WELCOME TO GNWS TRAVEL GUIDE FOR SCOTLAND

DISCOVER ABERDEEN CITY & SHIRE

• Aberdeen City & Shire in the North East of Scotland has breathtaking cliff top seascapes, whitewashed fishing villages and dramatic mountain landscapes waiting to be discovered. Attracting millions of visitors annually, this stunning region of many contrasts has a great range of outdoor activities and visitor attractions on its doorstep, a rich heritage and culinary delights.
  
  Scotland’s third largest city, Aberdeen is a port city where the Dee and Don Rivers meet the North Sea. Cosmopolitan and affluent, the city is home to an international population due to a booming offshore petroleum industry. Indeed Aberdeen is called the Oil Capital of Europe. Visit Aberdeen Maritime Museum, with interactive exhibits on the historic local shipping, fishing and oil industries and enjoy panoramic views of the busy harbour.
  
  Aberdeen serves as an excellent base for city breaks or for exploring the multitude of hidden treasures and attractions dotted around Aberdeen City & Shire. From its glistening array of granite buildings- nicknamed the Granite City, and colourful floral displays to its long golden sands and vibrant cultural calendar, Aberdeen undoubtedly merits its reputation as one of Europe’s most visited destinations for both leisure and business travellers.
  
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  During a visit to this remarkable region of contrasts, visitors are invited to follow one of the many heritage trails that criss-cross Aberdeen City and Shire. Step back in time and take to the Castle Trail, where you can admire the awe-inspiring Balmoral Castle, Queen Elizabeth II ‘s Scottish residence, Castle Fraser and the magnificent Crathes Castle, each nestling amongst the backdrop of the Grampian Mountains. Alternatively, why not indulge and savour one of Scotland’s exports by embarking on the Malt Whiskey Trail around Aberdeen City & Shire, boasting a fine array of distilleries and cooperage.
  
  Outdoor enthusiasts are treated to an exuberant selection of sporting and leisure activities and enchanting scenery throughout Aberdeen City and Shire. Take to the slopes of nearby Braemar for trekking in Spring, Summer and Autumn or skiing in Winter. Alternatively, head to the coast to play a round of golf in one of the many world-class link courses. With over 50 courses to choose from and some of the best links in Scotland, Aberdeen is a golfers paradise. In 2012, Donald Trump opened a new state of the art golf course just north of the city - Trump International Golf Links.
  
  Simply relax on the empty golden sands that surround Aberdeen City & Shire breathtaking coastlines, the perfect retreat to recharge and energise.