🏛️ City Centre Heritage Walk
This walking route takes you through the historic and cultural heart of Aberdeen, from grand civic buildings to green spaces and the harbour.
Starting at Marischal College, the route passes key landmarks including Provost Skene’s House, St Nicholas Kirk, and Aberdeen Art Gallery before moving through the city’s cultural quarter and down Union Street towards the Maritime Museum.
It’s an easy, mostly flat walk that gives you a great introduction to Aberdeen’s architecture, history, and modern city life.
🗺️ Route Map
Use this map to follow the walking route in order from start to finish.
🏛️ Stop 1: Marischal College
Start at Marischal College, one of the most iconic granite buildings in the world and a defining landmark of Aberdeen’s city centre.
Massive granite façade
Robert the Bruce statue
Historic civic heart of the city
🏠 Stop 2: Provost Skene’s House
A short walk away is Provost Skene's House, one of the city’s oldest surviving buildings.
Restored historic townhouse
Small exhibitions on Aberdeen’s past
Quick but worthwhile stop
⛪ Stop 3: St Nicholas Kirk (Optional)
Continue up Schoolhill towards St Nicholas Kirk.
Known as “The Mither Kirk”
Historic church at the heart of old Aberdeen life
Worth a short stop or photo break
🖼️ Stop 4: Aberdeen Art Gallery
Visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery, one of the city’s best cultural attractions.
Recently refurbished interior
Free entry
Strong mix of historic and modern art
🎭 Stop 5: Cultural Walk to Union Terrace Gardens
From the Art Gallery, head towards Union Terrace Gardens, passing key cultural landmarks along the way:
🎹 Cowdray Hall (classical music & events)
🎭 His Majesty’s Theatre (HMT)
🗿 William Wallace Statue
This short stretch gives a strong sense of Aberdeen’s cultural quarter.
🌳 Stop 6: Union Terrace Gardens
Enter Union Terrace Gardens from the upper access points.
Recently redeveloped green space
Views down into the city
Good place to pause before heading to Union Street
🛍️ Stop 7: Union Street
Continue onto Union Street, Aberdeen’s historic main thoroughfare.
Granite architecture
Shops, cafés, and city life
Signs of ongoing regeneration and redevelopment
Look out for Belmont Street for food and drink
Another entrance to St Nicholas Kirk and historic graveyard
⚓ Stop 8: Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Finish at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum.
Free entry
Excellent harbour views
Story of Aberdeen’s maritime and energy history
🛒 Optional Extension: Union Square
Just a short walk away is Union Square:
Continue down Ship’s Row to Market Street
Food, shopping, and transport hub
Ideal for ending the walk or grabbing lunch
🧭 Route Summary
Marischal College → Provost Skene’s House → St Nicholas Kirk → Art Gallery → Cowdray Hall → HMT → William Wallace Statue → Union Terrace Gardens → Union Street → Maritime Museum → Union Square (optional)