Prestige Apartments Blog

When we wanted to find out all about the best bits of Aberdeen, who better to ask than local girl, Debra Lorimer of The Spires.  So here you go - everything you need to know about the Granite City...

Alex Wood: So Debra, tell us all about why Aberdeen's so great!

Debra Lorimer: Aberdeen isn't normally associated with leisure tourism which is a real shame, because we're in a great location to use as a base to discover the delights of the surrounding areas, like gorgeous Royal Deeside for instance, where you can visit the Queen's Residence at Balmoral.

The Deeside Tourist Route is also packed with things to do en-route. You could do a trip to Crathes Castle where you can face your fear of heights Alex!  Or try visiting "Go Ape", the UK's number one Tree-Top Adventure. You'll also pass through Banchory, a really quaint Aberdeenshire village where it's worth stopping off at The Falls of Feugh - a bridge just a few minutes from the town centre where you can spot leaping salmon at certain times of year.

AW: And what about stuff a bit nearer?

DL: If you can't venture too far from Aberdeen itself then there's still plenty to do, like a trip to the Pleasure Beach or a shopping trip in one of the various centres that are all within walking distance of each other.

AW: There's a lot of history in the area isn't there?

DL: Yes there is, and for those who want to find out a little about Aberdeen's history and heritage there are The Maritime Museum, The Aberdeen Art Gallery and my personal favourite, The Talbooth.  The Talbooth is a 17th-century former jail which is now operated as a museum. It was built between 1616 and 1629 and is attached to Aberdeen Sheriff's Court on the city centre's Union Street. They do live re-enactments of the typical jailhouse scenes in a creepy and realistic manner and it's not for the faint hearted!

AW: When you're going out for dinner do you have a favourite restaurant in Aberdeen?

DL: In Aberdeen it has to be Rustico - an authentic family-run Italian with traditional red and white gingham tablecloths and lots of character. Out of Aberdeen would be The Cock and Bull just outside Newburgh - the food is of a really high standard and there's a log fire and often live music.

AW: There's a lovely beach at Aberdeen I've heard - do you get to go swimming much? (laughs)

DL: Personally I avoid it at all costs given that it's so cold up here, but the annual "Boxing Day Dip" has become somewhat of an institution and raises money for local Charities!

AW: We always like to socialise here at Prestige and if we wanted to sample a real Scottish Ceilidh where would you recommend? 

DL: Best place to experience a Ceilidh would be The Globe Inn which hosts live Scottish Music every Tuesday and is right in the City Centre.

AW: I know a lot of families relocation to Aberdeen and so for people bringing their family with them, are there good entertainment options for the kids?

DL: The best venue for kids could be Codona's Amusment Park and Fun Beach - They have indoor and outdoor rides and activities, ten pin bowling, a cinema, various restaurants and crazy golf.

AW: Aberdeen sounds great!  Are there any other must see places in the area?

DL:  Two places come to mind.  The romantic choice would be the Balmoral Estate - its all set against a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and nearby Lochnagar is simply breath-taking.  And a spooky spot would be Slains Castle near Cruden Bay which is said to have given Bram Stoker the inspiration for Dracula's Castle when he stayed nearby back in 1895!

AW: I might stick to Balmoral in that case!  Now we've got one final question for you... what's Aberdeen's best kept secret?

DL:  I'd say the best kept secret (although it's not much of a secret for the locals) would be an Aberdeen Rowie or what's sometimes referred to as a Buttery. This savoury flat bread roll is quite salty and is usually toasted and served with butter or jam - not very good for the waistline but must be tried while visiting the City!

AW: Thanks Debra!  It's great to get some insider tips on Aberdeen and we'll hopefully be up there to try them out very soon!

You can also view Debra's Aberdeen tips in pictures on our Pinterest Map Board.

If you are planning a trip to Aberdeen why not take a look at our City Guide of Aberdeen and contact our lovely sales team in regards to booking one of our luxury serviced apartments.

Tel: 020 7704 6514 or email: sales@prestigeapartments.co.uk