Aberdeen is a city that offers much more than its imposing granite architecture or its lively port scene. Thanks to its central location in northeast Scotland, it serves as a perfect base for exploring castles, coastlines, and the royal heritage of Royal Deeside. What makes Aberdeen especially appealing for tours is the combination of easy access to iconic sites and the opportunity to experience authentic Scottish culture without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads yourself. We love the Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour, for its mix of history, scenery, and storytelling—perfect for a full day without the stress of driving.
This list covers a broad spectrum of experiences, including historical castle visits, scenic highland drives, coastal village explorations, and city-centered walking tours. Whether you’re after a quick glimpse of Aberdeen’s streets or a full immersion into the Highlands’ wild landscapes, there’s a tour here for your interests and schedule.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each of the 15 best tours in Aberdeen, highlighting what makes each unique, who it’s best suited for, and practical tips to help you decide.
1. Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen
This small-group tour from Aberdeen offers a stellar mix of history, nature, and royal intrigue in just about nine hours. It starts with a visit to the dramatic Dunnottar Castle, perched on a rugged clifftop overlooking the North Sea—a site that has seen many of Scotland’s pivotal moments. From there, you’ll head into Royal Deeside, known for its forests, waterfalls, and the favored holiday spot of the British royal family. Highlights include a walk at the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve and the Falls of Feugh. The guide, Darryl, is praised for his extensive knowledge and fun facts, turning stops into storytelling sessions. This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive day that covers both history and stunning scenery without the driving. The only minor downside is the castle admission not included, but at $77.91, it’s great value for the richness of what’s experienced.
Bottom Line: Great for history lovers and those wanting a relaxed day in scenic nature, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
2. Loch Ness and the Highlands 1-Day Tour from Aberdeen
This full-day journey whisks you through the Scottish Highlands in a Mercedes mini-coach, with time to enjoy Loch Ness, Clava Cairns, and the Culloden Battlefield. The trip lasts about 12 hours and includes an optional boat cruise on Loch Ness, where you might glimpse the elusive monster. The guide Darryl Munro is highly rated, sharing stories that bring the landscapes alive, and the small group size ensures a personal experience. Guests love the mix of scenery, history, and the chance to relax in comfort—making the long day worth it. A common comment is that more time at Loch Ness would be nice, but overall, the experience hits the right balance between sightseeing and storytelling.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers wanting a thorough Highland overview with a good chance of spotting Nessie, without feeling rushed.
3. From Aberdeen: Dunnottar Castle and Cairngorms Day Trip
This day trip combines the iconic Dunnottar Castle with the majestic scenery of Cairngorms National Park. It’s a 9-hour experience with a focus on both coastal and mountain landscapes. The guide, Allen, is praised for adding extra stops aligned with the group’s interests, like a visit to the Falls of Feugh. The highlight is undoubtedly Dunnottar’s cliff-top ruins, with plenty of time to wander, plus the chance to see wildlife in Cairngorms. The tour is an excellent value at $75, especially given the variety of landscapes and the flexible, personable guiding.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to see dramatic coastlines and mountains in one trip, with personalized touches from the guide.
4. Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm)
If you’re new to Aberdeen, this city centre walking tour is a great starting point. For about $19.28, you’ll explore local sights like Marischal College, Aberdeen Art Gallery, and the tunnels that hold stories of witch trials. The guide offers engaging anecdotes about the city’s history, architecture, and hidden corners. The 1.5-hour walk is perfect for a quick, immersive introduction, especially if your time is limited. Reviews highlight the guide’s enthusiasm and detailed stories, making it a worthwhile experience for first-time visitors wanting to understand Aberdeen’s past and modern culture.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want a concise, lively overview of Aberdeen’s highlights with insider stories.
5. Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Aberdeen
Offering a more intimate experience, this small-group Highland trip limits participants to 16. It covers Loch Ness, with a boat cruise included, Clava Cairns, and Culloden Battlefield—all within about 12 hours. The guide, Liam, is noted for his humor, stories, and accommodating style. Many guests mention the comfort of the vehicle and the well-paced stops, making the long day manageable. The cruise on Loch Ness is a highlight, with scenic views and a chance to imagine the monster lurking below.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for those wanting an up-close Loch Ness experience without sacrificing the history and scenery of the Highlands.
6. From Aberdeen: Balmoral Estate & Royal Deeside Tour
This 7.5-hour tour takes you into the heart of Royal Deeside, with visits to Balmoral Castle (when open), Ballater, and other royal landmarks. Guide Jacqueline is praised for her flexibility and knowledge, making this a relaxed yet informative trip. The highlights include walking through Balmoral’s grounds and exploring the charming village of Ballater. The tour is best suited for royal enthusiasts or those seeking scenic countryside and a taste of Scottish aristocratic life.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in royal history and the beautiful, peaceful landscapes of Deeside.
