The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk

Aberdeen, GB
82% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (17 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Voicemap application
  • inclusion
    Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • inclusion
    Lifetime access to 'dark aberdeen: piracy, slavery and insurrection' tour

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Smartphone
  • exclusion
    Transportation
  • exclusion
    Food/drinks
  • exclusion
    Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Meeting Point

Start at the Mercat Cross at the Eastern end of Union Street, a short walk from the Visit Scotland centre. 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

Mercat Cross, Castle St, Aberdeen AB11 5HP , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1

Marischal College

The tour takes you on a wandering walk beginning at the Mercat Cross, near the Tourist Office, and ending with a dramatic view of the city's crown jewel - Marischall College. Start the tour in the app, put your phone in your pocket, and let your guide direct you through the streets. The total walking distance is approximately 1.5km and takes about an hour without stopping, but you can pause anytime! Most people will opt to stop for a coffee or ice-cream snack or for photography opportunities along the way. The narration is crisply mastered by a professional audio engineering staff, and the tour creates an engaging experience that is suitable for all ages that can wear ear buds. Key landmarks include: • Mercat Cross (Market Cross) • Aberdeen Harbour • Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Provost Ross House • Marischal Square and Marischal College • Provost Skene's House The exact route can be seen upon downloading or viewing the tour. Audio from the tour can also be previewed at this site.

Duration 40 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
2

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

The Aberdeen Maritime Museum charts the close relationship between Aberdeen, its harbour and the sea. Inside there are fascinating exhibits from the fishing, ship building and oil industries.

3

Provost Ross House

Provost Ross' House was built in 1593 and is the second oldest building in Aberdeen. Provost John Ross was the Mayor of Aberdeen from 1710 to 1712. Ross made his money as a ship owner. You can see the harbour from the windows of his house.

4

The Green

The Green was once a flourishing market area and is still used as such on Fridays. It’s now surrounded by bars, restaurants and small businesses.

5

Provost Skene's House

Sir George Skene was Provost of the city from 1676 for 9 years and is most notable for his old house. The rooms are furnished in the styles of the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries. Inside there are collections of coins and local history.

6

Marischal Square

Marischal Square is a £107 million pound development that blends the old with the new. It houses a hotel, shops and offices right in the heart of Aberdeen. You'll find the famous Mackie's ice cream parlour here.

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 and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by VoiceMap Audio Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Start early to avoid crowds.
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    Bring earbuds for better audio quality.
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    Don't miss Marischal College at the end.
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    Consider a coffee stop at nearby cafes.
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    Download the app before arriving.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Discover the hidden secrets and dark history of Aberdeen with "The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk." This highly acclaimed audio tour takes you on a fascinating journey through the murkier corners of the city, delving into stories of piracy, slavery, and insurrection that have been hidden in plain sight for centuries. Starting from the Mercat Cross, you'll meander through the streets, guided by a captivating narration that plays automatically at the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app. Best of all, you can enjoy this tour at your own pace, taking breaks whenever you like while still not missing out on any crucial details.

What to expect?

During this immersive self-guided walking tour, you can expect to spend approximately 30 to 40 minutes exploring the dark side of Aberdeen. The tour starts at the Mercat Cross, a short walk from the Visit Scotland centre. As you follow the route, you'll pass by key landmarks such as the Aberdeen Harbour, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Marischal Square, and Provost Skene's House. The total walking distance is around 1.5km, providing ample opportunity to soak in the atmosphere and capture memorable photographs. The professionally mastered narration ensures an engaging experience suitable for all ages, making it a must-do activity for both locals and tourists.

Who is this for?

This self-guided audio tour is perfect for curious individuals who want to delve into the lesser-known history of Aberdeen. It caters to a wide range of audiences, from history enthusiasts wanting to uncover the city's secrets to those seeking a unique and immersive way to explore Aberdeen's streets. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this tour provides an enlightening and captivating experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city.

Why book this?

Book "The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk" to unlock the hidden stories and secrets that lie beneath the surface of this historic city. Step into a world of piracy, slavery, and insurrection as you traverse grim and gloomy corners that Aberdeen has to offer. With the convenience of the VoiceMap mobile app, the tour plays audio directly at the right locations, enriching your exploration with fascinating anecdotes and tales. Furthermore, the tour is completely flexible, allowing you to start, pause, or restart at any time and complete it at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the dark history of Aberdeen and uncover the intriguing narratives that have shaped the city over centuries.

Good to know

When embarking on "The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk," it's important to have the VoiceMap app installed on your smartphone before starting the tour. The tour begins at the Mercat Cross, near the Tourist Office, and concludes with a stunning view of Marischall College, the city's crown jewel. Along the route, you'll have the opportunity to take breaks for refreshments or capture photographs. The narration is professionally engineered, guaranteeing a high-quality audio experience. The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes and covers a distance of around 1.5km. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Aberdeen with this unique and engaging self-guided audio walk.

Reviews

This self-guided audio walk has received rave reviews from those who have experienced it. Visitors have praised the tour for its captivating storytelling, immersive nature, and the convenience of the VoiceMap app. They've been enthralled by the hidden tales of piracy, slavery, and insurrection that Aberdeen holds, making the city's history come alive. Whether they were history enthusiasts or casual tourists, everyone has found value in this well-crafted tour. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the dark side of Aberdeen and uncover the city's intriguing past.

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