A new open-top bus is set to offer locals and visitors alike the chance to see the Granite City in a whole new light.
The Aberdeen Adventurer will take passengers on a hop on-hop off tour of the city’s must-see, most Instagrammable landmarks, showcasing its rich history, vibrant culture and art scene, jaw-dropping architecture and stunning natural beauty.
Launching for Easter weekend on April 18, the tour will take in sights including the picture postcard fishing village of Fittie, the Sir Alex Ferguson statue at Pittodrie, the medieval King’s College, the ancient St Machar’s Cathedral, the riverside Duthie Park, newly-revamped Union Terrace Gardens and the world-class Aberdeen Art Gallery.
With the Granite City set to host tens of thousands of visitors this year with major events like the Tall Ships and Offshore Europe, it’s the perfect time to launch the Aberdeen Adventurer.
A partnership between McGill’s Xplore, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, VisitAberdeenshire and Aberdeen Inspired, the service will initially run six rotations per day, seven days a week on a 90-minute cycle with the tour lasting around 75 minutes for one circuit.
The route includes 10 stops: Broad Street, High Street in Old Aberdeen, Pittodrie, Aberdeen Beach, Fittie, Guild Street (for Union Square, rail and bus stations), Duthie Park, Queens Road, Union Street (Music Hall) and Rosemount Viaduct (His Majesty’s Theatre).
Just some of the many attractions covered by the route include:
- Marischal College
- Provost Skene’s House
- Denis Law statue
- ‘Poised’ sculpture
- The original BrewDog pub
- King’s College
- Old Aberdeen & University of Aberdeen campus
- Old Town House
- Cruickshank Botanic Garden, St Machar’s Cathedral & Seaton Park
- Pittodrie Stadium and Sir Alex Ferguson statue
- Aberdeen Science Centre
- Beach Ballroom
- Codona’s Amusement Park, Queens Links Leisure and beach front cafes
- Fittie historic fishing village
- Aberdeen Maritime Museum
- Shiprow Village
- Duthie Park
- Old Brig o’ Dee
- Gordon Highlanders Museum, Rubislaw Quarry, Johnston Gardens & Hazlehead Park (On foot or by service bus via Queens Road West)
- Queen’s Cross
- West End independent shops & cafes
- Aberdeen’s amazing Nuart trail
- The Music Hall
- Union Terrace Gardens
- His Majesty’s Theatre
- Aberdeen Art Gallery and Cowdray Hall
- St Nicholas Kirk
- Castlegate & Mercat Cross
- Aberdeen Townhouse
Ticket holders will have access to a number of great discounts and offers from partners: BrewDog, Mackies 19.2, Aberdeen FC, Aberdeen Science Centre, Codona’s Amusement Park, Shiprow Village venues, and The Terrace Bar & Café.
The idea for the bus was touted several years ago during an Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce-run initiative called Vanguard.
Vanguard convened like-minded people from across the North-east who wanted to play their role in shaping the future of the city and helped bring the now iconic “ABERDEEN” letters to the city.
Chief executive of the Chamber Russell Borthwick said: “The spirit of Vanguard is alive and well with another fantastic project poised to launch this month.
“We’ve devised an amazing route, a first-class new product for visitors to the Granite City and it’s a great culmination of the best sort of partnership in action.
“See you on board!”
Chris Foy, chief executive of VisitAberdeenshire, said: “The Aberdeen Adventurer is set to be a wonderful way to discover and indeed rediscover our city whether our visitors are here for a weekend break, a conference, or a day ashore from a cruise ship.
“Studies in Birmingham and Valencia have demonstrated that such sightseeing tours can influence visitors’ decision to extend their stay, and explore deeper, especially as such tours often take place shortly after arrival, allowing time to return to points along the route.
“Such outcomes are perfectly aligned with the ambition in our tourism strategy to encourage greater geographic spread, and reasons to stay longer and spend more in the city. We’re delighted to welcome this addition to the Aberdeen visitor experience.”
Stephen Riggans, area director, McGill’s Buses, said: "Aberdeen’s tourism scene is thriving, with around 2 million visitors a year - and we’re beyond excited to introduce ‘The Aberdeen Adventurer’ to the city!
“With the expansion of the South Harbour transforming Aberdeen into a premier cruise destination and over 70 cruise calls bringing thousands of visitors planned for 2025, there’s never been a better time to help visitors explore the Granite City.
“This new open-top tour will perfectly complement the many fantastic things to see and do in Aberdeen, offering a fresh and exciting way to experience its incredible history, breathtaking architecture, and stunning coastline.
“Whether you're arriving by sea, discovering the city for the first time, or seeing it from a new perspective, we can't wait to welcome you aboard for an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Aberdeen!"
Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of the finance and resources committee at Aberdeen City Council, said: “It is fantastic news that the Aberdeen Adventurer will be operating in our city in a matter of weeks.
“This provides a real opportunity for the increasing number of visitors to our city, and for those already living here, to get around Aberdeen and see everything our city has to offer.”
Day tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions, including students and £8 for children between five and 15 years old.
Under-fives travel for free when accompanied by an adult (one child per fare-paying adult), and family tickets for two adults and up to three children are available for £32.
Tickets will be available to buy on a dedicated section of the McGill’s Xplore website - which is set to go live this week - as well as on board the bus itself.