Perfect picnic spots in Aberdeen
13 June 2025
As Aberdeen is home to many stunning parks, gardens and open spaces, you're never too far from the perfect picnic spot! With International Picnic Day coming up (18 June), check out our list below for some top spots to take your treats to!
Cruickshank Botanic Gardens
Situated on the University of Aberdeen’s King College Campus, the Cruickshank Botanic Garden is a peaceful and beautiful garden set across 11 acres. This hidden gem contains many rare plants and you can also enjoy a tour around the park before your picnic. Once you’ve finished enjoying your picnic in the sunshine you can pop into the Zoology Museum for a historical insight into it's extensive collection of zoological specimens from around the world, including taxidermy, skeletal materials and preserved specimens.
Duthie Park
Duthie Park is one of Aberdeen’s most impressive parks. Not only is it one of the largest parks in the city with 44 acres, the spacious park is also home to the David Welch Winter Gardens which is also one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens. Duthie Park is also home to a famous bandstand and pond where you can enjoy an afternoon boating to work up an appetite for your picnic.
Crathes Castle
Having a picnic near a castle or historic house adds a unique atmosphere to your day out, and in Aberdeenshire there is plenty opportunity to do so! At Crathes Castle, the grounds are beautifully kept, with lots of scenic spots to sit down for a picnic. After your picnic, you can even explore the gardens, trails or even the castle itself for a day of historic adventure!
Linn of Dee
Situated in the Cairngorms National Park, the Linn of Dee offers breathtaking sights and sounds of the river and forest, leaving you completely immersed in nature with fresh air, running water and peaceful surroundings. There are lovely walking trails around, so you can combine your picnic with a nature hike. Top tip: Look out for birds, deer and other wildlife nearby!
Hazlehead Park
Located near the outskirts of Aberdeen, Hazlehead Park is another popular spot for picnickers. With a colourful rose garden, azalea and rhododendron borders you will be have the perfect backdrop for that picnic selfie. Scotland’s oldest maze can be found in Hazlehead Park – just make sure you don’t get lost trying to find it! Surrounding the park you will find a golf course, football pitches, Hayfield Riding School and a newly refurbished children's playpark.
Johnston Gardens
Johnston Gardens, in Aberdeen’s west end, might be small in size but this quaint garden has won the accolade of Britain in Bloom many times. Amongst the shrubbery and flowers, this garden also features a bright blue bridge which is the perfect spot for an impromptu photoshoot.
Aden Country Park
With it's large open green spaces, woodlands and ponds, Aden Country Park is perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket. You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings with plenty of wildlife and lovely gardens, making it a relaxing spot on a warm summers day. There are picnic tables and walking paths, making it a convenient spot for families with kids due to it's expansive play areas and open space for games.
Seaton Park
Seaton Park lies to the north of the city in historic Old Aberdeen. The bright, open park is a firm favourite for families with a children’s play area to keep them amused while you watch from the picnic blanket. The River Don also flows alongside Seaton Park where you can also kayak or just take in the serenity.
Victoria Park
Named after Queen Victoria, Victoria Park was opened in 1871. In the middle of the park you will find the fountain which is made up of 14 different types of granite from local quarries. This beautiful park is full of shrubs, flowers and trees and a Rhododendron Dell.
What are you waiting for? It's time to pack up your picnic and head out to one of these wonderful landmarks. Wherever you go, we'd love to be apart of your journey this International Picnic Day! Don't forget to tag us @VisitABDN or use our hashtags #VisitABDN or #BeautifulABDN for your chance to appear across our social channels.