Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour

Wander through Aberdeen’s historic streets and secret wynds on the Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour. Priced at $120.58 per person, this 3 to 3.5-hour guided experience offers an in-depth look at the city’s past, from Medieval times to the 19th century. The tour is designed for those who want to explore Aberdeen’s dark stories, stunning architecture, and lesser-known sites in a private group setting. Since the tour is only for your group, it promises a personalized experience, led by knowledgeable guides who bring Aberdeen’s history alive.

This tour suits first-time visitors eager to understand what makes Aberdeen unique, especially if they appreciate dark history, historic architecture, and local legends. While it covers a lot in a short time, the tour involves some walking through city streets and uneven grounds, so a moderate level of mobility is recommended. Keep in mind that no drinks or snacks are included, so plan accordingly.

Key Points

• Private guided tour exclusively for your group, providing a tailored experience
• Highlights include St Machar’s Cathedral, Marischal College, and Provost Skene’s House
• Focus on Aberdeen’s darker history: witch trials, grave robbing, military riots
• Visit historic landmarks with free admission and enjoy storytelling about medieval and 1800s events
• Tour duration is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, starting at 10:00 am from St Machar’s Cathedral
• Ideal for newcomers wanting a comprehensive look at Aberdeen’s rich and turbulent past

Visiting St Machar’s Cathedral and Its Heraldic Ceiling

The tour kicks off at St Machar’s Cathedral, a striking 14th-century building known for its impressive Heraldic ceiling. This site holds historical intrigue, as William Braveheart Wallace was once buried here, and the cathedral’s grounds have been the scene of grave robbing. The free admission allows visitors to appreciate the architecture and explore the grounds for approximately 30 minutes.

The cathedral’s significance lies in its age and history, offering a glimpse into Aberdeen’s medieval past. Inside, visitors can admire its ancient features, while outside, the surrounding area hints at stories of warfare and religious history.

Exploring Seaton Park and Its Summer Flower Display

Next, the tour passes nearby Seaton Park, a vast public space on the edge of Old Aberdeen. Originally private grounds, it was gifted to the city in the 20th century. The park is notable for its extensive flower beds, which bloom with color during the summer months, making it a peaceful spot amid the historic city.

A quick 5-minute stop here allows for a brief walk through the lush greenery, offering a restful pause before heading into Old Aberdeen’s historic core.

Discovering Old Aberdeen’s Hidden Secrets

The largest portion of the tour, 50 minutes, is dedicated to Old Aberdeen, a neighborhood filled with 16th-century buildings, historic gates, and secret graveyards. Key sights include the Powis Gates, the Town House, and the Mercat Cross, each representing different facets of the city’s past.

A highlight is a little-known 16th-century graveyard—rarely visited by locals—that reveals the city’s darker undertones. The area’s narrow streets and ancient buildings provide a tangible link to Aberdeen’s medieval and early modern history.

King’s College Chapel and the University’s Historic Roots

The journey continues at King’s College Chapel, the original part of Aberdeen University dating over 500 years. The chapel’s tower, topped with an imperial crown, tells a story of academic tradition and historic symbolism. Visitors have about 35 minutes to explore this iconic site, which remains a key part of Aberdeen’s heritage.

This stop offers insight into the city’s educational history, alongside views of other historic university buildings and monuments that bring the past to life.

Walking Through the Spital and Historic City Streets

From King’s College, a 20-minute walk takes visitors through Spital and towards the city center. Along the way, the tour passes several interesting historic buildings, emphasizing Aberdeen’s architectural evolution through centuries.

This segment provides a scenic street walk, connecting the university area with the more bustling parts of Aberdeen’s historic core.

Marischal College: A Granite Marvel

One of the largest granite buildings in the world, Marischal College dates back to 1593. Originally a university building, today it stands as a stunning example of granite architecture. The guide explains its connections to Robert the Bruce and its historical role in education.

The 10-minute stop here allows for photos and stories about this impressive structure, which is a defining feature of Aberdeen’s skyline.

Castlegate and Aberdeen’s Old Justice

The Castlegate area is home to the Mercat Cross, a symbol of the city’s markets, and the Tolbooth, notorious as a 17th-century prison. The site also bears witness to the 1802 Military Riot, adding a layer of unrest and social history.

Visitors stay for around 15 minutes to absorb the atmosphere of this lively historic district, with stories of law, rebellion, and civic pride.

Provost Skene’s House and Its Darker Tales

Dating back to 1545, Provost Skene’s House is the oldest surviving city center building. The guide shares tales about its provost and its connection to Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, dubbed The Butcher of Cumberland. This stop lasts about 15 minutes and highlights Aberdeen’s darker episodes, including military executions.

Exploring the Graveyard of St Nicholas Church

The tour concludes at St Nicholas Churchyard, a fascinating cemetery with notable local names, dating back to the 12th century. Over 30 minutes, visitors can see various gravestones and hear stories about the personalities buried there, adding a final layer of history to the journey.

Practical Details and Logistics

The Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour departs from St. Machar’s Cathedral at 10:00 am and ends at Marischal College in the city center. The entire experience is private, and only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention and storytelling.

The tour involves walking through various historic locations, some with uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is recommended. The meeting point is easily accessible via public transportation, and service animals are allowed.

Value and Booking Considerations

With a price of $120.58 per person, this tour provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Aberdeen’s dark and historic side. Booking in advance is typical, with an average reservation window of 59 days. No drinks or snacks are included, so plan to bring water if needed, especially during warmer months.

While the tour does not include entry fees to sites (most are free), the value lies in the expertly guided storytelling and exclusive access to historic areas often overlooked by casual visitors.

Overall Impression and Suitability

The Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour offers a rich account of Aberdeen’s darker history, architecture, and legends in a duration that fits easily into a day of sightseeing. It is especially appealing to those interested in medieval history, military stories, and local legends. The private nature of the tour enhances the experience, making it ideal for small groups or individuals seeking a personalized introduction to Aberdeen.

While it covers many highlights, visitors should be prepared for some walking, and weather conditions may impact the experience. The overall 4-star rating reflects its solid storytelling, engaging sites, and the expertise of guides like Malcolm, who can make history both informative and lively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, starting at 10:00 am.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at St Machar’s Cathedral and finishes at Marischal College in the city center of Aberdeen.

Is this tour suitable for all mobility levels?
Since it involves walking through historic streets and uneven grounds, a moderate level of mobility is recommended.

Are entrance fees included?
Most sites are free to enter, and the tour does not include additional entry fees.

Can I join this tour with a service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is recommended about 2 months in advance, as the tour is popular and typically booked 59 days ahead.

What makes this tour different from others in Aberdeen?
Its private setting, focus on dark and turbulent history, and detailed storytelling by guides like Malcolm distinguish it from larger group or generic city tours.

Is food or drink included?
No, no drinks or snacks are included in the tour price.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable footwear suitable for walking through city streets, and prepare for weather conditions, as the tour is outdoors.

Can I customize this tour?
Being a private experience, it offers some flexibility, but specific customizations are not detailed in the available information.

This tour promises a chance to explore Aberdeen’s historic streets with a focus on dark secrets, medieval sites, and legendary buildings, all led by knowledgeable guides. It provides a thorough look at the city’s turbulent past while offering a personal and engaging experience for those eager to learn more about Aberdeen’s hidden stories.