The Best Places to Unwind In and Around Aberdeen

Sometimes you just need to get out of the house, or away from the city centre. Aberdeen is a pretty, but industrial city. There’s quite a lot of concrete and quite a lot of grey.

Here’s a few places that are within driving distance that can help you escape the hustle and bustle.

Sunnybank Park

Sunnybank Park is a small, community run park just a mile from Aberdeen City Centre and spitting distance from University Library and King’s College.

This quaint little area has a dog park, a children's playground, benches to take in the viewpoints, allotments available for nearby residents, surrounded by wildlife spots and a teeny tiny, but lovely woodland.

Sunnybank is run by the charity Friends of Sunnybank Park and maintained entirely by a group of volunteers.

With free parking, it’s a pleasant and accessible area to visit for a quick bit of relaxation, without having to head out of the city.

You can learn more about Sunnybank Park on their website or visit their Facebook Group.

Westburn Park

Westburn Park is one of the biggest parks in Aberdeen. It is maintained by Aberdeen City Council and boasts indoor and outdoor tennis courts, multiple football pitches, a play area for children—including a cycling proficiency track. How cool is that?!—and skate/BMX ramps.

The two large ponds, grass and woodland areas are perfect for relaxing or even sunbathing in the 2-day heat of a Scottish summer.

Parking is available at nearby Berryden Retail Park, just a 10 minute walk away.

Find out more from the Aberdeen Council website.

Cruickshank Botanic Garden

Cruickshank Botanic Garden is perhaps one of the more tranquil places to visit if you need to unwind within the confines of Old Aberdeen.

Founded in 1898 and situated just north of the University of Aberdeen, it is maintained by the university and Cruickshank Charitable Trust.

The location is free and open to the public and contains relaxing environments like a rose garden, arboretum (that’s a botanical garden of trees) rock and water gardens, a collection of 2,500 plants and more.

You can find out more about the history of the garden here.

There is limited on-street during the week and parking available within university grounds on weekends.

Duthie Park

South of Aberdeen in Bridge of Dee is Duthie Park. Duthie Park has fountains and boating ponds if you’re looking to relax. There is an ideal spot for dog walks and if you have kids, there are play areas that were previously voted best play space in Scotland.

The David Welch Winter Gardens has a beautiful collection of indoor plants and on the run up to Christmas, it hosts a quaint carol concert.

You can learn more from the council website.

There is limited parking on-site.

Hazlehead Park

North west of the city is Hazlehead Park. Here you’ll find multiple gardens with sculptures, a maze, golf courses, large children's play areas and even a mini zoo. The cafe also has a wide range of food options.

This is a great place to visit if you’re going for a run or just looking to take a stroll and unwind.

You can learn more from the Aberdeen City Council website.

Stonehaven

Stonehaven, is a short 30 minute drive from Aberdeen. This lovely coastal town is nice place to visit if you’re looking to unwind. Stonehaven harbour looks out towards the North Sea and nearby Tolbooth Museum is well reviewed with lots to look at.

10 minutes further south is the ruin of Dunnottar Castle, a dramatic, 13th century cliffside fortress that’s worth a visit. Note that it costs £7 to access. You can find our more here.

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