Top Northeast Scotland Art & Culture

This small-group tour offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth insights into the world of golf, all centered around the iconic Old Course. Hear captivating stories about The Open, learn about Nike’s marketing campaigns, and enjoy fun anecdotes about celebrities, such as Sean Connery. With a professional caddie guide who worked at the Old Course in the 1980s, you can uncover fascinating facts and insider stories you wouldn’t hear otherwise.

Explore the historic port city of Aberdeen and discover its hidden gems among the towering granite buildings and neo-gothic architecture. Find modern street art around unassuming corners, and find the city’s tunnels that form a maze underneath the streets. Learn about the witch trials that went on here in the 1500s-1600s, and see the old town where the city began as a tiny fishing village.

Get to the heart of Aberdeen’s gin making culture at Aberdeen’s Distillery. Learn about the processes behind making Scotland’s favorite drink, and while you’re there, see how gin is made too, and where all of its aromatic ingredients come from. Meet the head distiller and see the whole distillery, then enjoy a gin tasting once the tour concludes, with alcoholic beverages and soda/pop included.

We will take you on a fantastic guided walking tour round some of the most interesting historical areas of Old Aberdeen. We will explore include the buildings of the fascinating 15th Century University, a stunning 12th Century Cathedral with an amazing heraldic ceiling and a dark secret, other fascinating areas and a secret graveyard. Tours can be tailored to suit. Please note access to the Chapel interiors is subject to availability and seasonal opening times. Please contact us for details. At the end of the tour, we visit the very traditional Scottish Bar, St Machar’s, which opened in the 19th Century and has won many awards. Here you will have an opportunity to try a plate of the famous and delicious Scottish dish of Stovies (beef, potatoes and onions) and you can also choose a Scottish pint of beer or a single malt whisky (or another spirit) or a soft drink from the large selection. Vegetarian sides are available. Over 18's only.

Explore the murkier corners of Aberdeen at your own pace with this highly acclaimed self guided audio walking tour of Aberdeen.  Beginning from the Mercat Cross, you'll weave your way through hundreds of years of history while discovering the stories of piracy, slavery, and insurrection that the city hides in plain sight.  Hear about "Indian Pete" and his efforts to banish child slavery.  The tour is ready whenever you feel like taking a stroll. It plays audio automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline. It does not need a network connection to work. If you've got an hour and want to see some of the grisly and gloomy corners that Aberdeen has to offer – this is the tour for you!

Discover a side to Aberdeen that you won't get on a typical sightseeing tour. This self-guided audio tour takes you through the ancient streets of the Granite City and deep into the depths of its murky past. Hear tales of bodysnatching, witchcrafts trials, and more as you stroll between such historic landmarks as Marischal College and the Mercat Cross.

**SELLS OUT IN SUMMER - please book early to avoid disappointment** St Andrews; the home of golf. What better way to discover St Andrews golf legacy and the Old Course than with a local expert! With a local guide, maximise your time in St Andrews on a private tour. Do something different and discover the controversies and quirks of golf, as well as a local insight into the politics of golf in the town. Get the insider scoop to the Royal and Ancient politics from a local outsider - without the bias. From the origins of the sport, and spending time on the 1st, 17th & 18th fairways, finish off with a photo on the famous Swilken Bridge, discover our incredible legacy with your local guide. You'll also see where some of the most famous shots in golf history took place (The Sands of Nakajima, Eisenhower on the Old Course etc.). Discover: Royal and Ancient Club Royal and Ancient Golf Museum 1st Tee & Fairway Putting Green 17th Green 18th Fairway Swilken Bridge …and many more hidden gems!

Step into Aberdeen with a friendly local discovery guide and uncover the Granite City’s character at your pace—choose a focused 1 to 2-hour intro or a rich 6-hour deep dive through elegant squares, cobbled lanes, sea-kissed streets, and story-filled kirkyards. Along the way, enjoy striking granite architecture, lively street scenes, hidden wynds, riverside or harbour viewpoints, and peaceful green spaces—stopping for photos, local tales, and insider tips that bring the city’s history and culture to life. This entirely walkable experience keeps to open-air highlights and public spaces, weaving in street art, centuries-old courtyards, and classic vistas, with time for spontaneous detours that match your interests. Expect a relaxed rhythm, plenty of anecdotes, and a genuinely local welcome—perfect for first-time visitors and curious explorers who want an engaging taste of Aberdeen.

