Top Northeast Scotland Cultural Tours

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 St Andrews the way you want to, spend quality time with a local and get a real taste for our beautiful town. With flexible meeting and end points, and a dedicated local guide, maximise your time in St Andrews on a private tour. A quaint town beaming with locals, students from all over the world and even royalty, St Andrew’s is charming, whichever way you look! From the international home of golf, to the world’s third oldest university, with one of the most beautiful shorelines on the east coast, there’s something for everyone in this idyllic town. Join us on a 1.5 hour leisurely stroll around the main sights of the town with an expert, local guide and learn things you wouldn't learn visiting yourself. Discover St Andrews as you walk in the footsteps of golfing legends, royals, heretics who were burned at the stake, famous cats and those who live in St Andrews today

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.

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.

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.

**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!

Head off on a Scottish seaside adventure with your very own kilted Scotsman guide. Travel up the North East coast from Aberdeen, and find hidden gems all along the coastline, including caves, historic castles and ruins, and even places to find puffins and dolphins. Stop at the village of Cullen for a light lunch, then continue your journey, enjoying scenic views as you travel.

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.

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

This guided tour is a great introduction to Scotland and ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time. You'll pass by some of Scotland's most famous castles and mountains, see the ancient Clava Cairns, learn about the doomed Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield. You'll also visit the mysterious Loch Ness where you can take an optional boat trip.

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.

Combine the convenience of a guided tour with the flexibility of independent exploration. This audio tour lets you explore St. Andrews, and learn about its unique history, at your own pace, starting and stopping whenever you choose.

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, led by local historian and former caddie Richard Falconer. 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.

Explore the rich history of Aberdeen on this engaging 2-hour walking tour. Journey through the vibrant city centre, where your guide shares fascinating insights into Aberdeen’s heritage, architecture, and hidden gems. Your guide is not originally from Scotland but has chosen Aberdeen as home and is passionate about its history and lesser-known stories. Enjoy a guided visit to the Freemasons’ Hall, a unique opportunity to discover its architecture and historical significance. Perfect for history lovers and curious travelers alike, this tour offers a captivating blend of culture and exploration. 2-hour guided walking tour of Aberdeen’s city centre Guided visit to the historic Freemasons’ Hall Learn about Aberdeen’s culture, history, and architecture from your guide Ideal for history enthusiasts and curious travelers.

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

We take our time to make the very best of your time with us. Little roads and flexible journeys to get you away from the well worn paths with a rolling tale of the tour including some singing and the possibility of meeting local people. A very comfortable and quiet vehicle with excellent access. Guides are experienced, careful drivers who know their home and love to share it with you.

Explore the historic heart of Aberdeen on a captivating walking tour through the Granite City. Wander along Union Street and discover the cobbled lanes of Old Aberdeen, where you can marvel at the stunning architecture of Marischal College and St. Machar’s Cathedral. Stroll through the picturesque Seaton Park and learn about the city’s rich maritime history and vibrant culture. This leisurely tour offers a wonderful glimpse into the unique character of Aberdeen, making it an ideal outing for history buffs and casual explorers alike. Enjoy some free time to soak in the atmosphere before heading back to your ship. - Discover Aberdeen’s historic sites, including Marischal College and King’s College - Enjoy a leisurely walking tour through Old Aberdeen’s charming streets - Learn about the city’s maritime past and cultural heritage from your guide - Perfect for both history enthusiasts and casual travelers with free time included

Visit “Scotland’s Alcatraz”, long the country’s only high-security prison, without the hassle of waiting in line at the ticket office. Head straight inside and follow the audio tour to learn about the 125-year history of the former HM Convict Prison, including the infamous 1987 siege and Britain’s first state-owned railway. Walk through the galleries and halls as you listen to the stories of prison officers for a fully immersive experience.

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.

Discover Aberdeen's local history and culture on this 1.5 hour walking tour with a local guide, available every day any time. Discover Aberdeen's rich history from being a small fishing settlement to the centre of oil for Europe. Make your way through some of the oldest streets, explore tunnels and retrace the steps of some of Aberdeen's most important figures in our (sometimes very dark) history. You'll also discover the amazing street art that has overtaken Aberdeen and has become a huge part of the culture. 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.

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.

This private walking tour explores the cultural heritage of St. Andrews. Begin at a historic chapel shaped by medieval craftsmanship. Walk through Market Street where local life reflects centuries of tradition. Discover the cathedral ruins that once guided a nation’s faith. Hear stories of scholars and communities that shaped this town. Enjoy coastal views near the historic pier with lasting maritime significance. This journey offers insight into architecture, education, and daily life. Experience a town where history lives in every stone. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Explore Aberdeen at your own pace with this acclaimed self guided audio tour of Aberdeen.  Beginning from Holburn Junction at the west end of Union Street, you'll weave your way through timeless streets while discovering the stories that the city hides in plain sight.  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. If you've got an hour and want to see all the major historical and cultural themes that Aberdeen has to offer – this is the tour for you!