Aden Country Park
Tarves, by Ellon. Phone 01651 851489.

Aden Country Park The entrance to the park is situated half a mile west of the village of Mintlaw on the A950 New Pitsligo road. The park is open during the hours of daylight every day of the year. Facilities available April to October.

The Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, a restaurant, and a craft shop are situated in the centre of the park, at the Farm Square, and are open on a seasonal basis.

The park is open during the hours of daylight every day of the year.

Garden in Aden Country ParkGrounds
In the past large parts of the area covered by the park were coniferous tree plantations, and some areas still are.

The plantations felled have been replaced by new plantings of predominantly mixed native broadleaf trees and shrubs such as beech, birch and elder.

Two miles of paths surfaced with woodchips provide access for visitors through these immature plantings. There is a further 4 miles of surfaced paths within the park and so ample opportunity exists for pleasant walks for all ages throughout the year.

Approximately a quarter of the park area is mown grass and this provides plenty of space for group activities such as picnics, for special events or simply the opportunity for the children to race around and let off steam.

A small lake is situated within the park and the resident ducks appear always ready to relieve visitors of any food they may have brought for them.

The River Ugie runs through one corner of the park and within a loop of the river lies a lovely area known as the lower garden which although no longer highly cultivated does contain a varied collection of trees and other plants which indicate a more ornamental past.

Aberdeenshire Farming MuseumFacilities

The Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, a restaurant, and a craft shop are situated in the centre of the park, at the Farm Square, and are open on a seasonal basis. Also at the park is the Hareshowe working Farm exhibit, again open on a seasonal basis.

An ice cream kiosk is situated in the main car park and is open during the summer season.

Three public toilet blocks are open during the period April to October inclusive with two blocks including facilities for the disabled. One block is open during the winter period and includes facilities for the disabled. Baby changing facilities are also available.

Picnic tables are available at a number of locations within the park. Visitors are welcome to bring their own barbecues to the park but are requested to use the concrete slabs provided adjacent to some of the picnic tables in order to avoid damage to the grass or wooden tables, and also to minimise any fire risk.

The park has a large childrens play area adjoining the main car park and children may also enjoy a visit to the tree house situated close by the ruined mansion.

A bird hide is situated adjacent to the lake.

The park contains a fenced arena for horse events that can be booked by groups of horse riders. Dog owners have two areas where their dogs can run off the lead but throughout the rest of the park are requested to keep their dogs on the lead. The main dog exercise area contains a dog play area with jumps, hoops and elevated walkways for the more adventurous canine visitor.

Aden Country Park is 34.4 Miles from Denhead Steading