Top Northeast Scotland Historical Tours

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.

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.

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 and a photo shoot on the iconic Swilkan Bridge (excludes tournament days). Gain recommendations for a few more bucket list things to do here, and hear memorable Road Hole moments before rounding off your tour by the Old Course Jigger Inn. April to September: 10am, 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm* October to March: 10 am, 12 noon, 2pm* (Sundays - Walk on the Old Course fairway - excludes championship/tournament days) *Check the booking calendar for availability Tours endorsed by famed Golf historian David Joy.

Explore the historic port city of Aberdeen and discover its hidden gems among the towering granite buildings and neo-gothic architecture. Find modern street art around unassuming corners, and find the city’s tunnels that form a maze underneath the streets. Learn about the witch trials that went on here in the 1500s-1600s, and see the old town where the city began as a tiny fishing village.

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 ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, the last resting place of over 100 noted golfers, as well as the castle and Scotland’s oldest university. Learn about the evolution of golf at the Old Course and take a picture of the famous Swilkan Bridge.

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.

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.

Visit the stunning Northeast Coast of Aberdeenshire and it will steal your heart. On this tour we will visit some of the region's most dramatic coastline. Taking time to wander through some of the most beautiful fishing villages including Gardenstown and Crovie, to learn about its maritime past and present. Hear stories about a few influential characters and ‘Local Heroes’ who called this countryside home. From working harbours to abandoned castles and tall cliffs where the seabird colonies cling to nest, this tour will immerse you in the heritage of the northeast and its connection to the sea.

St Andrews; the home of golf. What better way to discover St Andrews golf legacy and the Old Course than with a local expert! With flexible meeting and end points, and a dedicated local guide, maximise your time in St Andrews on a private tour. Do something different and discover the controversies and quirks of golf, as well as a local insight into the politics of golf in the town. Get the insider scoop to the Royal and Ancient politics from a local outsider - without the bias. From the origins of the sport, and spending time on the 1st, 17th & 18th fairways, finish off with a photo on the famous Swilken Bridge, discover our incredible legacy with your local guide. You'll also see where some of the most famous shots in golf history took place (The Sands of Nakajima, Eisenhower on the Old Course etc.). Discover: Royal and Ancient Club Royal and Ancient Golf Museum 1st Tee & Fairway Putting Green 17th Green 18th Fairway Swilken Bridge …and many more hidden gems!

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!  

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.

Learn all about the ancient city of St Andrews along with golf history with a historian guide. As well as being the birthplace of golf, St Andrews has a world-famous university and cathedral, visited by monarchs and royalty for hundreds of years. Hear about the Pictish kings and clans who once lived here, and the Scottish royals who called this place their home. See gothic architecture side by side with humble fisherman’s cottages, and explore side streets and hidden closes you wouldn’t find on your own.

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.

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.

Explore St Andrews the way you want to, spend quality time with a local and get a real taste for our beautiful town. With flexible meeting and end points, and a dedicated local guide, maximise your time in St Andrews on a private tour. A quaint town beaming with locals, students from all over the world and even royalty, St Andrew’s is charming, whichever way you look! From the international home of golf, to the world’s third oldest university, with one of the most beautiful shorelines on the east coast, there’s something for everyone in this idyllic town. Join us on a 1.5 hour leisurely stroll around the main sights of the town with an expert, local guide and learn things you wouldn't learn visiting yourself. Discover St Andrews as you walk in the footsteps of golfing legends, royals, heretics who were burned at the stake, famous cats and those who live in St Andrews today

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 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.

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.

Fall in love with the city of St Andrews on this walking tour of all the most scenic places and notable locations in the area. Learn about the turbulent history of St Andrews as you visit the cathedral and the historic St Andrews University, and discover little-known facts about the city as you walk along the cobbled streets. Hear stories about local pubs, homes and churches, and discover its hidden gems—and gain recommendations for places to eat, drink and visit once the tour is over.

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.

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.

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.

This is a 2-7 day private tour of the Scottish Highlands operated by Dirty Daves.... there is no set Itinerary..... no rules and no holds barred..... join Dave for the most crazy and unique tour of Scotland.