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

3.9 (22 reviews) Aberdeen, Scotland
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Duration1h - 2h
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers

Overview

Explore the murkier corners of Aberdeen at your own pace with this highly acclaimed self guided audio walking tour of Aberdeen.  Beginning from the Mercat Cross, you'll weave your way through hundreds of years of history while discovering the stories of piracy, slavery, and insurrection that the city hides in plain sight.  Hear about "Indian Pete" and his efforts to banish child slavery.  The tour is ready whenever you feel like taking a stroll. It plays audio automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline. It does not need a network connection to work. If you've got an hour and want to see some of the grisly and gloomy corners that Aberdeen has to offer – this is the tour for you!

What's included

  • VoiceMap Application
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Lifetime access to 'Dark Aberdeen: Piracy, Slavery and Insurrection' tour
  • Smartphone
  • Transportation
  • Food/drinks
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

What to expect

  1. Marischal College
    40m · Admission ticket not included
    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.
  2. Aberdeen Maritime Museum
    Pass by
    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
    Pass by
    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
    Pass by
    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
    Pass by
    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
    Pass by
    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.

Meeting and pickup

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.

End point

Additional information

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

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

3.9 (22)
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Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator
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