Spectator Info – Aberdeen
Visiting Aberdeen for the Tour of Britain stage finish on Sunday 12 September?
Visiting Aberdeen for the Tour of Britain stage finish on Sunday 12 September?
Please consider the following spectator information when planning your journey ahead of race day.
NOTE: This guide was written for the 2021 race. Click here to visit the 2022 spectator guide.
You’ll find that the transport links in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire are just as efficient as the ones which brought you here. Situated in the Northeast of Scotland, Aberdeen is only a short distance from Edinburgh and Glasgow and is located at the gateway to The Highlands. Aberdeen can be reached easily by air, sea, rail and road.
Referred to as a ‘mini Scotland’, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire boast rich culture, heritage and history and the region even has its own whisky and castle trail. With an abundance of activities and attractions for all the family, the north-east is quickly becoming Scotland’s weekend city.
For more information about Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire please visit visitabdn.com.
TRAIN AND BUS
To plan your journey, call 0871 200 22 33 or visit travelinescotland.com for the most up-to-date information on public transport in Scotland.
The main train company is Scotrail (scotrail.co.uk), and the main bus companies are Stagecoach (stagecoachbus.com) and Megabus (megabus.com).
Hop on First Aberdeen and Stagecoach services with the multi-operator scheme Grasshopper, with full details at grasshopperpass.co.uk. Details of train Park and Ride routes and timetables are available from scotrail.co.uk.
AIR
Aberdeen International Airport operates flights from around Europe and many key destinations in the UK and Europe. Stagecoach provides a regular bus service to and from the airport, and there are also dedicated taxis.
CAR PARKING
Please note road closures will be in place at the beach therefore parking at the beach is not advisable as this will be extremely limited. It is advised that you park in the city centre and walk to the finish line/ Getabout Activity Village or use public transport.
For more information please visit Aberdeen City Parking. For a full list of road closures click here.
If you plan to watch the race along any part of the stage eight route there are things you will need to remember:
–> Have a plan B – if you arrive to any point on the routes and find it busy, please be prepared to move on to another location.
–> Personal responsibility – only stay at a location if you have space. Consider wearing a mask if it makes you feel safer.
–> Give people space – avoid crowded areas, and remember face coverings are advised as they often help others to feel safe too.
–> Respect the safety of the riders – please give them space as they pass along the routes.
–> Please note that you will not be able to access the team parking areas at the start and finishes.
Getabout Activity Village
Join the Getabout team on race day between 10:30am and 4pm at the Beach Boulevard! There will be a variety of displays and activities for all to enjoy!
Activities include:
–> Transition Extreme: High Ropes Course
–> Clan Stunt Show (Shows at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm)
–> Wheelie Fun: Electric Segways and Ninebot Go Karts
–> Movement Evolution Scotland: Parkour and Obstacle Course
–> Adventure Aberdeen: Bicycle Roadshow and Climbing wall
–> Live Life Aberdeenshire: Bike Dr, Bike Track and Obstacle Course
–> Live Life Aberdeenshire: Climbing Wall
–> Tour of Britain Tour Village
–> Face painting
–> Techfest
–> Aberdeen Sports Village: Sporting fun for all to enjoy!
–> Aberdeen Science Centre
–> Sustrans Pedal Cinema
–> Getabout Stalls
Also on the move will be a Unicycle Act and The Balloon Manies and a performance from the Grampian District Pipe and Drums.
Please note this is a free, non-ticketed event however members of the public will be asked to provide their details or to scan the Check In Scotland Test and Protect QR Code. Data is kept securely and in line with the Scottish Government’s Test & Protect Guidance.
For more information visit visitabdn.com.
Getabout Gotcha Competition
Getabout is delighted to celebrate the Tour of Britain finishing at the Beach Esplanade and to show their support they are giving two lucky winners a bike shop voucher for £250! Getabout branded items will be hidden in participating shop windows in the Beach area. For more information on how to participate and to the download the activity form visit visitabdn.com.
Tour of Britain ridealong
Take part in the ToBABDN Activity challenge, completing each stage in your local park, or near where you live. Could you be the Tour of Britain ABDN champion? Share your results time with us by tagging #ToBABDN in your posts!
For more information visit: visitabdn.com.
Design a flag or jersey
Design your own jersey using the template provided, make it as bright and fun as possible as the lucky winner could be in with the chance of winning a cycling jersey. Share your designs with us on social media using #ToBABDN.
Or why not create your own flag to decorate your house on the lead up to the event on Sunday 12 September.
For more information visit: visitabdn.com.
Wheelchair Access
The Aberdeen City route is at street level therefore wheelchair access will be available. The majority of the Getabout Activity Village is on a grass area.
First aid
First aiders will be on hand to assist as and when required. If you require first aid support, please contact any steward or staff member wearing high visibility clothing.
Toilets
Existing public toilets are available. Additional toilets will be placed along the lower prom and in the Getabout Activity Village.
In-between cheering on the elite cyclists you can venture round some of Scotland’s most celebrated towns and villages – film famous, of historic importance, regal and the inspiration to many storytellers across the centuries – before exploring the vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
Aberdeen is one of the few Scottish cities boasting a pristine golden sandy beach and promenade which hugs the coastline only a mere mile from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, resulting in the perfect location for visitors of any age. From paddle boarding and surfing to watching the urban dolphins dance on the North Sea, the beach is a centre of activity.
Have a break from all things cycling as the multi-award-winning Art Gallery is home to the prestigious British Art Show 9, the major touring exhibition will showcase the best recent art from the UK. With a mix of shopping centres in the city, the West End and Rosemount, locales are lined with chic boutiques and charming independent retailers, the city is a great shopping district just waiting to be explored. Boasting an extensive selection of branded eateries as well as a host of independent restaurants and the city’s night scene can be enjoyed at one of the many traditional pubs, craft beer taverns or boutique bars.
The region is a magnificent place to live, invest and visit. For further information visit visitabdn.com.
What time does the race start?
The Tour of Britain gets underway at 10.30am and the expected lead cyclists to finish at the esplanade at 2:50pm.
There will be live commentary throughout the races to keep spectators up to speed with all the action. There will also be big screens placed near the finish line and at the Getabout Activity Village.
Do I need to pay to watch?
The Tour of Britain is free!
What is the best way to get to the Tour of Britain?
Both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire can be easily explored by most modes of transport, for more information visit the Visit Aberdeenshire.
Is there parking provided?
There is no event parking for The of Britain. For information on regional parking visit Aberdeenshire Parking or Aberdeen City Parking.
Is the site accessible?
The Aberdeen route is at street level therefore wheelchair access will be available.
Where are the nearest toilets?
Existing public toilets are available. Additional toilets will be placed along the lower prom and in the Getabout Activity Village.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes, you can bring your own food, but no alcohol.
Is photography allowed?
Yes! We encourage you to share with us your experience of The Tour of Britain, but we need to ask you to do so with consideration for our other visitors and to ensure the site stays safe.
What should I do if my child gets lost?
If you become separated from your child then please notify the nearest steward who will notify event control and assist in the search.
If you find a missing child you, and another adult, should bring them to the nearest steward who will care for them until they are repatriated with their parent / guardian.
Is there a lost or found items?
All lost property should be handed to stewards. Likewise, if you have lost property, please contact a steward.