Famed across the globe as the Home of Golf, St Andrews has more than just links to offer. Discover its history and lesser-known aspects of the beautiful game when you join these golf-oriented heritage tours. Visit the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, the last resting place of over 124 noted golfers, as well as the castle and Scotland’s oldest university. Learn about the evolution of golf at the Old Course and have your photo taken on the famous Swilkan Bridge.

Check out some incredible coastline as you and your small-group make your way through some coastal villages in Aberdeenshire. Visit Gardenstown and Crovie, and learn about their fishing and maritime heritage. Your guide takes care of the navigation while you just relax and enjoy the day out.

Soak up Scottish history and some of the country's most stunning scenery, without the hassle of driving, on this day tour from Aberdeen. After visiting the cliff top fortress of Dunnottar Castle, head for Royal Deeside to see ancient forest and magnificent waterfalls, and discover why the area is a longtime favorite vacation destination for the British royal family.

Learn all about the ancient city of St Andrews along with golf history with a historian guide. As well as being the birthplace of golf, St Andrews has a world-famous university and cathedral, visited by monarchs and royalty for hundreds of years. Hear about the Pictish kings and clans who once lived here, and the Scottish royals who called this place their home. See gothic architecture side by side with humble fisherman’s cottages, and explore side streets and hidden closes you wouldn’t find on your own.

Unravel the captivating history of St Andrews through an interactive outdoor escape game that blends legend, lore, and legacy. As you traverse the charming streets, the journey reveals the story of how a humble fisherman became Scotland's patron saint. Engaging with historic landmarks, you’ll solve virtual clues and immerse yourself in the town's rich narrative, guided by a user-friendly app. This adventure transforms the vibrant town into your very own living escape room, where each step brings the past to life.

Visiting the City of Design as a tourist? Studying at one of Dundee's outstanding academic institutions? A couple looking to get memories captured in Dundee at some of its iconic attractions? Or just love having your photo taken and love Dundee? The Original St Andrews Photo Shoot Tour has a sibling on the way. After its successful launch in the home of golf, The Original Photoshoot Tour launches in Dundee this summer. Dundee is changing, and the city is a vibrant place full of iconic attractions including the V&A, Dundee Train Station, Tay Rail Bridge, Tay Road Bridge, Slessor Gardens, Whale Sculpture, City Quay, Caird Hall and The McManus, among many others. With the E-Sports Arena and Eden Project to come in the coming years, the city is going to change beyond all recognition. Matt Hooper provides professional photography at each stop on the tour as well as giving you a little bit of knowledge about our great city.

Discover a different side to Aberdeen on this street art walking tour. On this 1.5 hour you’ll meander down alleys and under bridges to uncover some of the city’s most beautiful pieces of art that are taking over the walls by storm. All with a local, expert guide. From unassuming corners to major buildings, there’s art around every turn and your guide knows just where to find the best of the best. Each tour is unique, with the route constantly being updated to include new pieces of art! Among the 10+ murals you will see include: Man & Dog - Smug Lego Wall - Jan Vormann Side Profile - Alice Pasquini Unicorn - Bordalo

Discover the beauty and royal heritage of the Royal Deeside on this small-group tour from Aberdeen. Head first for Balmoral Castle where you can walk in the footsteps of the royals who have called the castle home. Afterward, head through the east Cairngorms to Ballater, a charming Victorian village of Ballater with royal connections. On the way back to Aberdeen, you'll visit the Cambus O'May suspension bridge, the Tomnavarie Stone Circle, and the Queen's View, one of Queen Victoria's favorite Aberdeenshire views.

