Did you know that just a short stroll from the city centre is an award-winning beach? Not only are there golden sands, ideal for taking a gentle walk, enjoying the sunshine or some family fun, but there's also a large recreational area.

There's the Ice Arena, an 18-hole golf course, an extreme sports centre, and the beautiful art deco Beach Ballroom. Codona's Amusements offers the traditional seaside fair, along with bowling and an indoor and outdoor adventure playground.

Many people take a refreshing dip in the sea, and there's plenty of places nearby for a restorative hot drink or a refreshing ice cream, depending on the weather! If you're into beach-combing, you can scour the coastline for sparkling sea glass and shells.

Having a beautiful beach so close to all the amenities of a modern city is perfect if you're looking for a summer family break in Scotland.

Particularly at the northern end of the promenade, you may catch a glimpse of some of the city's most exciting wildlife. Bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted from the shore, and dolphin-spotting boat trips are also available for a closer look.

The coastline is also home to waders and seabirds, including oystercatchers, curlews, kittiwakes and terns, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for grey and harbour seals lounging on rocks or popping their heads above the waves.

The area is renowned for its unbelievably beautiful scenery, so if you are able to explore it's well worth getting out there, whilst using the city as your base. The fresh air will take your breath away, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated. You're not too far from the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, which is the largest in the whole of the UK and home to five of the six highest mountains in the country.

Take on the Munros (hills) with a sturdy pair of walking boots. Hire a bike, kayak or paddleboard and explore on dry land or on wet. Getting out and active is always a good excuse to then end the day in a traditional Scottish hostelry, with a dram of the good stuff.

There's plenty to do within the magnificent city of Aberdeen itself, just a short stroll from the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel.

The Scotsman remarked that Aberdeen was one of the most architecturally distinctive cities in Europe, so taking the time to walk around the city's streets will have you marvelling at the sights.

There's lots of green areas throughout the city which are great spots for a picnic in the sunshine, including Seaton Park, on the banks of the River Don.

One of the city’s most anticipated annual events is Nuart Aberdeen, the internationally recognised street art festival that brings a fresh burst of creativity to the Granite City each year. Visitors can discover work from both acclaimed and emerging street artists from around the world, with everything from striking large-scale murals to smaller hidden pieces appearing across the city. The festival creates a vibrant atmosphere throughout Aberdeen and adds an extra splash of colour and energy to the surroundings.

The award-winning Aberdeen Art Gallery is also well worth a visit. It houses over 1,000 items spanning 700 years, including masterpieces from Monet, Renoir, Bacon, Hepworth and Tracey Emin, as well as exceptional works by local talents.

With a classic mix of old and new, take in the charming Old Town, with the 15th-century fortified cathedral; Scotland's oldest bridge, the 13th century Brig o' Balgownie; and the University of Aberdeen, which dates back to 1495.

There's several really note-worthy museums in the city. These include the Tolbooth Museum, Aberdeen Science Centre, Zoology Museum, Aberdeen Maritime Museum and the Gordon Highlanders Museum.

Further afield, there's the Grampian Transport Museum and the Braemar Highland Games Centre, which are also well worth a visit.

If Aberdeenshire is good enough for the Royal Family for their holidays, at the much-loved Balmoral Castle, it probably will suit the rest of us just fine!

The county is known as "Scotland's Castle Country," with more castles per acre than anywhere else in the UK. (there's 263 in case you were wondering). Aberdeen makes a perfect base for visiting historic gems like Dunnottar Castle and the Balmoral Estate.

You can enjoy all the modern highlights you'd expect of a cosmopolitan city. Aberdeen is a great place to shop, with everything from big-name brands to unique independents.

Head to Union Square for fashion, food and entertainment all under one roof, or explore the Bon Accord and Trinity centres for high street favourites and local finds.

Explore pop-up markets like Curated Aberdeen, packed with handmade crafts, art and foodie treats. Independent shops in the West End and the city centre showcase everything from designer Scottish fashion to small-batch skincare, homeware and gifts you won't find anywhere else.