Duthie Park Winter Gardens, Aberdeen

The Duthie Park Winter Gardens in Aberdeen form a key attraction within the larger 44-acre Duthie Park. Originally opened in 1883, the park was a generous gift from Miss Elizabeth Crombie Duthie, who donated the land in memory of her uncle and brother. The park is known for its rich history and its role in television programming in the 1970s, as well as for hosting a wide range of recreational activities, including paddle boats and kayaks.

The David Welch Winter Gardens, located within the park, are especially notable. First opened in 1899, these tropical and arid houses house the second-largest collection of bromeliads and giant cacti in the UK, trailing only the Eden Project in Cornwall. Though the original greenhouses were damaged and rebuilt following a storm in 1969, they continue to flourish, showcasing exotic plants like tree ferns, Spanish moss, anthuriums, and banana trees.

In addition to the gardens, the park features a range of other unique attractions. The Japanese Garden, opened in 1987, commemorates the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, while the salvaged railings from Union Street bridge, decorated with metal cats, add historical flair. The park is also home to several statues, including one of J.J.R. Macleod, a Nobel Prize laureate in medicine, and a striking statue of the Greek goddess Hygieia, standing on a Corinthian column.

With a recent refurbishment that revived several historical features, Duthie Park continues to serve as a cherished site for recreation, culture, and botanical exploration in Aberdeen.