By Craig Neil. This post includes affiliate links.
Free attractions in Aberdeenshire and Moray
- Aberdeen Art Gallery (behind marker 8)
- Aberdeen Maritime Museum (behind marker 8)
- Aberdeen Zoology Museum and Botanic Garden (behind marker 8)
- Balmedie Country Park
- Fraserburgh Esplanade
- Cairngorms National Park
- Cruden Bay
- Duthie Park
- Logie Estate
- (A) Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve
- (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.
Aberdeen Art Gallery
- 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
- 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
- Address: Tillydrone Ave, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ
- Opening Times: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
- Tel Number: 01224 274330
- Email Address: biodiversity@abdn.ac.uk
- Website: Aberdeen Botanic Gardens
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
- Address: Cairngorms National Park
- Opening Times: Open year-round.
- Tel Number: 01479 873535
- Email Address: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk
- Website: Cairngorms National Park
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
- Address: Dinnet, Aboyne AB34 5NB
- Opening Times: Open year-round.
- Tel Number: 01339 881667
- Email Address: nnr@snh.gov.uk
- Website: Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve
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.
Discover more free places to visit in Scotland with: The Best FREE Things to Do in Scotland – Ultimate Visitor Guide.
