Aberdeen Tall Ships

The countdown is on for the Tall Ships Races 2025 which returns to Aberdeen, Scotland's third largest city, after 28 years. Expecting 50 Tall Ships from across the globe from 19 - 22 July 2025, the Port of Aberdeen will host the four-day world famous sailing extravaganza and the city will buzz with sailors, visitors, navy bands, street performers, dancers and entertainers. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of this truly memorable international experience, staying at the 4* Sandman Signature Hotel Aberdeen. Your hotel is just 10 - 15 minutes' walk to the bustling North Harbour with its energetic party atmosphere, where much of the festival and entertainment will take place. Explore more of welcoming Aberdeenshire with a visit to a Scottish tower house castle, relax in a re-created Scottish Renaissance walled garden, get a taste for life inside at 'Scotland's Toughest Jail' and get up close and personal with some iconic Highland cattle. Be sure to book early for this special tour to the sparkling city by the sea. Aberdeen!A truly remarkable international experience
Day 1 - To Northumberland - After joining your holiday coach, travel north with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Your overnight stop is the excellent Holiday Inn Newcastle Gosforth, located north of the city. DBBnnDay 2 - To Aberdeen - Head north into the borders of Scotland and onward to the Firth of Forth and into Fife and Perthshire to reach your destination, the 'Granite City' of Aberdeen later today. Check into the centrally located Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel for 4 nights. DBB. This evening there will be a grand finale of fireworks on the seafront before the ships set sail the following day.nnDay 3 - 5 At leisure in Aberdeen with two included excursions and a full day at leisure on Tuesday 22 July for the final day of the Tall Ships 2025 when the ships set sail for Kristiansand in Norway. Their departure will be marked by a parade of sail along the beach esplanade offering a memorable farewell. The big stage programme will include a diverse mix of local and Scottish talent, from sea shanties and choirs to street performers, maritime themed exhibitions, artists, crew and navy bands as well as visiting headline acts. Your hotel is ideally located to easily walk to the North Harbour where the majority of events and activities will be taking place. Full details of Tall Ships 2025 still TBCnnAberdeen Tall Ships Races on the horizon nCredit: Port of AberdeenAberdeen is a compact city with wide open spaces. As well as unique architecture, the 'Granite City'. boasts plenty of attractions to keep you busy and to offer a glimpse into the city's culture and history - from its seafaring heritage at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum (entrance FOC) to the exotic plants and tranquil ponds of Duthie Park. Aberdeen has two Old Towns: Old Aberdeen, with its cobbled streets, mature trees and 15th century fortified cathedral. And Footdee, a quirky fishing quarter at the water's edge, with squares of tiny cottages, flower-filled gardens and brightly painted outhouses, their eccentric decorations drawing on the city's seafaring soul.nnINCLUDED EXCURSIONSnCRATHES CASTLE & ABERDEENSHIRE COOSnHead off today for an included visit to Crathes Castle, a magnificent 16th century castle near Banchory. Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills and set within its own glorious gardens, Crathes Castle is every inch the classic Scottish tower house, home to the Burnett family for over 350 years. You can expect an intricate maze of turrets, towers, gargoyles, oak panels, painted ceilings and the Horn of Leys, given to the Burnetts in the 14th century by Robert the Bruce. The walled garden is a wonderful jungle of history, encompassing sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colours and modern exotic blooms. The massive yew hedges are thought to have been planted as early as 1702.nnTime for a bite to eat in Banchory town before travelling the very short distance to the Lochton of Leys Farmhouse, home of Aberdeenshire Highland Beef where you will meet Grace who gave up city life to turn her hand to rearing her own Highland Cattle for beef. Get up close and personal with her herd of pedigree Highland Cattle and learn about the history of this hardy native breed and how they are farmed today, on a one hour guided tour. Enjoy a beef tasting with tea/coffee/shortbread afterwards before heading back to Aberdeen. NB Strong, sturdy footwear recommended for the farm visitnnPETERHEAD PRISON MUSEUM & PITMEDDEN GARDENSnExperience what 'real' prison life was like as you step back in time and walk through 125 years of turbulent history inside 'Scotland's Toughest Jail'. The former Victorian HM Convict Prison Peterhead is unique in that it sits within a 6 acre site, had the first state owned railway in the UK and saw the only time the SAS (Special Air Service) was used to end a domestic siege in mainland Britain. The museum highlights the work of the personnel that served here between 1888- 2013 and you will see what “real” prison life was like, whilst listening to the officers speak of their experiences as part of the audio tour that accompanies you through the cells, kitchen, booking in area, laundry, shower block and hospital areas. NB There is quite a bit of walking during the tour and there are some uneven surfaces but there are ramps, handrails and seating around the museum as well as a lift to the first floor. There is a small cafe on site too.nnOnward to Pitmedden Gardens, a re-created Scottish Renaissance walled garden with vibrant floral designs and Museum of Farming Life, in the rolling Aberdeenshire countryside. With almost six miles of clipped hedging, sculptures and built heritage, the parterres at the heart of the garden are a masterpiece of intricate patterns and fragrant flowers. Admire the colourful blooms and rare plants that adorn the Great Garden, wander through orchards, stroll along pathways, or relax beneath ancient trees. Whether you're a horticulture enthusiast or seeking tranquillity, Pitmedden Garden promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.nnDay 6 - To Gretna Green Your final day in Scotland sees you heading south to the border with a stop en-route in Stirling, a small city with a big history. Known for historic attractions, castle (entrance not included) and spectacular scenery, Stirling is a great place for a spot of shopping or something to eat or drink. Your final overnight stop is at Gretna Hall Hotel in Gretna Green. DBBnnDay 7 - It's farewell to Scotland as you continue south as you head back to interchange with comfort stops en-route arriving home during the evening

Holiday Highlights
- Hotel in central Aberdeen for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Overnight hotel for 2 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage in Aberdeen- Tea /coffee after dinner- Excursions as described- Day at leisure in Aberdeen for Tall Ships 2025- Entrance to Pitmedden Gardens- Entrance to Peterhead Prison Museum- Entrance to Crathes Castle- Farm tour & talk at Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle with beef tasting, tea / coffee & shortbread- En-route stop in StirlingSandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel
Located in one of Aberdeen's most historic buildings about 10 minutes' walk from the centre, this stylish 4* hotel is ideally situated for a visit to 'The Granite City'. nnThere are 218 beautifully appointed bedrooms equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a lift as well as some ground floor rooms. nnThere is a restaurant and bar as well as a traditional whisky lounge with Scottish decor and dark wood interiors. Spa treatments available at additional charge. Singles are double / twin for sole occupancy. All rooms have walk-in showers.n