Hit the beach, spot dolphins & bag a buttery bargain in Scotland’s Granite City

TUCKED away on Scotland’s North East coast, Aberdeen is far removed from some of Britain’s more traditional tourist haunts.

But with pristine sandy beaches and a sophisticated culture, Aberdeen has all the qualities of a memorable travel spot the whole family will love.

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Walk Aberdeen’s cobbled streets with Janice Hopper as she takes a look at what the city has to offer.

SPY THE DOLPHINS

Stretching for two miles, Aberdeen’s golden sands are just 20 minutes’ walk from the city centre.

Stroll along the prom to the historic fishing village of Footdee to snap its quirky fishermen’s outhouses – each uniquely decorated by its owner.

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For the best dolphin viewpoint (the chance of seeing them is high here!) plus decent coffee and pastries, grab a seat at Greyhope Bay’s Liberty Kitchen mid-morning (Greyhopebay.com).

Or just watch the offshore ships sail into harbour each evening from The Silver Darling, named after the precious herring catch.

Feast on freshly caught Shetland scallops, £13, followed by a seafood linguine of mussels, prawns and langoustines with a crab bisque and parmesan herb crumb, £25 (Thesilverdarling.co.uk).

SHOP ON THISTLE STREET

For independent fashion picks, head to Thistle Street and neighbouring Chapel Street for the boutique gems of Hamish Munro (Something-for-me.co.uk), Tiger Lily (Tigerlilyboutique.co.uk) and Sirene (Sirene-boutique.com).

Then drop by Copper & Grey for pretty trinkets and homeware gifts (Coppergreygifts.com).

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Afterwards, celebrate your finds at the beautiful Almondine patisserie, which dishes up delicate cakes and macarons.

Book ahead for its exquisitely presented afternoon tea with fizz, £34 per person.

The mango and cardamom petit gateau looks almost too good to eat (Almondine.co.uk).

WALK THE ART TRAILS

Aberdeen’s had an artistic resurgence in the last decade.

Street art and bold murals can be found along the Nuart Trail – it takes about an hour and the giant leopard on Crooked Lane is a highlight.

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The recently refurbished Art Gallery is a calming oasis and entry is free.

Its Art of Empowerment exhibit is a powerful celebration of female artists (Aberdeencity.gov.uk).

If you have an hour to spare, Aberdeen’s called the “Granite City” for a reason, so hit the Granite Trail to tick off beautiful architecture, such as Marischal College, the second-largest granite building in the world,

His Majesty’s Theatre and even a huge lion made of the stuff.

TRY A BUTTERY BREKKY

It would be wrong not to sample the local specialty of a buttery for breakfast – a crispy, flat, flaky pastry, rich in salt.

Pick one up at Ross Bakery on Chapel Street for just 50p (Rossbakery.co.uk).

Fancy sushi for lunch? Drop into Seoul on Crown Street, where a platter of salmon sashimi and a miso soup will set you back £9.50 (Seoul-aberdeen.co.uk).

Come evening, book a table at glam Grape & Grain and enjoy a gin, rum or wine flight, from £14.70 (Grapeandgrain.wine).

Round off the evening at local favourite Café 52 on the cobbles of The Green, where mains like fragrant chicken casserole are a reasonable £15 (Cafe52onthegreen.co.uk). 

KIP AT THE SANDMAN

Celebrating its fifth birthday this year, Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa sits in the heart of the city, 15 minutes’ walk from the train station.

Expect chic rooms, plus delectable cucumber and chocolate daiquiris, £8.95, haggis bon bons, £8.95, and fish tacos, £16.50, in its Chop Grill & Bar.

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Hit the sauna and steam room, then book an express facial, £46, for a pick-me-up.

Double rooms cost from £99 B&B (Sandmansignature.co.uk/aberdeen). 

FYI

Listen out for 

Doric, the local dialect of the north-east of Scotland. “Fit like?” means “Hello, how are you?”

Plan your trip at Visitabdn.com.