Duthie Park & The David Welch Winter Gardens

The original Winter Gardens or Palm House was erected in 1899 and was designed by the then city architect, Mr Rust.  

The building was some 108 feet long by 56 feet wide with a circular central dome3 measuring 24 feet in diameter and rising to a height of 46 feet.  

The building was constructed using St Petersburgh redwood; costing £1,550.

The Winter Gardens contain a very wide range of plant material and some important plant collections and is a unique facility within Northern Scotland.

The temperate House has a developing collection of plants from the temperate regions of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Mediterranean and would probably not be hardy enough to survive the winter of Aberdeen. 

These include Eucalyptus, Acacia, Callistemon, Phormium, Olive, Strelitzia and Protea. 

The Arid House contains one of the largest collections of cacti and succulents in Britain with plants from dry lands throughout the world, including South America, Arabia and Madagascar.

For further details log onto the Aberdeen City Council website.

Duff House Country Gallery

With extensive grounds and woodland walks by the river Deveron you will find a day is not enough.  Other things to do and see in the area are the whiskey and castle trails, scenic coastal routes and towns, or visit the Macduff Marine Aquarium and the Museum of Scottish Light Houses at Fraserburgh.

Visitors can also browse in the shop with its wide range of quality gifts and books.  Families are welcome as there are facilities for parents and small children and an adventure playground.

For further details log onto the Duff House website.