The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk

Aberdeen , Scotland

The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk

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(21 reviews)

30m - 40m

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the murkier corners of Aberdeen at your own pace with this highly acclaimed self guided audio walking tour of Aberdeen. Beginning from the Mercat Cross, you'll weave your way through hundreds of years of history while discovering the stories of piracy, slavery, and insurrection that the city hides in plain sight. Hear about "Indian Pete" and his efforts to banish child slavery. The tour is ready whenever you feel like taking a stroll. It plays audio automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline. It does not need a network connection to work. If you've got an hour and want to see some of the grisly and gloomy corners that Aberdeen has to offer – this is the tour for you!

Available options

The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk

What's included

VoiceMap Application

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Lifetime access to 'Dark Aberdeen: Piracy, Slavery and Insurrection' tour

Detailed itinerary

The tour takes you on a wandering walk beginning at the Mercat Cross, near the Tourist Office, and ending with a dramatic view of the city's crown jewel - Marischall College. Start the tour in the app, put your phone in your pocket, and let your guide direct you through the streets. The total walking distance is approximately 1.5km and takes about an hour without stopping, but you can pause anytime! Most people will opt to stop for a coffee or ice-cream snack or for photography opportunities along the way. The narration is crisply mastered by a professional audio engineering staff, and the tour creates an engaging experience that is suitable for all ages that can wear ear buds.

Key landmarks include:
• Mercat Cross (Market Cross)
• Aberdeen Harbour
• Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Provost Ross House
• Marischal Square and Marischal College
• Provost Skene's House

The exact route can be seen upon downloading or viewing the tour. Audio from the tour can also be previewed at this site.

The Aberdeen Maritime Museum charts the close relationship between Aberdeen, its harbour and the sea. Inside there are fascinating exhibits from the fishing, ship building and oil industries.

Provost Ross' House was built in 1593 and is the second oldest building in Aberdeen. Provost John Ross was the Mayor of Aberdeen from 1710 to 1712. Ross made his money as a ship owner. You can see the harbour from the windows of his house.

The Green was once a flourishing market area and is still used as such on Fridays. It’s now surrounded by bars, restaurants and small businesses.

Sir George Skene was Provost of the city from 1676 for 9 years and is most notable for his old house. The rooms are furnished in the styles of the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries. Inside there are collections of coins and local history.

Marischal Square is a £107 million pound development that blends the old with the new. It houses a hotel, shops and offices right in the heart of Aberdeen. You'll find the famous Mackie's ice cream parlour here.

What's not included

Smartphone

Transportation

Food/drinks

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 3.7

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Start at the Mercat Cross at the Eastern end of Union Street, a short walk from the Visit Scotland centre. Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Aberdeen

Aberdeen, known as the Granite City for its distinctive grey granite architecture, is a vibrant coastal city in northeast Scotland. It offers a unique blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and stunning coastal scenery, making it an appealing destination for a variety of travelers.

Top Attractions

Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle is a dramatic ruined medieval fortress perched on a rocky headland on the north-east coast of Scotland. It's famous for its stunning views and rich history.

Historical 1-2 hours £8.50 (adult), £5.00 (child)

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

This museum tells the story of Aberdeen's maritime history and its relationship with the North Sea oil industry. It's housed in a former shipyard management building.

Museum 1-2 hours Free

Aberdeen Beach

Aberdeen Beach is a popular spot for walks, water sports, and relaxation. The beach is known for its golden sand and clear waters.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

St. Machar's Cathedral

This historic cathedral is known for its beautiful architecture and the famous 'Mazie Stone' with its intricate carvings.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Footdee (Fittie) Village

Footdee is a charming fishing village within Aberdeen, known for its colorful cottages and rich maritime history.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cullen Skink

A creamy smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions, originating from the nearby town of Cullen.

Soup Contains fish and dairy.

Aberdeen Angus Beef

High-quality beef known for its tenderness and flavor, often served as steak or in traditional Scottish dishes.

Main Course Contains beef.

Langoustines

Small, sweet lobster-like crustaceans, often served grilled or in salads.

Seafood Contains shellfish.

Shortbread

A traditional Scottish biscuit made with butter, sugar, and flour, often served with tea or coffee.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Surfing Climbing Beach walks Spa treatments Golfing Tea rooms

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Aberdeen, offering the warmest weather and longest daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.

12°C to 18°C 54°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scots, Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (GMT+1 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Aberdeen is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight to deter pickpockets.

Getting there

By air

Aberdeen International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Aberdeen Railway Station

By bus

Aberdeen Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is the primary form of public transport in Aberdeen, with frequent services covering the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Aberdeen Union Street Footdee (Fittie) West End

Day trips

Balmoral Castle

25 km (15 miles) • Half day to full day

Balmoral Castle is the private residence of the British royal family and is open to the public during the summer months. Visitors can explore the castle's gardens, exhibitions, and the nearby estate.

Stonehaven

25 km (15 miles) • Half day to full day

Stonehaven is a charming coastal town known for its historic harbor, Dunottar Castle, and the annual Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony.

Cairngorms National Park

60 km (37 miles) • Full day to overnight

Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK, offering a variety of outdoor activities and stunning landscapes.

Festivals

Aberdeen International Youth Festival • July Aberdeen Jazz Festival • October Aberdeen Christmas Market • November-December

Pro tips

Visit the historic sites of Old Aberdeen, including King's College and St. Machar's Cathedral.
Explore the charming fishing village of Footdee (Fittie) and enjoy a meal at one of the local seafood restaurants.
Take a day trip to Dunnottar Castle for stunning coastal views and a glimpse into Scotland's history.
Sample the local cuisine, including Cullen skink, Aberdeen Angus beef, and langoustines.
Experience the vibrant cultural scene, with festivals, museums, and historic theaters.