Feeling all nostalgic for my Granny, by all accounts a feisty Aberdeenshire lass, I leapt off the overnight train from London like a gazelle (if gazelles were slightly more bleary-eyed at dawn) ready to make the most of our 12-hour pit stop in the Granite City of Aberdeen.
Now, Aberdeen is a serious place—like the elder statesman of cities. You can practically feel the resilience oozing from every cobblestone. Winters here? Let’s just say they’re about as cheerful as a cat in a bathtub. But on our glorious blue-sky July day, the only thing bleak was my hope of finding a decent coffee. As we strolled up Union Street and towards Castlegate, I was like a kid in a candy store, snapping pictures of everything. The quiet streets were a refreshing change; I could actually move without fear of tripping over another pedestrian.
Up at Castlegate, the statue of the Gordon Highlanders caught my eye and reminded me of my Dad’s tales of long-lost relatives who had joined their ranks. After a moment of sentimental pondering, it was time to hunt for coffee - embarrased by the notion that such brave men had found their strength from inner fortitude and courage, a few generations later my strength was served in the form of a double espresso, no sugar.
Now, you see, Kiwis are notoriously picky about their morning brews, and I’m no exception. Skipping over a few cafes that looked suspiciously like they served instant coffee, we marched further up Union Street. Finally, we crossed over to a cheerful café that looked promising—only to find ourselves distracted by the neighbouring whisky shop! The friendly owner, a jolly fellow who clearly believed in “breakfast whisky,” cheerfully ushered us inside. I swear I saw him polishing a bottle with the enthusiasm of a toddler with a shiny new toy. After a samples, a bit of banter and a few tips on local delights and suggestions for our day, we managed to regain our composure and shuffled next door for some actual coffee—perhaps the cafe owners were well-acquainted with the effects of whisky for breakfast!
With our caffeine fix secured, we set off to explore. If you fancy a stroll, there’s a lovely walk past the industrial docks (which, let’s be honest, aren’t winning any beauty contests) to the charming fishing village of Footdee—or as the locals affectionately call it, Fittie. The homeowners there are surprisingly chill about tourists gawking and snapping pictures of their adorable cottages—it's like they’re used to it, or perhaps they’re just super friendly!
From Footdee, we ambled along the Esplanade, enjoying the sight of ships waiting to enter the port and wind turbines spinning lazily in the breeze. And fear not, you won’t starve on this walk; food trucks are sprinkled along the route like tasty little gems. After about four kilometers, we reached the mouth of the River Don, where the road curves back into the old town, completing our scenic loop at Union Street.
Feeling a bit worn out from all this rigorous sightseeing (ahem), we decided the Maritime Museum would be a splendid next stop. It’s chock-full of interactive displays and information spread over multiple levels—perfect for resting our feet. And let’s not forget the clean restrooms and comfy spots to people-watch! The museum is a sobering reminder of the harsh realities of sea life, with a special exhibit on oil exploration in the region. Who knew learning could be this entertaining? So there you have it—an action-packed day in Aberdeen, complete with coffee hunts, whisky adventures, and maritime musings. What more could you ask for?
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