Categories > Guides and Tips
Top 12 Quirky Things to Do in Aberdeen You’ll Absolutely Enjoy
- Solve puzzles at The Locked Door Escape Games
- Explore history at the Tolbooth Museum
- Create art at the Peacock Visual Arts workshop
- Stroll through the charming Footdee (Fittie)
- Get hands-on at Aberdeen Science Centre
- Get a picture with Kelly's cats statue
- Sip a drink at the eerie Slains Castle Bar
- Tour the spooky Peterhead Prison Museum
- Visit the quirky Aberdeen Maritime Museum
- Roam the halls of Provost Skene's House
- Marvel at the grand Marischal College
- Take a walk along the Brig o' Balgownie
Let me tell you about this one time I was wandering around Aberdeen when my sense of direction decided to take a vacation. My original plan was to visit that famous silver granite architecture, but the universe (or my bad map skills) had other ideas.
I ended up at a cat café where you’re encouraged to wear a fancy hat while sipping on your latte. Yeah, Aberdeen is quirky like that—and I loved every second of it!
So, if you’re as adventurous (or directionally challenged) as I am, you’re in for a treat. I’ve made a list of the top quirky things to do in Aberdeen that’ll make you wonder why you ever considered going anywhere else. Let’s get going, then!
Solve puzzles at The Locked Door Escape Games
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Website: http://thelockeddoor.co.uk/
Address: 171 Hardgate
Contact details: +44 749 866 0834
Operating hours:
- Monday, Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday – 4 PM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 6 PM
Cost:
- 2 players – £22 each
- 3 players – £18 each
- 4 players – £16 each
- 5 players – £14 each
- 6 players – £13 each
If you’ve got a knack for solving puzzles or just love a good challenge, The Locked Door Escape Games is a must. It’s where you and your friends have to work together to crack codes, find hidden objects, and ultimately escape the room before time runs out.
They’ve got various themed rooms, from spooky haunted houses to pirate adventures, each jam-packed with clever puzzles and intricate details. It’s a guaranteed brain-bender and a great bonding experience.
Pro tip:
Remember to book your spot in advance, especially on weekends, because these rooms fill up fast. Also, don’t forget to bring your thinking cap—those puzzles can be tricky!
Explore history at the Tolbooth Museum
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Website: http://www.stonehaventolbooth.co.uk/
Address: 3 Old Pier, Stonehaven
Contact details: +44 751 246 6329
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM (Temporarily closed)
Cost: Free entry
The Tolbooth Museum is steeped in history, showcasing Aberdeen’s turbulent past. You’ll find fascinating exhibits on crime, punishment, and even the Jacobite Rebellion.
The museum itself used to be a jail, so you’re literally walking through history. It’s hands-on and interactive, and you’ll come away with a few ghost stories to boot.
You can wander through the old cell blocks and narrow corridors that once housed prisoners centuries ago. The exhibits are detailed and packed with interesting tidbits about the city’s gritty past.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the guided tours—they’re packed with extra info you might miss on a self-guided walk. And yes, there are some spine-chilling tales from the museum’s haunted past!
Create art at the Peacock Visual Arts workshop
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Website: https://peacock.studio/
Address: 21 Castle St.
Contact details: +44 122 463 9539
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost:
- Full Price: Half Day – £9 / Full Day – £18
- Concession (Students, OAPs, Unemployed) – £6.75 (Half Day), £13.50 (Full Day) (25% discount)
- Occasional – £50
Daily fees – £6 (Half Day), £12 (Full Day)
10 x Half Days Card – £54
- Regular – £150
Daily fees – £2 (Half Day), £4 (Full Day)
10 x Half Days Card – £18
- Frequent – £300
No daily fees – come in as much as you like!
If you’re feeling artsy, then Peacock Visual Arts is the perfect place to unleash your creativity. They offer workshops where you can try your hand at everything from screen-printing to photography.
