Aberdeenshire Coastal Villages Tour: Explore Northeast Coast's Maritime Heritage
4.9
19 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
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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
(19 Ratings)
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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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
Dayna_t
Jul 29, 2023
Wonderful day - I had an amazing day. Jacqueline was so lovely and I really enjoyed the smaller group for the tour. There was only 7 of us and we all ended up chatting and having a great time together. Gardenstown and Pennan were super cute and really charming. We also saw an amazing castle and some great scenery along the way. I would absolutely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
553beel
Jul 29, 2023
Brilliant tour guide - Wonderful choice of coastal destinations, all decided by an experienced tour guide who also drove the vehicle. I have to say not once did I feel afraid whilst driving down some very sharp and steep inclines to reach some of the bays and the cottages. Jacqueline was very mindful of our needs as a mixed group of invisibly disabled adults. The first time I've seen the North Sea, and it is as formidable looking and green-grey as I had imagined it. The flora and seabirds were worth the walks that we took. The geology of the cliffs was amazing. At one of our stops, we encountered the cleanest public toilet we have ever seen! Thank you to Jacqueline, without whom it wouldn't have been such an exceptional day. She is incredibly knowledgable – you will feel at ease to ask questions or for lunch recommendations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beatriz_l
Jul 23, 2023
Dont miss it - Unforgetable guide. Very nice details abou the pleces we visit. Reduced group. Time to walk and relax.
Review provided by Viator
Gr8fulforfun
Jul 15, 2023
Quaint coastal fishing villages - This day tour to several villages and a castle ruin was one of the best choices I made while in Scotland. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. She is an amazing driver traversing some of those narrow streets in the fishing towns. I really enjoyed our lunch break at the lighthouse town. She suggested wisely regarding food choices and how to use our free time. I recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terezac902
Jul 11, 2023
Great day - I can highly recommend this tour. I really enjoyed the whole day. The best part were cliffs Bullers of Buchan and the beach in Cruden. I said that will come back the following day and I really did. The weather was completely different but it was still gorgeous. I will recommend this trip to my friends 😉
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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