

Where do I start the tour?
The tour begins at the Tolbooth Museum on Castle Street and ends outside Aberdeen Town House on Union Street.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The information suggests most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. However, some stories about punishments and witchcraft may not be suitable for very young children.

Do I need special equipment?
A smartphone and headphones are necessary to access and listen to the tour.

Are entrance fees or tickets needed for attractions?
Yes, any museums or attractions along the route may require tickets or entry fees, which are not included.

Can I pause and restart the tour?
Absolutely, the self-guided nature allows you to start, pause, and resume at any point.

What should I be aware of regarding navigation?
Some reviews mention difficulty finding the starting point or getting between stops due to construction or poor directions. Using the maps in the app can help.

Is there an age limit for this tour?
Most travelers can participate, making it suitable for adults and teens interested in history and city exploration.

How do I cancel the tour if needed?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund available if canceled in time.

This self-guided audio tour offers an engaging way to explore Aberdeen’s darker past, blending historic landmarks with tales of crime and punishment while offering flexibility and affordability. It’s a solid choice for curious visitors looking to go beyond typical sightseeing.