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

Travel experiences come in many shapes, from guided tours to self-paced adventures. The Dark Side of Aberdeen is a self-guided audio tour that promises to unveil the city’s shadowy corners—stories of piracy, slavery, and rebellion that often lurk behind the city’s historic façade. Priced at just $8.99 per person, this tour is designed for curious travelers eager to uncover a different side of Aberdeen at their own pace.

What we love about this experience is the flexibility it offers. You don’t need to stick to a set schedule, and the tour’s professional narration makes it feel like you have a local guide whispering secrets in your ear. One minor consideration is that it’s a walking tour, so suitable footwear and a bit of stamina are advisable, especially if you plan to extend your exploration with stops along the way.

This tour is ideal for those interested in history, who enjoy a bit of dark storytelling, or travelers looking for a cost-effective way to see Aberdeen beyond the usual sights. If you prefer a structured group or guided experience, this might not be your best fit, but if you love the freedom to explore at your own pace, it’s a winner.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility allows you to explore on your own schedule
• Affordable price point offers great value for a rich narrative
• Engaging narration with professional audio quality enhances the experience
• Interesting stops cover cultural, historic, and darker aspects of Aberdeen
• Offline access means no data worries during your walk
• Accessible for most travelers, with a maximum of 10 participants in the virtual tour

Exploring the Murkier Side of Aberdeen

This tour offers a unique way to see Aberdeen, not through grand landmarks alone but through stories that often go unnoticed. Starting at the Mercat Cross, a traditional market square, the route gradually takes you through the city’s quieter, sometimes eerie corners, with stories that include pirates, child slaves, and influential historical figures.

The duration of around 30 to 40 minutes makes it a manageable stroll, perfect for a morning or late afternoon adventure. Plus, with most of the narration playing automatically via your smartphone’s GPS, you’re free to focus on the sights and sounds around you without constantly fiddling with your device. This is especially convenient since the tour works offline, so no internet connection is necessary.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Mercat Cross

This historic spot, near the Tourist Office, kicks off your journey into Aberdeen’s lesser-known tales. The app guides you smoothly through the streets, making it easy to follow without missing a beat. You can pause and re-start at any time, which means you can tailor your experience—whether that’s a quick walk or a leisurely exploration.

Marischal College

The tour culminates with a view of Marischal College, a striking building that embodies Aberdeen’s scholarly history. While not included in the tour, most visitors find this a fitting endpoint, enjoying the grand architecture and taking photos of the city’s skyline.

Stops Along the Way

• The Aberdeen Maritime Museum: Here, you’ll learn about Aberdeen’s deep connection to the sea—fishing, shipbuilding, and oil. The museum provides insights for those interested in maritime industries that shaped the city.
• Provost Ross’ House (circa 1593): As the second oldest building, this historic home belonged to a ship-owning mayor, offering a glimpse into the city’s maritime commerce and elite.
• The Green: Once a bustling market spot, now a lively area surrounded by pubs and cafés. It reflects how Aberdeen’s social fabric has evolved.
• Sir George Skene’s House: Furnished with period-appropriate decor, this historic residence provides a taste of 17th-century life and collections of local coins.
• Marischal Square: A modern development blending old and new, housing shops, a hotel, and the famous Mackie’s ice cream—perfect for a quick treat or souvenir.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable narration and the value this tour offers. One reviewer highlights how they “still learnt a lot from the tour,” despite being a lifelong resident of Aberdeen. Others appreciate the tech—noting it’s easy to do at their convenience and that the app’s offline access means no worries about signal drops.

A reviewer who did the tour at night mentioned missing out on some museum visits but still found it “fun” and packed with information. Many agree that the self-guided format allows for a relaxed exploration, with the flexibility to pause or revisit points of interest.

What to Expect from Each Stop

• Marischal College: Expect impressive architecture and perhaps some history snippets about the building’s role in the city’s academic life.
• The Maritime Museum: Inside, exhibits detail Aberdeen’s maritime trades—fishing, shipbuilding, and offshore oil—and the close relationship with the sea.
• Provost Ross’ House: Expect to see a historic home with views over the harbor, giving a real sense of early 18th-century wealth.
• The Green: A vibrant, open-air space that has historically been a marketplace—today buzzing with locals and visitors alike.
• Sir George Skene’s House: Features rooms styled from different periods, coin collections, and local artifacts.
• Marischal Square: A modern hub with shops and eateries, offering a contemporary contrast to the historic stops.

Practical Considerations and Value

The tour’s price point at $8.99 makes it a highly accessible option for travelers who want quality content without breaking the bank. For the cost, you get lifetime access to the tour, along with offline capabilities, meaning no data charges or signal issues will interrupt your experience.

While tickets to attractions like museums or the historic buildings are not included, the stops are mostly outdoor or public spaces, so you’ll mostly encounter free views and stories. The tour’s length is perfect for fitting into a few hours, and because it’s self-guided, you can extend your visit if something catches your eye.

Transportation isn’t provided, but Aberdeen’s city center is compact enough to explore on foot, with public transportation nearby when needed. The tour runs every day from noon to midnight, giving plenty of flexibility.

Accessibility and Group Size

With a maximum of 10 participants, the tour maintains a personal feel, though most experience it solo or in small groups. It’s suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations, provided they’re able to walk about 1.5 km.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, dark-tour enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the untold stories of Aberdeen. It’s especially appealing to travelers who prefer independent exploration, with the added bonus of a professional narration that elevates the storytelling. Budget-conscious visitors will appreciate the great value for what it offers, and those who enjoy flexible schedules will love doing it at their own pace.

This tour also suits families or solo travelers wanting a safe, engaging, and educational outing. Since it’s accessible most of the day, you can plan it around other activities or sightseeing.

However, if you’re looking for a guided group experience with live commentary or a more immersive, museum-based day, this might not be your best choice.

The Sum Up

The Dark Side of Aberdeen self-guided audio walk offers an affordable, flexible, and surprisingly comprehensive look into the city’s darker historical tales. Its professional narration, offline accessibility, and well-chosen stops make it a standout option for those wanting an independent but informative adventure.

While it might not replace a guided tour for those seeking personal interaction, its value for money and easy-to-follow format make it a compelling choice for curious explorers. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of stories with a bit of gloom, or simply after a different way to see Aberdeen, this tour delivers a memorable, thought-provoking experience.

If you enjoy uncovering secrets of a city on your own terms, this will be a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. It’s especially suited to travelers who value authentic stories and self-paced exploration in a safe, accessible format.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the narration is clear and engaging for most ages, and the tour is designed to be suitable for all, with most stops outdoors or in public spaces.

Do I need an internet connection to use the tour?
No, the app provides offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, so you can enjoy the tour without a data connection.

How long does the tour take?
The walking portion lasts about 30 to 40 minutes, but you can pause and extend your stops at any point.

What’s included in the price?
You get lifetime access to the tour, the VoiceMap app, and offline content. Entrance fees to attractions are not included.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, it’s available every day from noon until midnight, and you can begin whenever it suits you.

Is this tour accessible if I have mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, as the walk is about 1.5 km. However, individuals with mobility concerns should consider the terrain and distance.

Are group sizes limited?
Yes, the tour is designed for a maximum of 10 virtual travelers at a time, offering a more personal experience.

What kind of stories will I hear?
Expect tales of piracy, child slavery efforts, historic figures, and Aberdeen’s maritime and social history, all told with a professional touch.