Union Terrace Gardens

Union Terrace Gardens is a public park in Aberdeen set on terraced levels with mature elm trees and colorful flower beds throughout. The space follows the Den Burn valley with paved walkways connecting different areas for pedestrians.

The gardens opened to the public in 1879 after architect James Matthews transformed a terraced area overlooking the valley. This change converted an unused hillside into a green recreational space in the city center.

Statues of William Wallace, Robert Burns, and Edward VII stand among the paths, marking the space as a place where visitors encounter figures important to Scottish and British identity. These monuments shape how people experience and remember the gardens as they walk through.

Wheelchair access is available from Union Street and Rosemount Viaduct via ramps and lifts, making the gardens easy to reach from surrounding areas. Inside, modern pavilions house cafes and event spaces where visitors can rest and enjoy the space.

The gardens contain more than one hundred thousand plants, including disease-resistant elm varieties selected specifically for an urban setting. This careful plant selection reveals how modern garden design adapts to city conditions and constraints.

Location: Aberdeen City

Inception: 1879

GPS coordinates: 57.14690,-2.10333

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:05