Aberdeenshire Coastal Villages Tour: Explore Northeast Coast's Maritime Heritage
4.9
25 Ratings
Aberdeen City
Immerse yourself in the maritime heritage of Aberdeenshire's stunning Northeast Coast. Explore fishing villages, hear stories of 'Local Heroes', and discover the region's connection to the sea.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Gardenstown - Explore the north Aberdeenshire coast
    During the first part of our journey, we make our way through the Aberdeenshire countryside, to the coastal villages of Gardenstown and Crovie. Built into the red sandstone cliffs the villages have a special and remote atmosphere. From the lovely harbour and beach, you can look out over the Moray Firth and perhaps catch a glimpse of the dolphins and other wildlife in the bay.

The village of Gardenstown recently celebrated their 300th naming anniversary, and its harbour has a fleet of small fishing boats. On the quayside, you can occasionally see men preparing their lobster pots for the next catch, as well as the Salmon House which contains the Heritage Centre.
We encourage you to take a walk along the coastal path which take you to Crovie, dating from the 18th century, if the tide allows. Crovie is the smallest and most remote of Buchan cliff-foot fishing villages, it comprises a single row of houses, most gable-end to the sea.

What's Included
  • On-board WiFi
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Experience the breathtaking Northeastern Coastline of Aberdeenshire, a sight that will capture your affection. On this journey, we will explore some of the most striking coastal landscapes of the region.

We will take our time to stroll through some of the most picturesque fishing communities including Gardenstown and Crovie, gaining insights about its naval history and current state. Enjoy tales about some noteworthy personalities and ‘Local Champions’ who hailed from this rural area.

From operational ports to forsaken castles, and soaring cliffs where colonies of seabirds find their nesting grounds, this excursion will submerge you in the legacy of the northeast region and its deep ties with the ocean.

Location
William Wallace Statue
Union Terrace
Meet either next to the William Wallace Statue in front of His Majesty's Theatre.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(25 Ratings)
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Dawneliz654
Jun 1, 2024
Excellent guide, stunning scenery - Jacqueline was an incredible guide, such a depth and breadth of knowledge, as well as a lovely warm personality, made this trip around the stunningly beautiful Aberdeen coastline such a pleasure. Would highly recommend this trip to see parts of the landscape you may kot even know exists. Well worth the money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jack_s
May 21, 2024
A wonderful snapshot of coastal Scotland - You owe it to yourself to go on this tour. The shore region around Aberdeen is beautiful and rustic. This was a small tour group (7 max) with a great guide (thanks Jamie!!). The weather cooperated most of the time with wonderful views of cliffs and villages and birds. Even when the fog rolled in, the scenes were amazing. On a side note, one of the villages (Pennan) was featured in a charming 1980s movie called "Local Hero" (with a great cameo by Burt Lancaster). Watch it before you go to this region of Scotland. Then you'll understand the importance of the phone booth. :) So, stop reading this review and book the tour. You won't regret it.
Review provided by Viator
John_c
May 18, 2024
fantastic tour of Aberdeenshire - Seeing the Real Scotland and talking with local residents was rewarding was unexpected and quite special.
Review provided by Viator
G5087muevap
May 5, 2024
Well worth - Fantastic trip. Our guide Jamie was very good and knowledgeable. We saw beautiful old fishing villages, amazing cliffs, incredible views and castle ruins. Recommend this trip.
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Pamela_p
Apr 28, 2024
Absolutely loved this tour!! - The coast and it's villages were beautiful! It was the highlight of my trip to Scotland. Guide was excellent. Recommend this to see a part of Scotland usually missed by travelers.
Review provided by Viator
Christine
Apr 4, 2024
So many beautiful places - Many thanks to Jamie for a fantastic time in what would have otherwise been just another wet and wild day. We would never have seen as much as we did without his knowledge of the area and the roads - he packed in so many diverse places and some interesting anecdotes. Picturesque villages, views, wild life, folklore, history & award winning food (fish and chips!). A day well spent despite the awful weather conditions. Great value!
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Amywags
Sep 9, 2023
Lovely Day Trip from Aberdeen - This was a lovely tour…we were able to visit places we would have had difficulty finding on our own. Plenty of time at each stop to get out and explore and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun!
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Lucia_a
Aug 16, 2023
Aberdeenshire at its best - Beautiful tour, well prepared and with a person that goes the extra mile to show Aberdeenshire at its best.
Review provided by Viator
Kathleen_w
Aug 7, 2023
Coastal beauty - It was a very relaxing day touring the Scottish coastal villages. Our tour guide was fun,knowledgeable and engaging with fellow travelers. She told the story of where a movie was film in one of the tiny villages. We all took pictures of the famous phone box. I would totally recommend this rour.
Review provided by Viator
Roz1610
Aug 31, 2023
The Fishing Villages and possible sighting of Birds and Seals - It was a really interesting tour that I am sure you could have done on your own with a rented car but would highly advise that you don't as the roads going down to the fishing villages are super steep and they curve and wind down to the villages. It was not polluted by tourists which was a good sign and our tour guide, Alex, was super fantastic with knowledge and little stories he told us as well as being fully equipped for the rain by giving us umbrellas. Be ready with snacks and possibly a packed lunch but we did stop in a small village that had enough restaurants. The views were magnificent. Take your binoculars to catch a glimpse of the Seals. I would recommend this tour to see the hidden way of life in the fishing towns of the North East of Scotland.
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up to 6 guests
1
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June 2024
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