Top Northeast Scotland Historical Tours

In a town as ancient as St. Andrews, there’s sure to be a few ghost stories. 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 such as the medieval architecture, gothic churches and windswept coastline. Learn about the unseen world of the paranormal on this unique tour.

Learn more about St. Andrews than is possible wandering around alone by booking this guided walking tour. In a small group, your guide will bring the town to life as you take a leisurely stroll to such attractions as St Andrews' Cathedral, St Andrews' Castle, the Old Course, the University of St. Andrews and hidden gems that most visitors miss.

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.

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.

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 Links, the Golf Inn, and the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, last resting place of over 100 noted golfers; discover the castle’s gory history and Scotland’s oldest university too.

Golf, prestigious schools and fishing villages—there’s more to St Andrews than meets the eye. 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 lost treasure, and see the famous cathedral.

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.

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.

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!  

Dundee: coolest city in Scotland or sink of humanity? On this self-guided GPS audio tour, you decide for yourself as I take you beyond Dundee's main tourist attractions. During the tour, you'll encounter a heroic pigeon, James Bond's grandfather and the world's worst poet. You'll learn why Winston Churchill vowed never to return here and how to survive when in the Arctic. The tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Dundee as well as those who want to learn more about their city - such as by finding out how Dundee came to own the largest cut emerald in existence. This audio tour takes you on a 3km walk around the many sights of Dundee, as well as the hidden corners. It takes just over an hour without stopping but you can pause the tour whenever you choose. The audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

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 a different side to Aberdeen on this street art walking tour. During 1.5 hours you’ll meander down alleys and under bridges to uncover some of the city’s most beautiful pieces of art that are taking over the walls by storm. All with a local, expert guide. From unassuming corners to major buildings, there’s art around every turn and your guide knows just where to find the best of the best! Among the 10+ murals you will see: - Man & Dog - Smug - Lego Wall - Jan Vormann - Side Profile - Alice Pasquini - Unicorn - Bordalo And other hidden gems!

We are passionate about our hometown, its stunning scenery, its vibrant history and we want to share this with you. Join us on our walking tours and enhance your holiday experience with interesting routes along coastal paths, across beaches, and through woodland while learning about our local history, geography, and a wee bit of geology too. All our tours are in small groups (maximum eight people) to ensure you enjoy a personal experience and have plenty of opportunities to chat with our guides. We are happy to adapt our tours to suit specific groups. Our tours set out daily at 9:30am or 1:30pm although other times may be available if preferred.

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.

Time Exposure Travel will take you on a walking tour round some of the most interesting historical areas of Aberdeen, chosen from the attractions listed above. In Old Aberdeen some the areas we will explore include the buildings of the 15th Century University, at 12th Century Cathedral with an amazing heraldic ceiling and a dark secret, Scotland's oldest bridge, other fascinating areas and even visit a secret graveyard very few locals even know about. Tours can be tailored to suit. Please note access to Chapel interiors is subject to availability. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments.

Award-winning sightseeing walking tours of St Andrews with noted guide, author and historical researcher Richard Falconer. St Andrews is one of the most unique and surprising locations in the world. It is no secret that St Andrews is a sought-after destination, being the Home of Golf and incorporating Scotland's first University, but there has been a vibrancy here for well over 1000 years. It culminated in the rise and fall of the Cathedral precincts, symbolic of the greatest seat of Catholic power outside Rome itself in Europe for over 400 years - and the treasures they housed may still be here! You will hear about the formation of St Andrews, the golf, the university and Royalty through the ages from Pictish Kings to Mary Queen of Scots and Prince William. It is fair to say St Andrews has it all, and you will find out all about it on this informative and thought-provoking tour as you wander through its iconic historic precincts.

Visit the City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School - with a double G&T in hand, join us on a Discovery Tour and learn about Aberdeen’s lost distilling heritage, explore the distillery including the restricted production area, find out how you can make your own gin either at the distillery or at home, take part in a Q&A session with the head distiller and finally, enjoy a gin tasting from the range of true Aberdeen gins.

This is a private tour for your group only. Scotland has many treasures to offer and a lot of them are in Aberdeenshire. We will take you on a private tour to areas that are as stunning as they are interesting and you will learn about the attractions and their history and have a great day out Tours can include – Iconic Castle(s), Distilleries, Historical Areas, Stunning Scenery (examples listed from which we choose a route), Optional Lunch. Our example itinerary includes - Dunnottar Castle- One of the worlds most iconic castles impregnably built on a sheer headland. - Drum Castle - A stunning 13th Century Castle dating back to Robert The Bruce. - Crathes Castle - A 16th Century masterpiece on Royal Deeside. Minimum passengers: one. Maximum passengers: four. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments.

Time Exposure Travel will take you on a tour to some of the most interesting historical areas of Aberdeen, chosen from some of the attractions listed in the itinerary. In Old Aberdeen some the areas we explore include the buildings of the 15th Century University, a 12th Century Cathedral with an amazing heraldic ceiling and a dark secret, Scotland's oldest bridge, other fascinating areas and a secret graveyard very few locals know about. In the city centre and in the shadow of impressive historical buildings, you learn about the brutal realities of medieval times, including burnings, drownings, hangings, and floggings. Also, Aberdeen has been the site of military invasions, riots and body snatching and you also find out about the local officials who colluded in the 18th century to kidnap young children and sell them as slaves in America. Our tour covers 800 captivating years. Access to Chapel interiors is subject to availability. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT.

Enjoy a very interesting full day private tour from Dundee visiting many of the film locations used in the OUTLANDER TV series. If you are not familiar with this TV series, you should not be put off by this as the venues we visit are some of the best in Scotland and this makes for a very interesting and fun day. Tour is approximately 8-9 hours in duration, and suitable for 1-8 persons. Highlights include; a visit to the historic village of Falkland, the historic village of Culross and 17th Century Palace (Cranesmuir), Deanston Distillery (Wine Warehouse, Le Harve) and Doune Castle (Castle Leoch).  You will also see Stirling Castle and the Wallace monument as we pass by, visit Drummond Castle Gardens (Palace of Versailles) etc.

Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Did you know that St Andrews University is the third oldest English-speaking country, the oldest in Scotland and one of the most prestigious in the UK? You will have a chance to explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Where does the city name come from? You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings and corners of St Andrews . Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

Enjoy a private tour from St Andrews, approximately 8-9 hours in duration, suitable for 1-8 persons, most ages and abilities and families with children. Tour Highlights include; the Fife fishing villages of Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie. Also, the charming and ancient village of Culross and many other points of interest. The main attraction of the day is Stirling Castle where you have more than 2-3 hours to visit, explore and have some lunch. Admission charges apply for entry to Stirling Caste which should be booked in advance via their website. Details of how to do this will be explained after booking is completed.

Experience the beauty of the Royal Deeside with it's connections to the Monarchy and stunning scenery. Starting from Aberdeen we will follow the River Dee to the Royal Residence, Balmoral. Walking in the footsteps of generations of Royals who have called this castle home. From there we travel to the picture perfect highland village of Braemar for lunch and a visit to the Highland Games Centre, home of the Braemar Gathering. Next we start our journey back to Aberdeen, but not before stopping to see the Tomnavarie Stone Circle and one of Queen Victoria's favourite views of Aberdeenshire.