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Rubislaw Quarry

3.8
·10 reviews·, United Kingdom

Aberdeen's historic granite quarry, once Europe's deepest, now a largely inaccessible but visually striking landmark.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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Davey said he seen a fish !

Rubislaw Quarry

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Aberdeen's historic granite quarry, once Europe's deepest, now a largely inaccessible but visually striking landmark.

3.8
(10 reviews)

"Impressive hole in the ground and worth checking out in my opinion."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Respect Private Property

Access is limited; avoid trespassing. Look for designated viewing areas or nearby public spaces.

📸 Capture the Scenery

Find elevated spots for unique perspectives of the quarry and its surroundings.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Deep Granite Quarry

The Deep Granite Quarry

Central Aberdeen

Once Europe's deepest hole, this impressive granite quarry is a testament to Aberdeen's industrial past.

Hidden Photographic Gem

Hidden Photographic Gem

Overlooking the quarry

Discover secluded spots for stunning photos of the quarry's dramatic landscape and surrounding nature.

Johnston Gardens

Johnston Gardens

Adjacent to Rubislaw Quarry

A picturesque landscaped garden with streams, ponds, and a charming bridge, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

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Planning Your Visit

Access & Viewing

Rubislaw Quarry is largely inaccessible to the public, with limited viewing points. Many visitors find it challenging to get a good look, often resorting to peeking through fences or relying on online photos. Consider nearby areas for potential vantage points. Reddit

Aberdeen's Granite Heritage

This quarry is a significant part of Aberdeen's identity as the 'Granite City.' The stone extracted here built much of the city, showcasing a unique architectural heritage. Understanding its history enhances the appreciation of this impressive site. TikTok

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer local visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Will Aberdeen be a wonder of the world? (yes) #aberdeen #city #architecture #stone #construction #building #homes #architectural #bricks #quarry
@micro.house.scotland
1.9K likes • 31.2K views

🤫 Respect Private Property

Access is limited; avoid trespassing. Look for designated viewing areas or nearby public spaces. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

Find elevated spots for unique perspectives of the quarry and its surroundings. Instagram

🪨 RUBISLAW QUARRY 🪨 Check out my post for more info 👀 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #aberdeen #visitabdn #urbex #historylovers #history #visitscotland #explorepage #explore #travel #granitecity #London #paris #scenery #private #hiddengem #Scotland #Europe #quarry #industry #abandoned #love #nature #takenbynature #Aberdeenshire #unexplored #unlimitedscotland #yourscotland #hidden #heritage #ed...
memento_mori_history
70 likes • 1.8K views
Hidden away beside Rubislaw Quarry in Aberdeen ( once Europes “deepest hole” ) is Johnston Gardens. Johnston Gardens is a photographer’s dream! The park used to belong to the Johnston House estate but was gifted to the city in 1936. This beautiful landscaped garden boasts streams, ponds, waterfalls, rockeries and a picturesque bridge that has featured in many wedding photos over the years! There ...
strangeplacesinscotland
37 likes • 1.7K views

🚶 Explore Nearby Gardens

Visit Johnston Gardens for a beautiful, accessible contrast to the quarry's ruggedness. Instagram

💡 Research Before You Go

Understand the quarry's history to fully appreciate its significance to Aberdeen. TikTok

reddit.com

Question about a quarry

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Respect Private Property

Access is limited; avoid trespassing. Look for designated viewing areas or nearby public spaces. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

Find elevated spots for unique perspectives of the quarry and its surroundings. Instagram

🚶 Explore Nearby Gardens

Visit Johnston Gardens for a beautiful, accessible contrast to the quarry's ruggedness. Instagram

💡 Research Before You Go

Understand the quarry's history to fully appreciate its significance to Aberdeen. TikTok

What Travellers Say

3.8
(10 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Rubislaw Quarry is a hidden gem in Aberdeen, appreciated for its impressive scale and historical significance as a source of the city's granite. However, its beauty is marred by extremely limited public access, frustrating many who wish to view or photograph it safely. Visitors often find themselves peeking from afar or relying on online images, with a desire for better viewing facilities. InstagramReddit

"Beautiful little spot but inaccessible.
I did find a nice spot for some pictures."

Soumya Subhra Biswas

"Many wouldn't know this quarry was even here, in the middle of suburban Aberdeen. But take a look over the embankment as you're walking around nearby roads and you can squeeze through the broken wire fence to see this deep lake, left to stay hidden apart from the overlooking few flats. Impressive hole int he ground and worth checking out in my opinion."

Jeremy Barrowcliffe

"Tried to get a position to see actual quarry but alas going have to do with internet photos. Don't know why Aberdeen city council can't build a safe viewing area? Best kept secret in Aberdeen and will stay a secret hidden away unless you work in one of nearby offices."

