Skip to main content

Let the ‘The Aberdonian’ whisk you away

Site Underline

"Steam trains, fine dining and unrivalled coastal views - this could be the perfect day out in Scotland" - The Scotsman

Let the ‘The Aberdonian’ whisk you away as we take in some of the best that Scotland has to offer, both on train and off. Crossing the Forth Bridge, the train runs along the coast for much of its route making it an unrivalled way to experience Scotland. In Aberdeen there is a chance to explore this historic city, or take one of our off train excursions that include a castle or whisky tasting. On board the train you can sit back in comfortable seats and large windows through which to admire the scenery. Our friendly team will look after you, and if you choose to dine with us you will be treated to fine Scottish fare. Come and travel with us as we run regularly over this historic route.

Site Underline

DATES AVAILABLE

Site Underline

THE ABERDONIAN

WILL RETURN IN 2025

PRICES START FROM £115.00
OUR JOURNEY

OUR JOURNEY

Our journey begins in Scotland’s capital and its imposing Waverley station, right in the heart of the city, in the shadow of the Castle. The train steams through Princes Street Gardens and pauses to pick up further passengers at Haymarket station in the west of the city. From there we leave the city surroundings and pass open countryside before our train will start to slow. The Forth Bridge is one of the wonders of the modern world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crossing over 350ft above the water and stretching over one and a half miles in length. First opened in 1890, our train takes the route across this magnificent structure giving amazing views of the Firth of Forth and we cross into the Kingdom of Fife. The railway follows the coast line through Inverkeithing and Burntisland where the city of Edinburgh can be seen across the Forth. Approaching Kirkcaldy the route turns north whilst remaining alongside the coast, but once we leave the town behind we move into the rich countryside of Fife with its farming communities and many golf courses.

The train weaves through lush countryside and along the cliff tops – Drew Adams

The route is then via Perth and follow the route of the River Tay to Dundee.  Our departure from Dundee is through tunnels under the city, and we exit the city and head alongside the River Tay out as far as the world-famous golf course of Carnoustie. We then continue alongside the river as we make our way eastwards passing the coastal town of Arbroath, famous for its Smokie’s which are still produced in the town. Our route takes switches from running along the coast to diving inland and back again before crossing the Montrose Basin with the railway sandwiched between the water and Montrose itself. As we leave Montrose behind we are running through the stunning Scottish countryside as we leave the coast behind for a while. Passing through Laurencekirk and Fordoun and Drumlithie it is a chance to see the lush and unspoiled country for which Scotland is rightly proud.

As our journey progresses we pass Stonehaven and then exit the town on the cliffs above the North Sea. We run high above the water below all the way to Aberdeen now on what is a wonderful finish to a unique railway journey. The train will run at speed alongside the water and on the approach to our destination we will slow and take a winding course through the Granite City before crossing the River Dee on a beautiful curving bridge. Once across the river on our left is the recently refurbished turntable at the former Ferryhill depot. This is where our steam locomotive will be turned for our return journey. We continue on a little further and we then arrive into Aberdeen’s light and airy station ready for onward excursions.

OFF TRAIN EXCURSIONS – 2024

To get a real taste of Aberdeenshire, take the opportunity to book one of our off train excursions, exploring some of the best that the region has to offer. These options are sure to fill up quickly and so must be booked at the time of purchasing your train ticket.

Visit Glen Garioch Distillery  – £30
Visit Glen Garioch Distillery – £30

Come join us on a trip down Distillery Road where you'll discover the beating heart of our distillery and the 226 years of craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of Glen Garioch.

Established in 1797, Glen Garioch (pronounced Glen Geery) is one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland – and its most easterly! The visit includes coach transfers, a tour of the distillery and sampling of two drams of finest Highland Single Malt Whisky for a true taste of Aberdeenshire. Expect hearty highland malts, non-chill filtered as nature intended, with a wholesome maltiness, honeyed sweetness and a delicious creamy texture to savour.

NB. Glen Garioch will be pausing production in July for maintenance, but tours of the distillery will still go ahead and the all important tasting is unaffected! Unfortunately this tour is unavaible on 14th September.

National Trust for Scotland Castle - £25
National Trust for Scotland Castle - £25

DRUM CASTLE

Visit on 12th September

Jacobite tales whisper through the medieval grand hall of this castle. A guided tour is included.

  • Visit one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses.
  • Stroll through the Old Wood of Drum, home to oak trees dating from the 1700s.
  • Admire Drum’s exquisite chapel, built in the 1500s.
  • Relax amid the heady scents of the Garden of Historic Roses.

More information about Drum Castle.

 

CASTLE FRASER

Visit on Saturday 14th September

Stand before one of the largest tower houses in Scotland, with a core that dates from as early as 1450. Explore the grand hall and towers, discovering the colourful history of the Fraser lairds.

  • Discover quirky features such as the Laird’s Lug, hidden trapdoors, secret staircases and a spy hole!
  • Admire fascinating family treasures and portraits, including a Raeburn.
  • Venture up to the top of the round tower for incredible views.

More information about Castle Fraser.

 

A coach will transfer passengers from Aberdeen Station for all castle excursions.

EXPLORING ABERDEEN
EXPLORING ABERDEEN

There is plenty to see and do in the centre of the bustling city of Aberdeen, and a lot of attractions are within easy walking distance of the station. For those attractions a little further out, there are local taxis and regular bus services: a hopper ticket to explore the city by bus costs less than £5.

EASY WALKING DISTANCE
EASY WALKING DISTANCE

Nuart self guided walking tour – Nuart Aberdeen is the only street art festival in Scotland and one of the UK’s leading festivals of its kind. Artists from around the globe transform the walls and buildings of Aberdeen with works of art that are free for all to enjoy 365 days a year. Take the Nuart tour for yourself and explore Aberdeen City Centre.

Maritime Museum – Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s long relationship with the Sea. This award-winning museum is located on the historic Shiprow, just five minutes from the station, and parts of the building date back to 1593. The Maritime Museum houses a unique collection and is the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil and gas industry. Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers visitors a spectacular viewpoint over the busy working harbour.

EXPLORE FURTHER
EXPLORE FURTHER

Old Aberdeen – 2.5m from the station, number 20 bus route. Monks and scholars, traders and travellers settled round Old Aberdeen in the area where 14th century St Machars Cathedral still stands and where Kings College, the forerunner to Aberdeen University, was founded by Bishop Elphinstone in 1495. Step back in time as you tour the late-medieval cobbled streets and make some time to appreciate the old perfectly blended with the new as you admire the architecturally distinctive Sir Duncan Rice Library.

The Gordon Highlanders Museum – 2.5m from the station, number 11 bus route. The Gordon Highlanders Museum is a ‘5-star Visit Scotland’ Tourist Attraction based in the west end of Aberdeen. It is committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of the world-famous Gordon Highlanders Regiment for future generations to enjoy, providing a wide range of unique experiences for all visitors, young and old.

RSPB Dolphin Watch – Intelligence, acrobatic ability and good looks, bottle-nose dolphins have it all. Jump in a taxi and travel 2 miles to Torry Battery, where from the high vantage point you can watch the dolphins and discover panoramic views of the harbour mouth and North Sea. The mouth of Aberdeen Harbour is one of the best places in Europe to spot bottle-nose dolphins and Scotland is home to the largest in the world! The team of volunteers are on site April – August and provide telescopes and binoculars.

TELEPHONE BOOKINGS

Call now on 01325 488215

Speak to someone in the Booking Office to find out more and make your booking over the phone.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard The Aberdonian this summer.

Book Now