7. Coastal Villages of Aberdeenshire Tour
This 8-hour tour explores charming fishing villages like Gardenstown, Pennan, and Fraserburgh. It’s a hit for those wanting a relaxed day among historic harbors, with plenty of photo stops highlighting smugglers’ stories and seafood. Tour guide Jamie is highly praised for his storytelling and local knowledge. The tour includes visits to Buller of Buchan, which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Cruden Bay.
Bottom Line: Great for maritime history lovers and fans of small, authentic villages.
8. North East Coastal Trail Small Group Day Tour from Aberdeen
This small-group tour takes you along the North East coast, with stops at Dolphin-watching Spey Bay, Bow Fiddle Rock, and Battered and beautiful Fraserburgh. The tour is praised for its comfortable Mercedes coach and the knowledgeable guide Chris. You’ll see puffins, seals, and other wildlife, with a light lunch in Cullen included. It’s a well-rounded day for nature lovers who want to see Scotland’s coast from a local perspective.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wildlife watchers and those wanting a scenic coastal experience with minimal hassle.
9. From Aberdeen: North East Coastal Trail Small-Group Tour
This 9-hour trip offers a detailed exploration of northeastern Scotland’s coast, including Buller of Buchan, Bow Fiddle Rock, and Slains Castle. Led by Neil, the small group is comfortable, and the day includes plenty of stories about the local history and wildlife. Many reviews mention how the spots feel uncrowded, with enough time to explore each location thoroughly.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting to combine scenic views with engaging commentary on local lore.
10. Balmoral & Royal Deeside Tour
This 7.5-hour tour focuses on royal heritage, including Balmoral Castle (when open), Ballater, and the Queen’s View. Guide Jamie is known for his engaging narration, and the small group setup makes for an intimate experience. The tour provides insights into the royal family’s connection to the region and the chance to walk through the castle grounds, depending on the season.
Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors interested in Britain’s monarchy and scenic Scottish landscapes.
11. Coastal Villages of Aberdeenshire
This 8-hour trip visits Gardenstown, Crovie, and Pennan, offering stunning views and stories about maritime life. Guide Alex’s local knowledge shines, and travelers love how the tour balances scenery, history, and personal stories. It’s perfect for those wanting to explore remote, picturesque fishing villages without worrying about transportation.
Bottom Line: Great for lovers of authentic villages and coastal scenery.
12. Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour
This distillery tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at Aberdeen’s gin-making process, with a complimentary double G&T to start. It includes a visit to the distillery garden and a tasting of specially crafted Scottish gins. The tour is intimate, limited to 20 participants, and perfect for spirits enthusiasts. Reviewers commend the friendly hosts and engaging explanations of the gin craft.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for gin lovers and those interested in Scotland’s craft spirit scene.
13. Aberdeen: Daily City Centre Walking Tour (2pm)
For a quick but thorough introduction to Aberdeen, this city walking tour is ideal. It covers Marischal College, Aberdeen Art Gallery, and the tunnels, with stories about witch trials and local architecture. The 1.5-hour walk is engaging and highly reviewed for its knowledgeable guide and local insights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-time visitors short on time but eager to get a feel for the city’s character.
14. Aberdeen: Gin Distillery Discovery Tour with Welcome Drink
This hour-long distillery experience includes a warm welcome with a double G&T and a guided look at how Aberdeen’s gin is made. Visitors can taste several small-batch gins, shop for bottles, and learn tips for making their own at home. It’s a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that appeals to spirits fans and curious travelers alike.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, fun intro to Scotland’s craft gin scene and a souvenir shopping opportunity.
15. Aberdeenshire Private Half Day Castle & Historic Building Tour
For those seeking a personalized, flexible experience, this private castle tour is hard to beat. It includes Dunnottar Castle, Crathes Castle, and Drum Castle, with transportation tailored to your interests. The private guide, Malcolm, is praised for his deep knowledge and storytelling skills, making this ideal for history buffs or travelers with specific castles in mind.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a customizable, exclusive experience exploring Aberdeenshire’s castles and historic sites.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Aberdeen
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, time availability, and what interests you most. If you’re passionate about royal history, the Balmoral Estate & Royal Deeside Tour or the Royal Deeside Guided Tour could be perfect. For scenic nature and wildlife, the North East Coastal Trail Small Group Tour offers puffins and dolphins wrapped in beautiful scenery.
If your schedule is tight, the Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour provides a quick introduction. For fans of whiskey or gin, the distillery tours are a delightful peek into Scotland’s craft drinks scene. Lastly, those wanting a customized experience should consider the private castle tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak months, as popular tours fill up quickly. Think about what fits your interests—whether that’s castles, coastlines, or royal heritage—and you’ll find your perfect Scottish day trip.
In summary, Aberdeen offers a range of tours that can satisfy history buffs, nature lovers, and culture seekers alike. From the medieval grandeur of Dunnottar Castle to the windswept beaches of Aberdeenshire’s coastal villages, there’s something for every traveler. Two standout options are the Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour for its blend of history and scenery, and the Loch Ness and Highland Tour for a full immersion in the wild, rugged landscape of Scotland. Be sure to plan ahead, choose what excites you most, and enjoy your adventure in this fascinating corner of the world.
