Top Northeast Scotland Art & Culture

Famed across the globe as the Home of Golf, St. Andrews has more than just links to offer. Discover its history and lesser-known aspects of the beautiful game when you join these golf-oriented heritage tours, led by local author and historian Richard Falconer. Visit the Links, the Golf Inn, and the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, last resting place of over 100 noted golfers; discover the castle’s gory history and Scotland’s oldest university too.

This guided tour is a great introduction to Scotland and ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time. You'll pass by some of Scotland's most famous castles and mountains, see the ancient Clava Cairns, learn about the doomed Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield. You'll also visit the mysterious Loch Ness where you can take an optional boat trip.

Learn more about St. Andrews than is possible wandering around alone by booking this guided walking tour. In a small group, your guide will bring the town to life as you take a leisurely stroll to such attractions as St Andrews' Cathedral, St Andrews' Castle, the Old Course, the University of St. Andrews and hidden gems that most visitors miss.

Discover the beauty and royal heritage of the Royal Deeside on this small-group tour from Aberdeen. Head first for Balmoral Castle where you can walk in the footsteps of the royals who have called the castle home. Afterward, head through the east Cairngorms to Ballater, a charming Victorian village of Ballater with royal connections. On the way back to Aberdeen, you'll visit the Cambus O'May suspension bridge, the Tomnavarie Stone Circle, and the Queen's View, one of Queen Victoria's favorite Aberdeenshire views.

While St. Andrews is famous for being the birthplace of golf, follow your historian guide Richard Falconer to see what else this historic town has in store. Explore the dark history of St Andrews, and learn about its famous guests over the years including Mary Queen of Scots. Learn about how the town and university were looking for the lost treasure of the famous cathedral for 50 years.

These are 'bucket list' award-winning tours with Richard Falconer, author, historian, guide and 1980s Pro A1 Old Course Caddie. Aimed primarily at those with a more in-depth interest in golf, you will learn about the origins and the development of both the game and the Old Course through a timeline spanning the 18th to 20th century, plus the Open and Dunhill history. April to September: 10am, 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm, 5:30pm* October to March: 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm* (Sundays throughout the year - Walk on the Old Course fairway - excludes championship/tournament days) *Check booking calendar for availability Learn about the local landmarks, the Himalayas, reversed bunkers, flags and, rabbit wars. Have a photo shoot on the iconic Swilkan Bridge. Gain recommendations for a few more bucket list things to do here, and hear some of Richard's memorable Road Hole moments before rounding off your tour by the Od Course Jigger Inn. Richards tours are endorsed by famed Golf historian David Joy.

Visit “Scotland’s Alcatraz”, long the country’s only high-security prison, without the hassle of waiting in line at the ticket office. Head straight inside and follow the audio tour to learn about the 125-year history of the former HM Convict Prison, including the infamous 1987 siege and Britain’s first state-owned railway. Walk through the galleries and halls as you listen to the stories of prison officers for a fully immersive experience.

Having to wait in long lines puts a damper on trip activities, but pre-booking your ticket means you can skip the line to enter the Dundee Botanic Garden. Once inside, you are free to explore the garden and temperate arboretum housing botanical wonders collected from all over the world.

In a town as ancient as St. Andrews, there is sure to be paranormal activity. Join local author and paranormal guide Richard Falconer on a ghost tour around St. Andrews, and explore the real-life stories it’s hiding. No actors, myths, or jump-scares, this is a tour of some of St. Andrews’ ancient sites. Learn about the unseen world of the paranormal on this unique tour.

Discover the northeast coast with our small group tour and we will visit some of the region's most dramatic coastline. Visiting a few of Aberdeenshire's most beautiful fishing villages, learn about its maritime past, influential characters and hero's and marvel at the views along the way.

Aberdeen is an often-overlooked Scottish city but should not be missed. This small-group tour will introduce you to the highlights and history of "the Granite City." You'll visit the university's 15th-century buildings, 12th-century cathedral with a dark secret, Scotland's oldest bridge, and even visit a secret graveyard that even many locals don't know about.

Soak up Scottish history and some of the country's most stunning scenery on this day tour from Aberdeen. After visiting the cliff top fortress of Dunnottar Castle, you'll head for Royal Deeside where you'll see ancient forest and magnificent waterfalls, and discover why the area is a longtime favorite vacation destination for the British royal family.

