500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Aberdeen, GB
66% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (29 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • inclusion
    Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • inclusion
    VoiceMap app for Android and iOS

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Transportation
  • exclusion
    Smartphone and headphones
  • exclusion
    Food and drink
  • exclusion
    Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Meeting Point

Start outside the Tolbooth Museum on Union Street. Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace.

Meeting point

Castle St, Aberdeen AB11 5BB , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

This tour ends outside the Aberdeen Town House a few metres from the start location and within easy access to public transport.

Meeting point

Union St, Aberdeen AB11 5BU , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1
The Tolbooth Museum

Now a museum, this used to be the gaol, where criminals in Aberdeen were kept. We’ll point out where public hangings used to take place as we start off our tour on crime and punishment in Aberdeen.

2

Castlegate

The Mercat Cross is where public announcements would be made – and public punishment would be handed out. The structure is decorated with carvings of Scottish monarchs and we’ll be focusing on the story of one queen and how she dealt with an outbreak of treason.

3

Salvation Army Citadel

The tower of this impressive building is modelled on the one at Balmoral Castle. We’ll pass by it on the tour and it makes a great photo stop.

4
St. Andrew's Cathedral

We’ll pass through Seabury Court next to St Andrew’s Cathedral to give you a sense of the winding streets Aberdeen used to have.

5

Marischal College

This used to be part of the University of Aberdeen and was traditionally where medical students would study. We’ll take you round the back to the Anatomy Rooms where dissections would take place and tell you all about Aberdeen’s relationship with bodysnatchers.

6
St. Nicholas Churchyard

An atmospheric graveyard, filled with lots of history. We’ll point out the grave of one doctor whose morals left a lot to be desired. You'll also see the ‘mither kirk’ of Aberdeen, which used to be the centre of early Aberdeen. Learn about horrible church punishments and how witches were imprisoned.

7

The Grn

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People have been living in The Green for thousands of years – but don’t make the mistake of thinking that makes it old fashioned. It’s a small hipster enclave in Aberdeen with lots of street art and independent restaurants and shops. Here you will hear stories of the child-snatching gang that used to operate in Aberdeen.

8

Aberdeen Harbour

Aberdeen grew up around its harbour - so it only makes sense that over the years it has been used for some particularly unpleasant punishments.

9
Aberdeen Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is a delightful little museum that helps you get to grips with Aberdeen’s maritime past, from fishing to the oil industry. We pass it on our tour and there is a chance to go in and explore for yourselves.

10

Aberdeen

This self-guided audio tour takes place in Aberdeen.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by VoiceMap Audio Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Download VoiceMap app before arrival
  • icon
    Stop by The Coffee House for a snack
  • icon
    Explore nearby Marischal College
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    Take public transport to reach start easily
  • icon
    Pause the tour to capture great photos

More About this Experience

Introduction

500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour is an immersive experience that takes you on a fascinating journey through Aberdeen's dark and intriguing past. On this tour, you'll explore the city's major landmarks while delving into the gripping stories of crime and punishment that unfolded over the last five centuries. From notorious bodysnatchers to witchcraft trials and unjust laws, this audio tour offers a unique perspective on the city's history.

What to expect?

During the 45 to 135-minute adventure, you can anticipate an enthralling exploration of Aberdeen's hidden secrets. With the help of your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, the tour will play audio automatically, guiding you to the exact locations where historic events occurred. You'll witness iconic sites like Marischal College and the Mercat Cross, while immersing yourself in the gripping narratives of crime and punishment that took place there. This self-guided tour allows you to set your own pace, pause whenever you like, and resume at your convenience.

Who is this for?

This self-guided audio tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and curious explorers alike. Whether you're a local looking to uncover hidden tales or a visitor eager to immerse yourself in Aberdeen's rich history, this tour is designed to captivate and educate. It's an ideal activity for individuals, couples, friends, or families with older children who appreciate historical stories filled with suspense, intrigue, and a touch of the macabre. Don't miss this opportunity to discover Aberdeen's fascinating past in a unique and immersive way.

Why book this?

Unleash your inner detective and embark on a thrilling journey through the darker side of Aberdeen's history. This self-guided audio tour provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, offering a truly personalized experience. With the VoiceMap mobile app, you'll be transported back in time as the audio narratives unfold precisely where they happened. The engaging storytelling, combined with the city's iconic landmarks, creates an immersive adventure unlike any other. This tour allows you to unlock the secrets of Aberdeen's past and gain a deeper understanding of its culture, traditions, and the resilience of its people.

Good to know

Before embarking on the tour, make sure to download the VoiceMap mobile app and enter the provided code in advance. The self-guided audio tour starts outside the Tolbooth Museum on Union Street, easily accessible via public transportation. The tour covers a total walking distance of 3km, taking approximately 45 minutes without stopping. However, feel free to pause or take your time exploring each location. Remember to bring your smartphone and headphones to fully enjoy the immersive audio experience. Get ready to uncover the secrets of Aberdeen's intriguing past in a way that fits your schedule and interests.

Reviews

Previous participants rave about their engaging and immersive experience on the 500 Years of Crime and Punishment audio tour. They commend the audio narratives, which bring the stories to life, and appreciate the ability to explore at their own pace. Travelers particularly enjoyed visiting the iconic landmarks and learning about the fascinating and often unseen history of Aberdeen. Many rate this self-guided tour with five stars, calling it an exceptional way to learn about the city's past, all while feeling like a true adventurer. Don't miss out on this captivating journey through time.

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