Aberdeen - City Centre & Castlegate

Essential Intel

This investigation explores the busy and bustling heart of Aberdeen. Occasionally, events held there will block access to some clues.

The Festival of Light is held annually in early February and can cause some issues, so check the Festival of Light website to see when the next event is scheduled and make sure it doesn't clash with your visit.

St Nicholas Kirkyard closes at 7pm April to Sep and 4.30pm Oct to March, so plan your detecting accordingly.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Aberdeen City Centre and Castlegate, with Detectives helping DCI Onya Bikes uncover who derailed Lord Provost Archibald MacTavish's plan for free public transport across the North-East.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at Aberdeen's Castlegate, where Union Street joins King Street, then explore city-centre streets, Marischal College, the St Nicholas Kirk and Kirkyard area, Back Wynd, Belmon Street, Skene Terrace and Union Terrace Gardens before looping back towards the start area.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes some steep hills, one short flight of steps and one steep flight of steps, plus steep steps on the route. There is also a stretch with no pavement on Back Wynd, where single-file may be needed.

There are several busy roads beside and to cross, so use crossings where available and supervise children closely. No sprinting after suspects across traffic, Detectives.

Getting There

By car: Your investigation begins at Aberdeen's Castlegate, where Union Street joins King Street (AB11 5BB). The closest recommended car park is NCP Aberdeen Shiprow (AB11 5BY). Alternatively, you can arrive undercover by using the city's park and ride.

By public transport: You can arrive by the city's park and ride. From there, make your way to Aberdeen's Castlegate, where Union Street joins King Street (AB11 5BB), to begin the case. The Trail is circular, so it returns to the start area.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are available in the Bon Accord shopping centre, so it makes a useful comfort stop while your detective squad is in the city centre.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation 🐾

This is a busy city-centre route with several busy roads, some steep hills, steps and a stretch with no pavement on Back Wynd, so keep canine colleagues close, especially around crossings, traffic and single-file sections.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking a civic transport mystery can work up an appetite. There are plenty of chances to stop for refreshments or pick up snacks along the way.

If you'd rather bring your own supplies, pack a picnic for Union Terrace Gardens after Clue 16.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Castlegate

The case begins at Aberdeen's Castlegate, where Union Street joins King Street. Before charging off after suspects, look out for the stone circle on the ground marking where dozens of so-called witches were strangled and burned during Aberdeen's witch trials in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Marischal College

Marischal College brings a serious dose of Granite City drama to the investigation. It is described as the second-largest granite building on the planet, with only Spain's Escorial said to be bigger. Aberdeen's granite also helped build Waterloo Bridge and parts of the Houses of Parliament.

St Nicholas Kirk and Kirkyard

The Trail heads into St Nicholas Kirkyard and passes the church area near the main doors and the adjoining kirkyard. It's a fascinating historic pause in the middle of the city, but remember that the kirkyard closes at 7pm April to Sep and 4.30pm Oct to March.

The Theatre on Belmon Street / Skene Terrace

Keep your eyes peeled around the theatre section of the route. This theatre opened on Monday, 3rd December 1906 with a Red Riding Hood pantomime, and it is the only theatre in the UK made entirely of granite. When it was extended, 50 tons of grout were used - a suitably solid alibi for Aberdeen.

St Nicholas Centre Coin Hoards Display

Some of Aberdeen's most dazzling coin hoards were uncovered around here, including a bronze cauldron packed full of riches in Upperkirkgate and another stash found during the building of St Nicholas Centre. The main doors of the centre contain a display case mentioned on the route, making this a shiny little extra for evidence-hungry Detectives.