No previous experience is needed; just show up, pick up some tools, and start creating. The instructors are super friendly and eager to help you channel your inner Picasso.
They even have some specialised sessions for kids, making it a fantastic family outing!
Pro tip:
Remember to check out their calendar online for special events and workshops. Some sessions fill up quickly, especially the unique ones like 3D printing and animation.
Stroll through the charming Footdee (Fittie)
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Footdee, or Fittie as the locals call it, is this quaint little fishing village right at the edge of Aberdeen. The charming, colourful cottages with their unique decor and quirky little gardens make it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk.
You’ll find yourself peeking into cosy nooks and admiring the sea views. And don’t forget your camera—this place is a photographer’s dream!
Pro tip:
Make sure you visit during low tide if you can; the beach area is accessible and adds another layer of beauty to your walk.
Get hands-on at Aberdeen Science Centre
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Website: http://aberdeensciencecentre.org/
Address: 179 Constitution St.
Contact details: +44 122 464 0340
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost:
- Ages 0 to 2 – Free
- Adults – £11
- Children (ages 3 and above) – £7
- Concessions/Students – £8.50
- Family Ticket – £30
- Groups – £6
The Aberdeen Science Centre is loaded with hands-on exhibits that cater to all age groups. You can dabble in everything from robotics to renewable energy projects.
There’s even a planetarium that offers a stunning view of the night sky, so definitely don’t skip that. One of the coolest features here is the science lab, where you can participate in live experiments.
Don’t miss the technology section too, where you can play around with VR and AR gadgets—it’s a real trip. And for the little ones, there’s a specific section that fosters engagement through simple but fascinating scientific principles.
Pro tip:
Make sure you plan your visit around their special events calendar and target themed days or special workshops that you might not want to miss. Also, booking tickets online in advance can save you some queue time.
Get a picture with Kelly’s cats statue
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Website: https://emuseum.aberdeencity.gov.uk/objects/110808/kellys-cats
Address: Union Bridge
If you’re wandering around Aberdeen’s Union Terrace Gardens, make sure to hunt down Kelly’s cats. These statues are a quirky part of the city’s history and present a perfect Instagram moment.
Set on the parapets of Union Bridge, the cat statues were designed by William Kelly, a famed architect, and are undoubtedly photo-worthy due to their unique designs. The cats themselves are quite old and have been here since the 1910s.
They exude a sort of charm that captures the interest of locals and tourists alike, making them a much-loved spot for selfies and group photos.
Pro tip:
These statues are best photographed during daylight hours for the best lighting. Be cautious with your belongings, as the area can get quite busy.
Sip a drink at the eerie Slains Castle Bar
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Website: https://www.eerie-pubs.co.uk/slainscastle
Address: 14-18 Belmont St.
Contact details: +44 122 463 1877
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
If you’re up for a unique drinking experience, you’ve got to check out Slains Castle Bar. This quirky bar is designed like a gothic castle and is littered with spooky decor, perfect for fans of the macabre.
The food menu is diverse, offering everything from classic pub grub to vegetarian and vegan options. And yes, they have a special festive menu if you’re visiting around Christmas.
The drink menu is extensive, featuring an array of cocktails, beers, and spirits. For sports fans, they broadcast live events like boxing and Formula 1, so you won’t have to miss the action while you enjoy your time here.
Pro tip:
Try to download the MiXR app before you go. It allows you to order from your table and start earning rewards immediately, making your night out even smoother and more rewarding.
Tour the spooky Peterhead Prison Museum
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Website: https://peterheadprisonmuseum.com/
Address: South Rd., Peterhead
Contact details: +44 177 958 1060
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost:
- Child under 5 – Free
- Ages 6 to 15 – £7.50
- Family (2 Adults and 2 Children) – £27
- Adult ages 17 to 59 – £12
- Senior ages 60 and above – £10
Peterhead Prison Museum is a must-visit if you’re into history or have a thing for eerie places. Located north of Aberdeen, this former prison offers a deep dive into what life was like behind bars in the olden days.
Your tour will take you through old cell blocks, and you’ll hear stories about infamous inmates and daring escape attempts. Interactive displays, personal narratives from both prisoners and guards, and various artefacts make it a compelling experience.
You can wander around various parts of the prison, including solitary confinement cells, making it a spine-chilling but deeply interesting place to explore.
Pro tip:
Tours can be quite extensive, so wear comfortable shoes. Also, make sure to check out their website before your visit, as they occasionally host special events that provide even more insight into the prison’s harrowing past.
Visit the quirky Aberdeen Maritime Museum
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Website: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/plan-your-visit/aberdeen-maritime-museum
Address: Shiprow
Contact details: +44 300 020 0293
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Cost: Free entry
The Aberdeen Maritime Museum takes you through the city’s rich maritime history, from the early days of fishing and shipbuilding to its modern-day oil and gas industry. There are fascinating artefacts, ship models, and interactive displays here.
Remember to check out the impressive collection of North Sea oil industry memorabilia; it’s truly unique. One of the highlights is the museum’s stunning viewpoint over the busy harbour.
Moreover, the exhibits are laid out in a way that makes learning about maritime history genuinely exciting, and there are plenty of interactive elements for kids. Plus, the museum houses an original clipper ship and a recreation of an 18th-century port.
Pro tip:
Make sure to take the complimentary guided tour if it’s available—they often share extra tidbits that you won’t find on the placards. And there’s a cosy on-site café where you can grab a quick bite or a drink after your tour
Roam the halls of Provost Skene’s House
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Website: http://www.aagm.co.uk/Visit/ProvostSkenesHouse/psh-overview.aspx
Address: Marischal Square, Guestrow
Contact details: +44 300 020 0293
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Cost: Free entry
For a trip back in time, head over to Provost Skene’s House. This gem is nestled in the heart of Aberdeen’s city centre and offers a glimpse into the lives of some of its past residents.
Inside, you’ll find rooms decorated to reflect different periods from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The furniture, paintings, and personal items will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era.
This museum’s got a bit of everything—costume displays and even some artefacts that belonged to notable Aberdonians.
Pro tip:
The building has limited accessibility, so if you have mobility issues, it’s good to call ahead and check for accommodations.
Marvel at the grand Marischal College
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Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/campus/marischal-college-394.php
Address: Broad St.
Contact details: +44 300 020 0292
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: (The grounds are free to roam)
Marischal College is another must-see, and you can’t really miss it with its towering granite spires. Located on Broad Street, this grand building is a piece of architectural wonder and a symbol of Aberdeen’s nickname, “The Granite City.”
Originally founded in the late 16th century, it’s now part of the University of Aberdeen. The college’s exterior is one of the largest examples of granite architecture in the world.
While you can’t just wander through the entire building freely, there are parts open to the public, including a museum section dedicated to the university’s history.
Pro tip:
Evening lighting makes the college look even more spectacular, so if you’re into photography, stick around till dusk. And if you’re a history buff, King’s College Chapel is worth a visit too—it’s only a short walk away.
Take a walk along the Brig o’ Balgownie
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For a bit of a scenic escape, take a leisurely walk along the Brig o’ Balgownie, an ancient bridge that spans the River Don. Built in the 14th century, it’s a charming piece of mediaeval engineering that’s survived the test of time.
The bridge itself is made from granite, naturally, and offers stunning views over the river and surrounding woodlands. On the other side, you can follow the riverside paths, which are well-maintained and perfect for a relaxing stroll or jog.
The setting feels surprisingly secluded given how close it is to the city, making it a favourite among locals for a quick nature escape.
Pro tip:
Try to visit during autumn if you can—the fall colours along the riverbanks are absolutely stunning. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the paths can be a bit uneven.
