Holiday rentals in Aberdeen

Aberdeen’s granite architecture — much of it composed from the light-grey rock sourced from the same local quarry — catches the eye in more ways than one. Historic buildings display their splendour whichever way you look, be it the 15th-century heraldry of St Machar’s Cathedral or the majestic Marischal College, said to be the second-largest granite building in the world. The university is a major feature: King’s College, with its crown-topped medieval chapel, was established in 1495, its campus centred on the cobbled, leafy streets of Old Aberdeen. But the sea here is just as important, with a mile-long stretch of golden beach running from the mouth of the River Don to the charming 19th-century fishing cottages of Footdee. A host of landscaped parks and gardens complete the effect of a Scottish city that shimmers with elegance.

This northeastern Scottish city sees its warmest weather between June and September, with temperatures peaking in July and August, which can be the best time to visit the beach. The buildings shine at their silvery best in the sunshine, although they have their own magnetism on cloudy days, when Aberdeen takes on the look of a magnificent mountainside. Brisk weather in spring and autumn and frequent snow in winter are to be expected, but there’s always plenty to explore indoors, and major cultural events take place year round, such as the famous jazz festival in March, or the university’s own festival of arts and science in May. For a glimpse of Scottish tradition, make sure to visit the Aberdeen Highland Games in early summer, or the street parties held at Hogmanay (New Year).

Duthie Park

Hazlehead Park has Scotland’s oldest maze, while its neighbour, Johnston Gardens, is celebrated for its photogenic waterfalls. Duthie Park, on the banks of the River Dee, has its own charms, from the beautifully restored Victorian bandstand and boating ponds to the David Welch Winter Gardens, which offer some of the largest indoor botanical gardens in Europe.

Footdee

Pronounced Fittie, this small fishing community at the mouth of the River Dee dates back to medieval times, although the quaint cottages you find here are more recent. Designed in the 19th century by the architect of Balmoral Castle, they all face inwards around squares, as protection from the North Sea winds; their quirky decoration is a colourful complement to the rest of the Granite City.

Union Bridge

Union Street, Aberdeen’s main shopping and commercial thoroughfare, was conceived in the late 18th century, and its mile of historic buildings is a sight to behold. What’s just as impressive is that it’s constructed on a series of arches and bridges, including this one, the largest single-span granite bridge in the world.