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!  

Discover Aberdeen through a local's eyes, discovering local history and culture on this 1.5 hour walking tour with your guide every day at 2pm. Discover Aberdeen's rich history from being a small fishing settlement to the centre of oil for Europe. Make your way through some of the oldest streets, explore tunnels and retrace the steps of some of Aberdeen's most important figures in our (sometimes very dark) history. You'll also discover the amazing street art that has overtaken Aberdeen and has become a huge part of the culture. From unassuming corners to major buildings, there’s art around every turn and your guide knows just where to find the best of the best. Key sights: Marischal College St Nicholas' Kirk Netherkirkgate Tunnels and Witch Trials Shiprow Union St Amazing Aberdeen Street Art And other hidden gems!

Aberdeenshire is known for its density of castles and historic buildings but, without your own transportation, getting around can be tricky. Skip the hassle of navigating public transit with this private tour. In the company of just your group and a guide, explore the history-rich region and enjoy the flexibility of adapting the itinerary to your specific interests.

Whisky distilleries abound in Scotland and deciding where to go can be tricky, while driving between distilleries takes tastings off the table. That’s not a problem on this intimate small-group tour, as your driver-guide transports you to two specially selected distilleries in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach. There, learn about the history and production of whisky, before sampling for yourself.

Look out for sea creatures, ancient castles, and beautiful beaches on this tour along Scotland’s North East Coast. On this tour, you venture from Aberdeen and travel along Scotland’s North East Coast. You stumble upon strange caves and rock formations, spot dolphins at sea, and admire a grand castle that inspired scenes from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Your driver-guide keeps you entertained with stories from the past and will even recommend their favourite place to taste traditional Scottish Cullen Skink soup at your lunch stop in Cullen. Join this tour, explore the shores, and discover the wonders of North East Scotland.

Discover a side to Aberdeen that you won't get on a typical sightseeing tour. This self-guided audio tour takes you through the ancient streets of the Granite City and deep into the depths of its murky past. Hear tales of bodysnatching, witchcrafts trials, and more as you stroll between such historic landmarks as Marischal College and the Mercat Cross.

Discover the compelling and dramatic 200-year-long story of the Gordon Highlanders at the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen. The museum takes you on a journey in the footsteps of the soldiers, from the Napoleonic Wars to the modern day, using spectacular displays, film, and guides. With a pre-booked skip-the-line ticket, you won't waste a minute of your visit.

Although most famous for its castles, Scotland has an interesting culinary heritage. Get a true taste of the country during a full-day tour that visits the Glen Garioch Whiskey Distillery and three major historical attractions. Letting someone else drive means you’ll have more time to focus on northern Scotland’s stunning scenery and can skip worrying about getting lost on rural roads.

Discover the best of the Scottish Highlands on this small-group tour from Aberdeen. Visit such historic sites as the Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns, as well as Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness, and quaint mountain villages. As you explore, your guide will introduce you to the rich history of the area and some of its most scenic viewpoints.

Explore Aberdeen at your own pace with this acclaimed self guided audio tour of Aberdeen.  Beginning from Holburn Junction at the west end of Union Street, you'll weave your way through timeless streets while discovering the stories that the city hides in plain sight.  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. If you've got an hour and want to see all the major historical and cultural themes that Aberdeen has to offer – this is the tour for you!  

Time Exposure Travel will take you on a tour to some of the most interesting historical areas of Aberdeen, chosen from the attractions listed in the itinerary. In Old Aberdeen we explore the buildings of the 15th Century University, a 12th Century Cathedral with an amazing heraldic ceiling and a dark secret, Scotland's oldest bridge, other fascinating areas and a secret graveyard very few locals know about. In the city centre and in the shadow of impressive historical buildings, you learn about the brutal realities of medieval times, including burnings, drownings, hangings, and floggings. Also, Aberdeen has been the site of military invasions, riots and body snatching and you also find out about the local officials who colluded in the 18th century to kidnap and sell children. Our tour covers 800 captivating years. Access to Chapel interiors is subject to availability and seasonal opening times. Please contact us for details. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT.

Uncover the secrets of Scotland's "City of Discovery." This self-guided audio tour of Dundee leads you beyond the city's main tourist attractions and gets you under the skin of a city with a polarizing reputation. Simply download to your phone, pause whenever you like, and explore at your own pace.