Hazelhead Park, Aberdeen

Hazelhead Park

Hazelhead Park can be found on Groats Road, Aberdeen and is owned by Aberdeen City Council. There is a free car park next to Hazelhead Park. Buses are also widely accessible in this area and usually run every fifteen minutes, except on Sunday when they run every half an hour.

The Opening Times are from 8am till darkness falls.

I was born and brought up in Aberdeen and I myself are now bringing my family up here. Hazelhead Park is a place I have always cherished as I used to love going here as a child and I now enjoy taking my own child here.

Hazelhead Park is one of the largest parks in Aberdeen and was originally part of the freedom lands given to the city in 1319. It became privately owned after this but was eventually bought back by the council.

When you enter via the main gate you will find yourself walking along a path surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. This path leads onto many more little paths which twist and turn about the garden revealing more and more hidden beauties.

In the heart of the park is a large swing park with a large wooden fort at the centre of it, which has existed as long as I can remember. The park play area is updated from time to time so there is a mixture of old and new play things.

Close to this is the parks restaurant where you can sit in and eat a light meal, ice cream or even just have a cuppa. Prices here are very reasonable, so I never leave the park without first visiting the restaurant.

The Pets Corner is also a great attraction and open all year round. In the summer it is open from 10am to 6pm and in the winter from 10am till 3pm. There is also a small charge to visit the Pets Corner. The Pets Corner is home to a variety of animals like goats, geese, budgies, pot bellied pigs and many tropical fish.

One of the most infamous parts of Hazelhead Park is the Queen Mother Rose Garden which was built in memorial to those who lost their lives in the Piper Alpha Disaster. These gardens are a delightful area to sit and remember our loved ones or even just use as a tranquil place to read a book. In the centre of these gardens is the Piper Alpha Memorial. Again in thes gardens there are paths and hills all leading to beautiful and hidden points of interest.

To the rear of Hazelhead Park is Scotland's first ever Maze which opened in 1935 and was created by Sir Henry Alexander. The Maze is usually closed during the colder months, but is great to do in the summer. A lot of families visiting the maze will split up and see who can find the surprise in the middle first!

There is also an 18 hole pitch and putt course, a putting green, a crazy golf arena and a trampoline area. There is a small charge to use these items.

I have been to Hazelhead Park probably over a hundred times and it still excites me to go there. Each time I go I seem to find something that I had not noticed before. The park is very well kept and is prided by all residents of Aberdeen.

If you are travelling to Aberdeen I would certainly pay Hazelhead Park a visit. It is beautiful to see in any season. My only advice would be to take a coat!! The weather in Aberdeen can be cold at the best of times!!