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

21 Reviews 3.90 out of 5 stars Based on 21 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Aberdeen, Scotland

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On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

30 to 40 minutes (approx.)
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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
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Mercat Cross
Castle Street, Aberdeen AB11 5HP, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Marischal Square
Upperkirkgate, Aberdeen AB10 1BA, UK

What To Expect

Marischal College

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 HouseThe exact route can be seen upon downloading or viewing the tour. Audio from the tour can also be previewed at this site.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-110804P5

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Reviews

3.90
21 reviews

Average 3.90 out of 5 stars based on 21 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
11
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
2

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On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • 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

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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Non-refundable

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This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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