Best Parks in Aberdeen

Finding a beautiful park in Aberdeen is surprisingly easy as there are just so many different options in such a small city.

Aberdeen even lays claim to Scotland’s favourite park based on nationwide voting that took place in 2022.

So if it’s parks that you’re looking for, then here are the best of the best in Aberdeen.

Seaton Park

The title holder of the best park in Scotland 2022. Seaton Park is a firm favourite of ours and to be honest, somewhere that we don’t actually visit often enough.

Many people in the city I think would often overlook this park in favour of others, but you just have to visit this one if you get the opportunity.

Featuring beautiful riverside walks along the Don, a stunning flower garden, swing park for the kids and an amazing view of the very impressive St Machar Cathedral in Old Aberdeen.

Find it at: Don St, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 1XS

Duthie Park

Probably one of the most popular parks in Aberdeen is Duthie Park.

If it’s a sunny day and you are searching for some fun things to do in Aberdeen with the family, think of visiting Duthie Park. Located on Polmuir Road just outside of the city centre and running alongside the River Dee following on to Riverside Drive, these gardens have a vast amount of space along with a variety of activities for all ages.

Duthie Park comprises of 44 acres of land and is approximately 10-15 minute walk, or a 5 minute drive from the city centre. It has car parks and on-street parking at both entrances.

Some of the main things at Duthie Park are the restored Victorian features such as the boating ponds where kayaks and paddleboats are often offered, there are fountains and the bandstand. More than that, there are two play areas, one for younger children and one for the more adventurous. There are large areas of grass, astroturf area for ball games as well as the Duthie Park cafe for refreshments and light meals.

Inside Duthie Park, you’ll find the David Welsh Winter Gardens which features exotic plants from all over the world.

These Aberdeen botanical gardens are really popular to visit during the nicer weather and you often find the area filled with people enjoying the open space.

Find it at: Polmuir Road, Aberdeen AB11 7TH

Johnston Gardens

By far the most beautiful park in Aberdeen, Johnston Gardens are a true gem.

Located in the Rubislaw area and not too far from the popular Gordon Highlanders Museum, Johnston Gardens are somewhere you can go to just escape the world for a few hours with a book.

This is a small public park which has won Britain in Bloom several times, with ponds, streams, waterfalls and one of the parks main features, the picturesque bridge which is very popular for wedding photographs. The park also has a play area along with the large selection of flowers and flower displays to view.

This park also holds a memorial for the 16 men lost in the Super Puma helicopter crash in the North Sea.

Find it at: Viewfield Rd, Aberdeen AB15 7XE

Union Terrace Gardens

Recently refurbished and the most central of all gardens and parks on this list are the Union Terrace Gardens.

Opening after extensive renovation works in 2022, the parks have seen the introduction of better accessibility, better lighting, interactive play areas, artwork and much more seating.

Whilst there’s a lack of greenery at the moment, we’re sure that once the plants and grass starts to grow that this will be a beautiful place to come when visiting the city centre on a nice day.

Find it at: Union Terrace, Aberdeen

Hazlehead Gardens

Our final pick for the best parks in Aberdeen would have to be Hazlehead.

I’d be inclined to say that this is perhaps the most popular of all on this list due to it being huge.

In Hazlehead, you’ll find a childrens playpark, petting zoo, maze as well as expansive gardens.

This was one of my favourites when I was a child and I have fond memories of spending many a sunny day playing here as well as Duthie Park.

Hazlehead is also home to two golf courses that are part of Sport Aberdeen, multiple pitches and Aberdeens only Footgolf course.

There’s loads to do here to keep you entertained, so make sure to add this one to your list.

Find it at: Hazlehead Avenue, Aberdeen AB15 8BE

We would love to hear from you if you’re planning to visit any of the parks on our list, or if there are any that you think should be added then do let us know.