48 HOURS IN ABERDEEN & ABERDEENSHIRE

In 2019, the gallery opened its doors again after a once-in-a-lifetime makeover, giving the incredible Victorian building even more display space to pack the gallery with even more of the city's exceptional art collections.

Here, you'll find some of the finest art collections in the UK. The permanent exhibitions also include works by important Scottish artists, designers and makers, such as Henry Raeburn, Joan Eardley, Samuel Peploe, Rachel McLean, Bill Gibb and James Cromar Watt.

There are 22 exhibition and display galleries in total, all of which create a unique experience for you as you explore each space. As you move from gallery to gallery, admire the thoughtful position of everything, from the Sculpture Hall with its impressive granite pillars and chequered floors, to the Memorial Hall and Cowdray Hall.

There's even a room dedicated to the love shared by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The Royal couple visited Scotland for the first time in the 1840s and found a special connection to Aberdeenshire. There is a rare early portrait of the Queen wearing white.

Look out for a year-round programme of visiting exhibitions and don't forget to stop by the rooftop café and terrace.

Another top spot for a coffee and something tasty to eat is just around the corner at Foodstory Café on Thistle Street. The café has safely re-opened and offers a great selection of vegan and vegetarian delights and artisan coffee. 

If you happen to visit on a Wednesday, a local secret is the John Milne auction house just off Golden Square. You can bid for some really interesting purchases to take home.

One of the best ways to see Aberdeen and its spellbinding granite architecture is by simply walking around and soaking it all in.

Wander over to the old fishing village of Footdee (pronounced 'Fittie' by Aberdeen locals) and head along the promenade at Aberdeen Beach and all the way up to the River Don. In the summer, this can be a great place to spot leaping bottlenose dolphins in the water.

The weaving, windy streets of Old Aberdeen have seen their fair share of Aberdonian politics, education and culture throughout the ages.

One of the many incredible buildings is St Machar's Cathedral. Did you know you can trace its origins back to an ancient Pictish religious site, when Christianity first came to our shores? Stop for a pint and a well-earned break in St Machar's Bar (please check Facebook for updates).

Or, let the stresses of the modern world drift away with a trip to the chilled-out Seaton Park, one of Aberdeen's most tranquil hideaways. Clear your thoughts amid the leafy pathways and grassy expanses.

If you've still got time for another activity, drive or take the bus out to the lovely Hazelhead Park, with its woodlands, rose gardens, maze, mini zoo and golf courses. You can travel to the park on the following bus routes*:

• First Bus: route 11
• Stagecoach: routes X17, 200, 210

*Please note that services may be operating at a limited capacity at the moment. Please check services are operating in advance of travel.

Stay the night in Aberdeen - find fabulous hotel offerings in the city.

Find more hidden gems and things to see and do in Aberdeen.

The Barn is a multi-arts venue based in refurbished farm buildings, between Crathes and Banchory. It is home to contemporary crafts, live music, events, a wild garden and fabulous wee bistro next door.

There is a contemporary art gallery located in a converted cattle byre, which showcases lots of exciting exhibitions. They are hoping to hold a small programme of events towards the end of this year.

In the village of Alford, follow the history of travel and transport in the north east of Scotland, through a selection of fascinating of vehicle exhibits and displays. 

In the permanent collection, you'll see a sentinel steam wagon from 1914 (the oldest in existence), a Grampian Police Rover SD1 Vitesse (1976 - 1986), and a Land Rover Series 1 from circa 1956. You can also see Billy Connolly's World Tour Boom Lowrider motortrike!

If you continue west, you'll come to the Ballogie Estate, between Aboyne and Banchory, which has some fabulous and unique accommodation offerings, including a secluded country house, a luxury lodge, a cosy converted farm steading and a cute cottage. There's also a lovely café, Potarch Lodge, which is currently serving takeaways on Fridays, but should reopen soon to the public.

The estate is also home to the Donald Dinnie stones. People come from all over the world to try and lift them. Why not have a go yourself?!