An extra ten hidden gems in Aberdeen

We have previously compiled lists of some of the best lesser-known places to explore in Aberdeen. We hope that, once you’ve visited Duthie Park, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum or the beach promenade, you’ll consider seeking out one of these ten hidden gems tucked away across the city and beyond!

Finally reopened to the public in summer 2025, Aberdeen’s North Pier is one of the best spots in the city for a scenic stroll or a bit of dolphin watching. The views here are spectacular, with a front-row view to ships (including NorthLink’s MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey!) sailing in and out of the harbour.

See also:
Ten hidden gems in Aberdeen
Ten more hidden gems in Aberdeen

1. Victorian Railway Turntable

Just behind Duthie Park, tucked away from the main paths, is one of Aberdeen’s most fascinating secrets – a fully operational Victorian railway turntable.

Once part of the Ferryhill depot for the Great North of Scotland Railway, this turntable is where steam trains were refuelled and spun around for their return journey. And thanks to the dedicated volunteers at the Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust, the original engine shed and turntable has been restored and is still in use today!

During normal opening hours, the trust run supervised visits and visitors will be able to see various railway artefacts on display including Victorian railway carriages and various locomotives under restoration. On special open days (keep an eye out on their social media or website for upcoming dates), you can watch real steam trains roll onto the turntable and be turned in the same way they were 170 years ago.

2. Broad Hill viewpoint

Overlooking Aberdeen beach, Broch Hill has always been a place with a great view – but after a recent transformation in 2025, it has become even more accessible and worth visiting.

This five-hectare hill has been beautifully upgraded with new footpaths, seating and landscaped viewpoints that show off sweeping views of the coastline and the city. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, enjoy a picnic or simply sit and watch the world go by.

3. Persley walled gardens

The Persley walled gardens, situated beside the River Don on the north side of Aberdeen, is a little gem worth finding.

Once part of the grand Woodside House estate, this small Victorian garden fell into disrepair before being renovated by Aberdeen City Council in 1997. Today it’s a serene spot with neatly kept flowerbeds, quiet benches and a granite memorial dedicated to those who have lost their lives in the workplace.

There is a small car park at the gardens, which also connects to the riverside trail where you can walk along the River Don.

4. The Aberdeen Timeline

Just off Union Street, hundreds of people pass by McCombie’s Court every day without realising they’re steps away from this hidden gem.

McCombie’s Court is one of several surviving courts in the city. Designed in 1814 by renowned architect Archibald Simpson, this narrow passageway connects Union Street with Netherkirkgate – a once bustling, thriving street of wealthy merchants and busy craftsmen in the 13th century.

Back in 2013, Aberdeen Inspired along with the Friends of McCombie’s Court refurbished this enclosed alleyway and installed information panels detailing a historical timeline of Aberdeen’s past. The timeline spans from the city’s origins in 1136 through to modern day and we’re sure even lifelong Aberdonians will learn something new about their city here.

5. Whale bones at Stewart Park

There are many lovely parks and gardens to explore in Aberdeen. Tucked away in Woodside, Stewart Park is like any other in the city – a lovely open green space with a children’s play area – that is until you stumble upon a giant archway made from real whale jawbones!

These enormous bones were gifted to the park in 1903 by the captain of the Arctic whaler Benbow, back when Aberdeen was a major whaling port. They are more than 100 years old and are the only known public example left in Aberdeen.

6. Shell Hoosie at Dunnottar Woods

Just outside Stonehaven, a short drive from the famous Dunnottar Castle, lies Dunnottar Woods – a fairytale forest dotted with history.

Follow the red way-marked ‘history’ trail and you’ll come across Lady Kennedy’s Bath, an 1800s stone pool once used for summer swims. Continue along the path to find the curious Shell Hoosie – a small, beehive-shaped summer house built around 1820 and decorated entirely with seashells.

Again, built for Lady Kennedy to amuse her ten children, the Shell Hoosie looks like something out of a children’s storybook. Turn on your torch and peek through the gate to see hundreds of shells arranged in an intricate design across the interior walls.

7. Tullos Hill

In the southern end of Aberdeen, Tullos Hill offers a perfect mix of scenery, history and wildlife all within easy reach from the city centre.

The hill’s waymarked trails are ideal for a brisk walk leading you through heathland home to roe deer and foxes. The hill ascends gently, and once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the city and the North Sea.

The hill is also home to ancient Bronze Age burial cairns. Dating back around 4,000 years, these stone mounds – the most prominent being Baron’s Cairn – mark the resting place of early inhabitants in the area (though none of the cairns have ever been excavated).

8. The North Pier at Aberdeen Harbour

Finally reopened to the public in summer 2025, Aberdeen’s North Pier is one of the best spots in the city for a scenic stroll or a bit of dolphin watching.

Built in stages from the late 1700s, the pier stretches almost 800-metres out to sea and has protected Aberdeen Harbour for more than two centuries. The views are spectacular, with the North Sea and city skyline on one side and a front-row view to ships (including NorthLink’s MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey!) sailing in and out of the harbour on the other.

Access to the North Pier is easy to find at the Footdee (Fittie) end of the beach, with the entrance located next to the tall Aberdeen Marine Operations Centre. Open from April to September, the walk to the lighthouse at the far end of the pier takes about 20 minutes there and back.

9. The Brig o’Balgownie

Crossing the River Don in Old Aberdeen, the medieval Brig o’Balgownie is not only beautiful – it holds claim as being the oldest surviving bridge in Scotland!

Built around 1320, likely under the order of Robert the Bruce, this single pointed arch spans a deep area of water known as the Black Neuk. For hundreds of years, this bridge was Aberdeen’s only crossing point to the north until the Bridge of Don was built in the 1800s – however today, it is only traversable for foot traffic.

We recommend walking along the Don’s riverside path to catch the best views of the bridge – a perfect spot to snap a photo!

10. St Nicolas Rooftop Garden

Another location on this list hidden in plain site is the St Nicolas Rooftop Garden – a quiet spot on top of the former shopping centre of the same name (now part of the Bon Accord shopping centre).

Created in 2015 by Aberdeen Inspired, the garden transformed an empty, unutilised roof into a cheerful public space complete with a grand bandstand, seating and a children’s play area.

You can reach it via the iconic rainbow steps from St Nicolas Street or Schoolhill and enjoy a moment of quiet with views of the city and the neighbouring Kirk of St Nicolas – one of the best-preserved medieval kirks in the UK.

By Amy Leith
Born and raised in Aberdeen with an admiration for Orkney and Shetland, loves to travel and visit new places, enjoys cooking, always listening to music, spends a little too much time on TikTok.

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