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What People Like

Impressive scale
Historical significance
Hidden gem status

What People Dislike

Limited access
Difficult to view
Lack of facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Rubislaw Quarry is located within suburban Aberdeen. While public transport can get you to the general area, direct access to the quarry itself is restricted. Many visitors find it best to explore the surrounding streets and look for any accessible vantage points. Reddit

Parking is generally available on the surrounding residential streets. However, be mindful of local parking restrictions and always prioritize safe and legal parking. Reddit

Direct access to the quarry site is largely prohibited due to safety and private property concerns. Visitors often find themselves looking over embankments or through fences for views. Reddit

Since direct access is limited, the best way to see Rubislaw Quarry is by finding elevated viewpoints from nearby public areas or roads. Some visitors have mentioned squeezing through broken fences, but this is not recommended. Reddit

While historically significant as part of Aberdeen's 'Granite City' identity, Rubislaw Quarry is not a developed tourist attraction with public access. Its appeal lies in its hidden nature and industrial past. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No tickets are required for Rubislaw Quarry as it is not an officially managed tourist attraction with entry fees. Access is restricted and often involves viewing from public areas. Reddit

There are no official opening hours for Rubislaw Quarry since it is not an accessible site. Viewing is possible from surrounding areas during daylight hours. Reddit

Direct access to the quarry is considered unsafe due to steep drops and unstable edges. It's crucial to view from designated safe areas or public land and avoid any attempts to enter the quarry itself. Reddit

Swimming or diving in Rubislaw Quarry is strongly discouraged and dangerous due to its depth, cold water, and potential underwater hazards. There have been warnings about the dangers of quarry swimming. Reddit

Yes, Rubislaw Quarry is on private land, and access is restricted. Visitors should respect property boundaries and avoid trespassing. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Finding good photo spots can be challenging due to limited access. Some visitors have found success by looking over embankments or from nearby elevated public areas. The adjacent Johnston Gardens also offers beautiful photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

You can capture dramatic shots of the deep granite quarry, its surrounding natural elements, and the urban landscape of Aberdeen. The contrast between the industrial past and the present nature is a common theme. TikTokInstagram

Drone photography regulations in the UK must be followed. Always check local bylaws and airspace restrictions before flying a drone, especially in urban areas. TikTok

Daylight hours offer the best natural light for photographing the quarry. Early morning or late afternoon can provide interesting shadows and highlights, enhancing the dramatic landscape. Instagram

While there are no specific restrictions on photography from public vantage points, be mindful of private property and avoid intrusive photography. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Nature & Gardens

Johnston Gardens is a beautiful, landscaped park located next to Rubislaw Quarry. It features streams, ponds, waterfalls, rockeries, and a picturesque bridge, making it a tranquil escape. Instagram

Yes, Johnston Gardens is a publicly accessible park and is generally well-maintained, offering a pleasant walking experience for visitors. Instagram

The gardens are known for their diverse flora, including various shrubs, flowers, and trees, carefully arranged to create a visually appealing landscape throughout the seasons. Instagram

Picnics are generally welcome in public parks like Johnston Gardens. It's a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. Remember to clean up after yourself. Instagram

Johnston Gardens is situated adjacent to Rubislaw Quarry, offering a serene natural environment that contrasts with the quarry's industrial history. It's a popular spot for visitors to explore after viewing the quarry from a distance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Rubislaw Quarry itself is inaccessible and potentially unsafe for children, the adjacent Johnston Gardens offers a wonderful alternative. This beautifully landscaped park features streams, ponds, and a charming bridge, providing a safe and engaging environment for kids to explore and play. Instagram Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxed family outing in the gardens, offering a peaceful natural setting that contrasts with the quarry's industrial past. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Rubislaw Quarry presents a unique photographic challenge due to its limited access. Seek out elevated viewpoints from surrounding public areas to capture the dramatic scale and granite textures. InstagramReddit For a more accessible and equally photogenic experience, dedicate time to exploring the adjacent Johnston Gardens, known for its picturesque water features and bridges. Instagram

🚶 History Buffs

Delve into Aberdeen's past by understanding the significance of Rubislaw Quarry as the source of its iconic granite. TikTok While direct access is restricted, researching its history and viewing it from accessible points offers a glimpse into the industrial heritage that shaped the 'Granite City.' Consider visiting other granite buildings in Aberdeen to see the quarry's legacy firsthand. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Granite City's Heartbeat

Rubislaw Quarry is more than just a hole in the ground; it's a cornerstone of Aberdeen's identity as the 'Granite City.' For over a century, this quarry was the primary source of the distinctive grey granite that forms the very fabric of the city's buildings, from grand Victorian structures to humble homes. The sheer scale of extraction meant it was once considered Europe's deepest man-made hole, a testament to the industrial might and hard work that shaped Aberdeen. TikTok

Today, while the quarry is no longer operational and access is restricted, its legacy is undeniable. The stone quarried here not only built Aberdeen but was also exported, contributing to construction projects far and wide. Understanding this history provides a deeper appreciation for the city's unique architectural character and the vital role Rubislaw Quarry played in its development. TikTokInstagram

Navigating Limited Access

Visiting Rubislaw Quarry presents a unique challenge: its inaccessibility. Unlike many historical sites, there are no designated visitor centers or safe viewing platforms. The quarry is largely surrounded by private property and residential areas, making direct engagement difficult. Many visitors report struggling to find a clear view, often resorting to peering over embankments or through gaps in fencing. Reddit

This lack of official access has led to a sense of mystery and a 'hidden gem' status for the quarry. While some reviews express frustration with the inability to get closer, others appreciate its secluded nature. The advice from those who have visited is to be respectful of private property and to seek out any public vantage points that might exist in the surrounding suburban landscape. InstagramReddit

A Photographer's Enigma

For photographers, Rubislaw Quarry offers a dramatic and somewhat elusive subject. The sheer drop, the deep, often still water, and the rugged granite walls create a striking visual. However, capturing these elements is often hampered by the limited and awkward viewing angles available. InstagramReddit

Many photographers find themselves looking for elevated positions or creative angles to frame the quarry. The adjacent Johnston Gardens, with its picturesque streams and bridges, provides a softer, more accessible photographic contrast, making it a popular addition for those visiting the area. Instagram The challenge of photographing Rubislaw Quarry adds to its allure for those seeking unique and less-obvious shots. Instagram

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