11 Best Free Attractions in Aberdeenshire and Moray

By Craig Neil. This post includes affiliate links.

Free attractions in Aberdeenshire and Moray

Google Map of kilchurn castle, scotland
  1. Aberdeen Art Gallery (behind marker 8)
  2. Aberdeen Maritime Museum (behind marker 8)
  3. Aberdeen Zoology Museum and Botanic Garden (behind marker 8)
  4. Balmedie Country Park
  5. Fraserburgh Esplanade
  6. Cairngorms National Park
  7. Cruden Bay
  8. Duthie Park
  9. Logie Estate
  10. (A) Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve
  11. (B) Nairn Beach

If you’d like to discover even more places to visit, take a look at the Scottish Tourist Attractions Map, or discover a collection of Facts About Aberdeen.

  • Address: Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ
  • Opening Times: See website for details.
  • Tel Number: 03000 200293
  • Email Address: info@aagm.co.uk
  • Website: Aberdeen Art Gallery

About: Aberdeen Art Gallery is a world-class visitor attraction that celebrates the inspiring power of art and music for locals and visitors alike. The collection is one of the largest in Scotland and offers something of interest for art lovers of all ages.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Aberdeen Maritime Museum e1578767287203
  • Address: Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY
  • Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12noon – 3pm
  • Tel Number: +44 (0) 1224 337700
  • Email Address: info@aagm.co.uk
  • Website: Aberdeen Maritime Museum

About: Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s long relationship with the sea through a diverse collection of artefacts, informative displays and photographs. It houses a unique collection of memorabilia covering shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing and port history.

Aberdeen Zoology Museum and Botanic Garden

Skull Animal

About: The museum’s displays are worldwide in scope, from protozoa to the great whales and includes taxidermy, skeletons, study skins, fluid-preserved specimens and models.

Balmedie Country Park

  • Address: Balmedie, AB23 8XG
  • Opening Times: The park is open during daylight hours every day of the year.
  • Tel Number: N/A
  • Email Address: N/A
  • Website: Balmedie Country Park

About: Balmedie Country park is part of a dune system that stretches 14 miles from Aberdeen to just north of the mouth of the River Ythan at Newburgh. The golden sand beach has won a number of awards including a National Seaside Award in 2016.

Fraserburgh Esplanade

  • Address: AB43 8TL. The Esplanade can be reached via the A90 turning off to the East on Harbour Road.
  • Opening Times: Open year-round.
  • Tel Number: N/A
  • Email Address: N/A
  • Website: Fraserburgh Esplanade

About: Fraserburgh Bay is a 4 km inlet of the North Sea on the Buchan coast that boasts golden sands and is a popular location for water sports, as well as walking and family outings.

Cairngorms National Park

cairngorms

About: The Cairngorms National Park is a vast area of outstanding natural beauty that caters to every interest, from long walks along mountainous trails to relaxing afternoons on loch-side beaches. The area is rich in wildlife and is popular with cyclists and hikers.

Cruden Bay

  • Address: AB42 0NN. Head north from Aberdeen by car via the A90.
  • Opening Times: Open year-round.
  • Tel Number: N/A
  • Email Address: N/A
  • Website: Cruden Bay

About: Cruden Bay is a firm favourite with tourists thanks to its sandy white beaches, crystal clear waters and quaint fishing harbour. There is a golf club, an ancient castle, and steep cliffs with nesting puffins in the area.

Duthie Park

  • Address: Duthie Park, Polmuir Road, Aberdeen
  • Opening Times: 8 am until 1 hour before dusk.
  • Tel Number: N/A
  • Email Address: N/A
  • Website: Duthie Park

About: Duthie Park is a beautiful park located close to the city centre which opened in 1883. It features mature deciduous and evergreen trees, stunning flower beds, wide-open spaces, an ornamental pond and a wetland area.

Logie Estate

  • Address: Logie Estate, Logie, Forres, Moray, IV36 2QN
  • Opening Times: Open year-round.
  • Tel Number: 01667 458900
  • Email Address: N/A
  • Website: Logie Estate

About: Logie Estate offers opportunities for salmon fishing on the River Findhorn as well as several walks by the river and through Logie House Gardens. The gardens include a playground, café and artisan shops.

Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve

Muir of Dinnet

About: The Muir of Dinnet blends woodland, heath, and open water, all on one site. You can wander through birch woodlands, see beautiful damselflies and enjoy peace and tranquillity in the crystal-clear water of the lochs.

Nairn Beach

  • Address: Nairn, The Highlands, IV12 9AE
  • Opening Times: Open year-round.
  • Tel Number: 01667 342042
  • Email Address: N/A
  • Website: Nairn Beach

About: Nairn’s sandy beach makes for the perfect family holiday with lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy with clean sand, promenade walks, a putting green, a leisure park, and a swimming pool to name a few.

Aberdeen

Discover more free places to visit in Scotland with: The Best FREE Things to Do in Scotland – Ultimate Visitor Guide.

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By Craig Neil

Craig Neil is a travel writer from Edinburgh with a passion for visiting Scotland's tourist attractions. Over the last 15 years he has explored Scotland from the Shetland Islands to the Scottish Borders, and he shares his travel experiences in Out About Scotland.