Explore the rich golfing heritage of golf and Old Course development on this engaging private and exclusive walking tour. Delve into the history and anecdotes of the Old Course, including a visit to the iconic Swilkan Bridge and the legendary 1st and 18th fairways. This tour is perfect for golf enthusiasts and history lovers alike, offering insights into the origins of golf and its evolution. With a local expert guide leading the way, every step you take is filled with fascinating stories and notable landmarks. Join over 90,000 explorers who've made this tour a highlight of their Scottish adventure. - Duration: 90 minutes of captivating storytelling - This is an exclusive private tour option. Public tour is also available. - Tours available 7 days a week from March to October - Meeting point: Outside the Jigger Inn, Old Course Hotel, finish by the 18th Green

Explore Old Aberdeen at your own pace on your very own private tour. With flexible start times and meeting points, this is the perfect way to discover the roots of the city that stands today. Discover Old Aberdeen through a local's eyes, uncovering the story of how two towns, Old and New Aberdeen, merged to form the vibrant city we know today on this 1.5 hour walking tour with your very own guide. Once the heart of religion and education, Old Aberdeen remains a centre of learning, with picturesque cobbled streets, where centuries of history await you around every corner. Join us and experience the heritage and soul of Old Aberdeen, where the city’s story began. Key sights: - Kings College - Bishop Elphinstone Memorial - Cruickshank Botanical Gardens - Sir Duncan Rice Library - MacRobert Memorial Garden - St Machar Cathedral - Iconic Aberdeen statuary …and other hidden gems!

Delve into the rich history of Aberdeen's Old Harbour, a vibrant nexus of commerce and adventure. This walking tour reveals the harbour's intriguing past, covering everything from Vikings to the modern day oil industry - and, of course, with a health dose of pirates along the way! Over the course of about two hours, wander through this historic area and uncover the stories that shaped the city. - Two-hour walking tour, covering 1.5 miles - Not suitable for wheelchair users; comfortable walking shoes recommended

Explore over 2,000 years of history on this guided walking tour through St Andrews, the birthplace of golf. Led by a professional local guide, visit all the major sites like the Cathedral ruins and the Old Course. This tour not only reveals the rich heritage of St Andrews but also its significant role in the evolution of golf itself. With something for everyone, this tour is Ideal for both the golfer and non-golfer but the tour is not suitable for under 5s. A public variation of this tour is also available on Viator: St Andrews Tours: Town, Golf and Old Course History - Enjoy a private exclusive guided tour with a professional local guide - Discover all the major St Andrews' landmarks, including the Cathedral and the Old Course - Capture memorable photos en route to having bucket list photos on the Swilkan Bridge! - Tours run daily from March to October with a duration of 2 hours

Join Stuart's Bicycle Tours to discover the rich history and natural beauty of St Andrews. Think St Andrews is just about golf? Discover ancient history, dramatic ruins, breathtaking panoramic views and stories spanning over 1000 years in the best way possible...by bicycle! We’ll visit the iconic landmarks like St Andrews Castle, the Cathedral ruins, The Old Course and The University but also reach places that few visitors ever do and learn about the deep and rich place St Andrews holds in Scottish history. All with an experienced, enthusiastic and local guide from right here in Fife. With standard and E-bikes available, the tour is suitable for all abilities. Perfect for history lovers, nature seekers, and anyone looking for a fun, meaningful way to explore this iconic Scottish town.

Explore four full decks of a remarkably preserved 1824 warship, where original cabins, gun decks and crew spaces reveal the real lives of sailors. See how over 300 men lived and worked aboard, from sleeping in hammocks to operating heavy guns, bringing the human stories of naval life to life. Unlike most historic ships, HMS Unicorn remains largely unchanged, thanks to its sheltered early history, making it one of the most authentic vessels in the world. Its unique design also captures a turning point in naval history, combining traditional wooden shipbuilding with early industrial innovation.

Get out of the city for a more-rounded experience of Aberdeenshire's diverse landscapes. This small-group tour from Aberdeen takes you along the stunning coastline to Dunnottar Castle, perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the North Sea; to the charming village of Stonehaven; to Mill of Benholm, a real gem hidden in the Mearns; and Greyhope Bay for the chance to spot dolphins and seabirds. Along the way, sample a selection of local treats.