Parks & gardens

A guide to parks, gardens and country estates across the region

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Discover parks and gardens

If you’re visiting the region, you will find beautifully maintained parks, historic gardens and landscaped country estates. From tranquil city green spaces to expansive countryside parks, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offers a variety of outdoor places to relax, explore and enjoy nature all year round.

Whether you’re looking for peaceful woodland walks, formal botanical gardens, or family-friendly parks, here are some of the many parks and gardens worth exploring.

Parks 

In the heart of the city, you’ll find Union Terrace Gardens, a redeveloped Victorian green space that has been recognised for its outstanding design, including the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award.

Duthie Park is one of the most well-known parks, and a popular destination for families thanks to its large play areas, open green spaces, and riverside paths along the River Dee.

Hazlehead Park features extensive woodland trails, open parkland, and formal gardens, along with family-friendly attractions including Pets’ Corner and a hedge maze, making it a popular choice for visitors of all ages.

Beyond the city, Aberdenshire offers several spacious country parks, including Aden Country Park near Mintlaw, set within landscaped grounds with woodland walks, open parkland, and play areas for families.

Union Terrace resize

For a scenic estate setting, visit Haddo Country Park, a popular destination offering plenty of space to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Children (and adults) can feed the ducks and geese at the pond and enjoy the adventure playground, providing a range of activities for different ages.  From coastal areas to countryside estates, Aberdeenshire is home to many parks waiting to be explored.

Gardens

In the city, Johnston Gardens is a compact garden known for its Japanese-style landscaping, bridges, and water features. Nearby, the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens at the University of Aberdeen feature a diverse collection of plant species used for both education and public enjoyment.

At Duthie Park, the David Welch Winter Gardens provide one of the UK’s largest indoor garden experiences, with themed glasshouses, tropical planting, and seasonal displays offering year-round interest.  Don’t forget to look out for McPuddock the frog and Spike the talking cactus!

One of Aberdeen’s best kept secrets is The Walled Garden in Seaton Park, offering peaceful, tree-lined walks alongside seasonal floral displays.  Within Hazlehead Park, the Queen Mother Rose Garden provides a formal rose collection with carefully designed planting displays.

Pitmedden gardens

Further afield in Aberdeenshire, Pitmedden Gardens is known for its formal geometric garden design and carefully maintained planting beds. Leith Hall Estate offers landscaped gardens, woodland walks, and historic surroundings set within a traditional country estate. Nearby, Drum Castle Garden features a historic walled garden and woodland estate, combining formal planting with centuries of heritage.

Browse the locations below to discover more about each park and garden, including facilities, nearby attractions and visitor information.

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Frequently asked questions

Are there family-friendly parks in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire?

Yes, many parks in the region are suitable for families. Parks such as Duthie Park and Hazlehead Park offer play areas, open spaces, and attractions suitable for children, alongside walking routes and gardens for all ages to enjoy.

Are there gardens within historic estates or castles?

Yes, several historic estates in Aberdeenshire include gardens within their grounds. Locations such as Drum Castle Garden, Crathes Castle and Leith Hall Estate combine historic surroundings with landscaped gardens and woodland walks that visitors can explore.

Is there an indoor garden attraction in Aberdeen?

The David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park provide one of the largest indoor garden experiences in the UK. The glasshouses feature tropical plants, themed displays, and seasonal horticultural exhibits throughout the year.

Are parks and gardens accessible?

Parks and gardens across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer accessible paths, paved routes, and level areas, particularly in larger parks such as Duthie Park, Hazlehead Park, and Union Terrace Gardens. However, accessibility can vary between locations, especially in more historic gardens and countryside estates, so visitors may wish to check individual site information before visiting.

Can I take my dog to parks and gardens?

Dogs are welcome in parks and outdoor spaces across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, although some gardens and enclosed areas may have restrictions.

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