Enjoy a summer break in Aberdeen
9 reasons why you should head to Aberdeen for a holiday this summer
If you’re looking for a getaway during the warmer months, a summer holiday in Aberdeen can offer everything you need with a perfect mix of urban and country...
There is a lot to do in the country’s third largest city and the surrounding area. It won’t fail to keep you entertained as a family, a couple or a solo adventurer. Plus if its good enough for the Royal Family it will probably suit the rest of us just fine!
Let us treat you like Royality at the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa. We are proud of our two bedroomed suites and range of rooms with kitchenette facilities. An ideal base for your adventures!
So why should the Granite City be top of your holiday list this summer?
Check out our top 9 reasons to visit Aberdeen this summer:
Walking from Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa: 24 mins
Driving from Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotels & Spa: 8 mins
Did you know that just a short stroll from the city centre is an award-winning beach? Not only are there golden sands, ideal for taking a gentle walk, enjoying the sunshine or some family fun, but there’s also a large recreational area. There’s the Ice Arena, an 18-hole golf course, an extreme sports centre, and the beautiful art deco Beach Ballroom. Codona’s Amusements offers the traditional seaside fair, along with bowling and an indoor and outdoor adventure playground.
Many people take a refreshing dip in the sea – and there’s plenty of places nearby for a restorative hot drink or a refreshing ice cream, depending on the weather! If you’re into beach-combing, you can scour the coastline for sparkling sea glass and shells.
Particularly at the Northern end of the promenade, you may catch a glimpse of some wildlife, including dolphins, waders and seabirds – and maybe the odd seal.
Having a beautiful beach so close to all the amenities of a modern city is perfect if you’re looking for a summer family break in Scotland.
Driving from Sandman Signature Aberdeen & Spa to Cairngorms National Park: 58 mins
The area is renowned for its unbelievably beautiful scenery, so if you are able to explore it’s well worth getting out there, whilst using the city as your base. The fresh air will take your breath away, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated. You’re not too far from the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, which is the largest in the whole of the UK and home to five of the six highest mountains in the country.
Take in the Munros (hills) with a sturdy pair of walking boots. Hire a bike, kayak or paddleboard and explore on dry land – or on wet. Getting out and active is always a good excuse to then end the day in a traditional Scottish hostelry, with a dram of the good stuff.
Walking from Sandman Signature Aberdeen & Spa to Aberdeen City Centre: 12 mins
Driving from Sandman Signature Aberdeen & Spa to Aberdeen City Centre: 3 mins
There’s plenty to do just within the magnificent city of Aberdeen itself, just a short stroll from the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel.
The Scotsman remarked that Aberdeen was one of the most architecturally distinctive cities in Europe – so just taking the time to walk round the city’s streets will see you marvelling at the sights.
With a classic mix of old and new, take in the charming Old Town, with the 15th-century fortified cathedral; Scotland’s oldest bridge, the 13th century Brig o' Balgownie; and the University of Aberdeen, which dates back to 1495. But you can also enjoy all the modern highlights you’d expect of a cosmopolitan city – perhaps doing a spot of shopping on Union Street and the surrounding area, finding some independent gems.
There’s lots of green areas throughout the city which are great spots for a picnic in the sunshine, including Seaton Park, on the banks of the River Don. Mr Therm is a popular former steam engine which has now become part of a playground – perfect for little explorers.
Walking from Sandman Signature Aberdeen & Spa to restaurants: On-site or up to 14 mins
Driving from Sandman Signature Aberdeen & Spa to restaurants: On-site or up to 5 mins
Love your food and drink? Aberdeen has got that covered. The hotel hosts a top rated CHOP Grill & Bar restaurant serving traditional Scottish fare with a twist.
Sandman Siganture Aberdeen Hotel & Spa is also perfectly located just a 9 minute walk away from one of the most top rated restaurants in Aberdeen: Monsoona Healthy Indian Cuisine, but if Indian isn't your thing then visit The Spiriualist that is only a 14 minute walk.
Plus Scotland’s biggest premium one-day food and drink festival will hit the city on 1st June 2024, celebrating high-quality local produce, tastings, masterclasses, celebrity chef demonstrations from the likes of James Martin and TikTok sensation Poppy O’Toole, tastings and family entertainment aplenty.
Walking from Sandman Signature Aberdeen & Spa to His Majesty's Theatre or Aberdeen Art Gallery: 5 mins
Driving from Sandman Signature Aberdeen & Spa to his Majesty's Theatre or Aberdeen City Centre: 1 mins
The renowned street art festival, Nuart Aberdeen, will return from 6-9 June 2024. You’ll get to see work from both acclaimed and up and coming street artists from around the world. It will add a splash of colour to the Granite City with everything from breath-taking large-scale murals to more intimate pieces. It definitely adds a vibrant buzz to the city. The award-winning Aberdeen Art Gallery is also well worth a visit, having been refurbished in 2019.
Live entertainment abounds in the city with a host of fantastic venues. From the P&J Live to His Majesty’s Theatre, the Music Hall to The Tivoli Theatre, you can see comedy, West End Shows and musical acts from all over the world – as well as plenty of locally grown talent.
Walking from Sandman Signature Aberdeen & Spa to Aberdeen Science Centre: 20 mins
Driving from Sandman Signature Aberdeen & Spa to Aberdeen Science Centre: 6 mins
There’s several really note-worthy museums in the city. These include the Aberdeen Science Centre, Zoology Museum, Aberdeen Maritime Museum and the Gordon Highlanders Museum.
Further afield, there’s the Grampian Transport Museum and the Braemar Highland Games Centre, which are well worth a visit.
There’s history around every corner in Aberdeenshire. It’s not called Scotland’s Castle Country for nothing! (there’s 263 in case you were wondering). And that doesn’t include the many historic churches, cathedrals and the ancient standing stones.
Spa Signature is our on-site spa so no travel required!
All holidays should include a little bit of R&R. And that’s why Signature Spa & Wellness at Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa is just the ticket!
Whether you fancy a facial or a massage, or some time spent in the infra-red sauna and steam room, you can find the right way to relax for you. There are special treatments available for men and mums-to-be and you can even sample some of the healing benefits of seaweed from the Hebridean Islands.
Try out our bespoke manicure and pedicure room to give your hands and feet some pampering ready for a trip to the beach or a night on the town. And the spacious fitness suite is perfect for working up a sweat before dinner – or the full Scottish breakfast that’s on offer!
No holiday would be complete without your four-legged friend by your side. Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel offers pet friendly suites with all you need to make your pooch feel right at home. There’s plenty of nearby places to take them for a stroll, and our friendly team can help recommend plenty of pet-friendly eateries too.
To add your pet to your room or suite simply add the supplement during booking your stay.
CHOP Grill & Bar is our on-site restaurant so no travel required!
The origins of the full Scottish breakfast can be traced back to the mid-19th century. For the Victorians breakfast was the most significant meal of the day, where it was used to showcase affluence and hospitality.
Usually made up of bacon, link sausages, black pudding, haggis, baked beans, fried mushrooms and tomatoes, toast, and fried eggs, the full Scottish breakfast is a sight to behold.
If you book a B&B stay with us at Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa a full Scottish and continental breakfast will be included in your booking. Each morning you will be able to feast your eyes on our breakfast spread presented in our premium on-site restaurant - CHOP Bar & Grill