Archive for October 26th, 2008

Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland, in relationship to population numbers. Aberdeen’s buildings, since the mid eighteenth century, have been made using local grey granite and the city is well known for its sandy coastline. This has led to the city being nicknamed the Granite City and also the Silver City. However in recent years the city has added the nicknames of the Energy Capital of Europe or the Oil Capital of Europe due to the discovery of oil in the North Sea. The city has greatly benefitted from the oil industry and the support industries. Nowadays Aberdeen is thoroughly modern and immensely vibrant with a wild nighlife.

Aberdeen hotels are often inhabited by businessmen but also by many other types of people keen to enjoy the many tourist attractions Aberdeen has to offer. Below you will read details about 3; Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Satrosphere Science Centre and Duthie Park Winter Gardens:

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum in Aberdeen is found nearby the harbor, at the historic Shiprow. There are glorious sights of the harbour from the museum. The Maritime Museum can be found in a small number of buildings, including a former church and one of the oldest homes in Aberdeen. The museum has exhibits that cover everything relating to the oceanic environment, from the oil industry to the fishing boats. In essence, the museum conveys the story of Aberdeen’s long relationship with the ocean. Some of the collections contain photographs, models, ship plans and paintings donated by the most major shipbuilders of Aberdeen.

Duthie Park Winter Gardens

Lady Elizabeth Duthie of Ruthrieston,in 1881, gifted 44 acres of land, to the council. The land for the park was purchased, as a lasting memorial to her uncle and brother. In 1899, when the gardens were completed, they opened up to the public. However, in 1969 disaster struck and the greenhouses had to be knocked down and rebuilt. This was due to horrendous storm damgage. Today, one of Scotland’s favourite garden attractions are the David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park, and also the largest indoor gardens in the whole of Europe. Each greenhouse has an important collection such as, the Fern House, Victorian House, Japanese Garden, Tropical House, Temperate House and Corridor of Perfumes.

Satrosphere Science Centre

One of the first science and discovery centers in Scotland was the, Satrosphere Science Center, in Aberdeen. This interactive, hands-on science center, has more than fifty exhibits and live science shows, and opened its’ doors to the public in 1988. Although the center is aimed at school age children, the attraction of the exhibits is universal. The center is found in the old tram sheds, nearby the beach, on Constitution Street. The aim is to inspire children to become scientist’s, as interest in science courses in universities, is in decline. One of the best loved exhibits at the center is the famous giant soap bubble, where each child can be encompassed within a magic bubble.

There are many other tourist attractions in and about Aberdeen which are worthwile visiting and the above 3 were chosen randomly. If you are planning to visit Aberdeen, Scotland then you will find numerous quality hotels in Aberdeen, or many other forms of accommodation, available to book online.