Top Northeast Scotland Historical Tours

This tour is scheduled at 4pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm & 9pm, 7 days a week throughout the year (check booking calendar for any exclusions). Discover a wealth of lost history and paranormal sightings on this award-winning guided walking tour of the historic medieval Scottish town of St Andrews. This is one of the top ghost tours in the world and one of only 4 walking tours in Scotland with 5 Stars through the Scottish Tourist Board..... Importantly, this is the only ghost tour in the world where there are no myths, legends, stories, tales or 'jumper ooters'! For this is the real stuff, where you will learn about the remarkable history of St Andrews as a backdrop to the reality of the paranormal through countless people's experiences. Including first-hand accounts with your guide; author, historian, and paranormal authority Richard Falconer.

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.

The battles, beauty, and whisky: This is your perfect introduction to Scotland. You shed a tear as you hear the tales and tragedies of Scotland’s Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield. You try to take your best photo as you pass by Scotland’s famous mountains and castles. And you lick your lips as you drink in the spirit of Scottish whisky in Dufftown, ‘the Whisky Capital of the World’. What’s more, you get as close as possible to the legendary Loch Ness Monster on an optional boat trip. So, take this trip and enjoy the best of Scotland in a day.

Combine the majestic heights of Royal Deeside with the epic cliff-top site of Dunnottar Castle. For almost 150 years, the British royal family have travelled to the River Dee for their holidays. With almost unlimited cash and resources, why do they always come here? We think there’s an easy answer. This area encapsulates everything everyone loves about Scotland. You find grand castles enclosed by pine forests. You look up at the highest plateau in Britain in the Cairngorms National Park. And there’s enough nearby distilleries to satisfy any royal event. So, who wouldn’t want to escape to the fresh air of this location? On this tour, we combine her Majesty’s favourite holiday spot with a trip to Dunnottar Castle, one of the most historically important and visually arresting sights in Scotland. Hop aboard this tour, see an epic castle, and discover whether you have the same taste as the royals.

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.

From bodysnatching and beheadings to witchcraft and whippings, we share real life stories of crime and punishment from the last 500 years on this self-guided GPS audio tour. Along the way you’ll see major Aberdeen landmarks, from Marischal College to the Mercat Cross, and learn how they were witness to darkest chapters in the city’s history. Scot Free Tours sheds a light on the baffling and often unjust laws of the last five centuries – and reveals that past is not as far away as we think. Thousands of people have loved our 5-star rated live tours and now you can experience them with freedom of an audio guide! The tour plays audio automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline. Start the tour in the app, put your phone in your pocket, and let us guide you around Aberdeen. The total walking distance is 3km and takes about 45 minutes without stopping, but you can pause anytime!

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.

This tour is scheduled at 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm, 7 days a week (check booking calendar for any exclusions). Your guide Richard Falconer is an author and historian of St Andrews and conducts all the history tours himself. Having researched St Andrews for a period spanning six decades you will find a lot of previously lost or forgotten history about the town. Including how the town and University were looking for the lost treasure of the Cathedral for 50 years until 1929, and what Richard has uncovered through his researches over the last 40+ years. The tour incorporates all the historic quarters of the town apart from the golf course which is for another tour! You will see two locations where Mary Queen of Scots stayed for her holidays to St Andrews. Explore the historic ancient City and learn about the spiritual and sometimes barbarous elements. St Andrews is unique on many fronts, with many a noted golfer, Hollywood stars and royalty spending time here.

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.

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!  

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.

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.

Time Exposure Travel will take you on a tour to some of the most interesting historical areas of Aberdeen, chosen from the attractions listed in the itinerary. In Old Aberdeen some the areas we will 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.

Stonehaven is not just a pretty little seaside town. Thanks to its fireball festival and its proximity to one of Scotland's most iconic castles, photos of Stonehaven have been beamed all over the world. Our tour tells you the stories behind these images - and if that wasn't enough we have tales of mutiny, the Titanic and the Scottish Crown Jewels. This tour is perfect if you are on your way to Dunnottar Castle and want to see something of the town first. If you are staying in Stonehaven it is a great way to get your bearings and see some of the hidden nooks, carvings and art you would otherwise have missed. This audio tour takes you on a 4km walk around Stonehaven and up to the nearby War Memorial. It takes around 80 minutes 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.

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.

A beautiful tour of the Highlands This full day tour has plenty to see and do. With up to 8 stops along the route on the day and breathtaking scenery of the mountains and hills of the Cairngorms nature reserve, we have a lot of ground to cover during the day. We will visit castles, nature and mountains, art installations, see ancient structures and a thriving city all in one day.

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.

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!

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.

An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city.. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. Did you know that William and Kate's love story started in this city? This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

Combine the convenience of a guided tour with the flexibility of independent exploration. This audio tour lets you explore St. Andrews, and learn about its unique history, at your own pace, starting and stopping whenever you choose.

We offer a private tour to the heart of whisky country. Visit any Whisky distilleries you want (we can normally visit 2 or 3 depending on opening times) and an example is in the itinerary. In each distillery you will learn the secrets of how Scotland's most famous drink is crafted and then you will have the opportunity to sample the beautiful offerings. We can recommend which distilleries to visit if required , but wherever we take you, you know you can sit back and relax and let us do the driving. The 3 most popular are Macallan, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. There are may popular distilleries and please contact us for other suggestions. We can book the internal guided tasting/tours for you. Some distilleries close in winter and are all subject to seasonal open times. You must be over 18. Optional extra to include a Castle tour/visit. Subject to availability. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments.

Too early to check in to your hotel or for your flight? We have the perfect solution, a private guided tour of the area. Simply let us know where/when you need picked up and choose the length of tour that suits you. Aberdeenshire has many treasures to offer – amazing castles, historical buildings, distilleries, beautiful scenery and spectacular wildlife. We will take you to areas that are as stunning as they are interesting. and you will learn about the attractions and their history. Tours can include – Iconic Castle(s), Distilleries, Historical Areas, Stunning Scenery (examples listed from which we choose a route), Optional Lunch. Pick up from Airport, Train Station, Cruise Ship and drop off is at your Hotel or Cruise Ship. Minimum passengers: 1. Maximum passengers: 4 Please contact us to check availability. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments.