Old Aberdeen Walking Tour: Medieval Cathedral & University

Medieval Aberdeen on foot: cathedral, university and a hidden graveyard

A two-hour guided walking tour of Old Aberdeen covers the 14th-century cathedral, the original 15th-century university buildings topped by an imperial crown, and a 16th-century secret graveyard. The tour includes access to historic sites like the Mercat Cross, Town House and Powis Gates, with chapel interiors subject to seasonal availability. Tours can be tailored to suit your interests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Old Aberdeen historical sites

• Visit 14th Century cathedral
• See secret graveyard near Powis Gates
• Walk past Mercat Cross and Town House
• Explore original Aberdeen University buildings
• View iconic university tower with crown

The experience

The walk starts in the oldest part of Aberdeen and moves through buildings that span five centuries. You'll see the cathedral's heraldic ceiling and learn about its darker history, including where part of William Braveheart Wallace was buried and the grave robberies that followed. Next to it stands an ancient building with a secret grate few visitors notice. The guide points out the Mercat Cross, Town House and Powis Gates as you move through the district, each one marking a layer of the city's past.

The university section shows you the original campus dating back over 500 years, with the iconic tower crowned by an imperial crown: a symbol with its own story. You'll also visit the 16th-century secret graveyard tucked away in Old Aberdeen, a spot that even locals often miss. Access to chapel interiors depends on seasonal opening times, so confirm details when you book. The tour is led by a live guide in English and can be adjusted to match what interests you most.

What’s included

• Two-hour guided walking tour with a live guide in English.
• access to the cathedral, university buildings, Mercat Cross, Town House, Powis Gates and the secret graveyard.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

Book up to2d before

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Time Exposure Travel

Is this one for you?The tour is a steady two-hour walk through Old Aberdeen's streets and buildings, so comfortable shoes and a moderate pace suit it best. Service animals are welcome, and the route works for all fitness levels, though those with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns should check the details with the operator first.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's inside the cathedral that makes it worth seeing?

The 14th-century cathedral has an ornate heraldic ceiling and a documented history of grave robbing, including the burial of part of William Braveheart Wallace. It's one of the oldest buildings on the route.

How far do you walk in two hours?

The tour covers the main historical sites of Old Aberdeen on foot, moving between the cathedral, university buildings, Mercat Cross, Town House and Powis Gates. The pace is steady but manageable for most fitness levels.

Can the tour be changed to focus on what I'm most interested in?

Yes, tours can be tailored to suit your interests. Mention what you'd like to emphasize when you book, whether that's the university, the cathedral, the graveyard or the medieval street layout.

Will we go inside the buildings?

Access to chapel interiors is subject to availability and seasonal opening times. Contact the operator before booking to confirm which interiors will be open on your date.