All photographs are taken by Lee Nicol of @thefocalpoint_photography. The text is written by RuschtotheOutdoors. See “About the Photographer” for a link to Lee’s Instagram photo gallery and his bio.
If you’re like me, you’re making plans to travel later this year. Strict travel regulations are currently enforced in many countries, but limitations can’t last forever! I can’t wait to, once again, explore the lovely villages and cities of the United Kingdom. Visiting Aberdeen, Scotland is on my bucket list. So, until we can visit in person, let’s virtually explore the area together!
Outdoor Attractions
Whether you’re visiting the Aberdeen Beachfront, ancient sites, city streets, parks, or amusements, there’s plenty to do outdoors in Aberdeen. In this post, we’ll explore just a few activities.
Aberdeen Beach Front and Lighthouse
Who doesn’t enjoy gazing at the sea? In and around Aberdeen, you’ll have a choice of visiting several beaches, including Muchalls Beach, Stonehaven Beach, and closer to the city, Balmadie Beach and Aberdeen City Centre Beach. The City Centre Beach is a lively venue with seaside cafés, popular restaurants, and local fairground. Balmadie Beach is very close to the city and offers views of imposing dunes. If you admire lighthouses, you’ll also want to include a trip to the Gridle Ness Lighthouse. Visit any one of these beaches post-Covid and you’re sure to enjoy a refreshing day out.
Aberdeen Beachfront 
Aberdeen Beachfront
Gridle Ness Lighthouse 
Aberdeen Beachfront
Aberdeen Parks and Village Walks
Both residents and visitors alike enjoy the area parks. In fact, did you know that good parks are cited as one of the top three reasons that businesses value when considering relocation? Not only do parks offer a free place for people to explore, picnic, and get fit, they generate money for the local economy. The parks around Aberdeen are no exception. If you visit, stop by Duthie Park, Westburn Park, Cruickshank Botanic Gardens (fee), Kincorth Hill, and Brig o’ Balgownie. Don’t forget to also explore the village streets of nearby Footdee. It’s a picturesque small fishing village with beautiful gardens.
Duthie Park 
Brig o’ Balgownie 
Footdee
Exploring Architectural Gems from the Outside
Aberdeen is a very historic city with many spectacular buildings. In fact, the city was first settled in 6000 BC. Now, that’s historic! Many of the buildings; however, were erected in the 16th and 17th centuries. No visit to Aberdeen would be complete without a walk around Aberdeen University, the ruins overlooking the North Sea, the Old Aberdeen Town House, and less historic, the mural at the Aberdeen Market. Of particular note at the University is the King’s College Chapel, Elphinstone Hall, and Powis Gate.
Powis Gate 
Aberdeen Market
Indoor Attractions
You may know that the Scotland climate tends to be moderate but changeable. Locals say that you can experience ‘four seasons in one day.’ So bring your umbrella (a.k.a. “brolly) and plan for some indoor activities. My bucket list includes the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Arts Centre, The Gordon Highlanders Museum, the Duthie Park Winter Gardens, and Aberdeen Science Centre. I’ll also want to get in some shopping, so the downtown/city centre shops and the Bon According Shopping Centre also make the list.
Arts Centre 
Bon Accord Shopping Centre
City Center 
Highlanders Museum
Considerations
- Book a “flexible flight” in the event your flight must be canceled due to COVID travel restrictions. As of this writing, many airlines are offering no change fees with credit good for travel up to one year. Delta is offering this service through March 31, 2021, and Aer Lingus, September 2021. However, many airlines are currently offering flexible fares
- Check the travel restrictions, if any, before visiting Scotland
- Use Skyscanner to compare flight fees. Most flights arrive in Edinborough
- Plan your transportation from the airport to Aberdeen in advance. Choices include car rental, ScotRail, rideshare, and bus (Double-check your arrangements in the off chance transit is canceled or on strike.)
- Always purchase travel insurance
- Obtain the necessary visa or passport well in advance
- Pack lightly. Airline luggage fees can mount up
About the Photographer
Lee Nicol is a hobby photographer, trying to grow his presence and professional portfolio via his @thefocalpoint_photography Instagram account. Lee tells us that photography is “my own personal therapy and I just get pure joy and happiness out of it.”
Once this hobby photographer took a few snaps with his new camera, he decided to set up @thefocalpoint_photography, for a number of reasons. 1) To keep him motivated; 2) to continue learning and sharing what he has learned with others, and; 3) to just genuinely spread happiness. In fact, Lee told us that he was “in a bad place” at the start of the year and feels that photography saved him. Now, through his images, he hopes to make others smile.
Lee looks forward to helping others, so message him via Instagram if you have any questions or comments. Lee states that “2021 is my year to help as many people as I can in any way,” He feels we all deserve positive experiences after 2020.; in Scotland and beyond!
Have you seen this article about Southern Scotland by OutoftheOffice4Good?
References
Aberdeenshire Scotland: What to Do
Eastern Kentucky University: Importance of Parks and Recreation
Resources
Aberdeen City Council: Contact Us
VisitScotland.com: Scotland