Union Terrace Gardens
7 minute walk from Aberdeen station · Dundee, Aberdeen and North East · Free entry
Union Terrace Gardens is a scenic public park and sunken garden located in the heart of Aberdeen. Spanning approximately two and a half acres, this historic space first opened to the public in 1879. It is uniquely situated within a small river valley, bounded by a late-Victorian viaduct and the city's main thoroughfare.
The gardens are surrounded by some of Aberdeen's most spectacular architecture, including His Majesty’s Theatre and the Victorian arches designed by James Matthews. Visitors can admire a formally planted floral crest of the city's coat of arms or stand among a group of mature elm trees that are nearly 200 years old, where crows still nest today.
The space has recently undergone a major redevelopment to enhance its beauty and accessibility. Visitors can now enjoy improved pathways, new landscaping, and restored historic features. Whether you are exploring the terraced gardens or enjoying the new event spaces, the park offers a vibrant, year-round civic space for everyone to enjoy.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Park
- Good for
- Architecture, Gardens, Parks & green spaces, Trees & woodlands
- Characteristics
- Designed landscape
- Admission
- Free
- Opening
- Open year-round
- Region
- Dundee, Aberdeen and North East
Stations within walking distance
- Aberdeen station — 7 min walk, 0.5 km
Other places near Aberdeen
- Tivoli Theatre — 1 min walk from the station
- The House of Botanicals — 4 min walk from the station
- City of Aberdeen Distillery — 5 min walk from the station
- Aberdeen Maritime Museum — 6 min walk from the station
- Music Hall — 7 min walk from the station
- The Kirk of St. Nicholas — 7 min walk from the station