Seaton Park

Seaton Park is one of the biggest public parks in Aberdeen, set in the Old Aberdeen district in the north of the city on the banks of the River Don. Lawns, gardens and historic features make it a good place for a quiet walk in a Scottish city.

Where is Seaton Park and how do you find it?

The park lies in Old Aberdeen, the oldest part of the city, north of the centre and right beside the River Don. Its south gates face St Machar's Cathedral, whose towers form the backdrop to the park's main walk. That makes it easy to combine the park with a wider visit to the area.

What is the history of the park?

The land was once the grounds of Seaton House, which had been the Hay family home for centuries. The house was gradually wound down as a family residence because of inheritance tax. In 1947 the city bought the estate from Major Malcolm Vivian Hay, a cryptographer in the First World War and later a historian of Catholic and Jewish history. The contents of the house were sold in 1959, and the dilapidated building burnt down in 1963. What remains today is a park open to everyone.

What is worth seeing in the park?

• Cathedral Walk – the path towards St Machar's Cathedral, lined with formal flower beds.
• Walled Garden – a quiet, enclosed garden popular with photographers.
• Listed features – the park includes protected elements such as the Wallace Tower, a motte and a Bronze Age mound.
• Mr Therm – a former coal-transport steam engine, now a play sculpture for children.
• Playground – a good option for families.

Can you walk from the park to the river and the old bridge?

Yes. A riverside path links the park with the nearby Brig o' Balgownie, a medieval bridge begun by Bishop Henry Cheyne in the late 13th century and reportedly completed around 1320. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is closed to vehicles. Several sources describe it as one of Scotland's oldest surviving bridges.

Frequently asked questions

Is Seaton Park free to enter? Yes, it is a public city park.

Is it good for children? Yes, there is a playground, and the Mr Therm sculpture is popular with younger visitors.

What else is nearby? St Machar's Cathedral, the streets of Old Aberdeen and the Brig o' Balgownie, reached by a walk along the river.

When is the best time to visit? The warmer months show the flower beds along Cathedral Walk at their best, but a stroll beside the Don is pleasant at any time of year.