Aden Country Park has everything you need for a great day out. We offer a range of opportunities for relaxation and recreation for individuals, families, and groups to enjoy. Please click on any of the facilities and activities below for more details. Alternatively browse using the right-hand-side navigation menu.
The Aberdeenshire Farming Museum is set within the semi-circular historic farm steading and tells the story of the north-east’s agricultural past as well as the Aden Estate itself. Displays include a Recognised Collection of farming machinery, reconstructed farm rooms from different periods and changing temporary displays, A short stroll away, within the wider park is Hareshowe, a reconstructed 1950s farm and associated outbuildings.
Situated just off the courtyard area, within the old laundry building, is the Aberdeenshire Recording Centre (ARC). The studio provides professional technical support for commercial, community and educational groups, and is ideal for a wide range of projects, from acoustic, to bands, or solo artists. Whatever your requirements our experienced technicians will help be able to help. Booking in advance is essential
Following the recent refurbishment, the Aden Café, located next door to the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, offers a very warm welcome and delicious scones, tray bakes, coffee, and light lunches. The Café succeeds on delivering high-quality food in a relaxed atmosphere. A great place to enjoy either before or after exploring the stunning park grounds. Definitely not to be missed.
For those who want to stay, Aden offers a fantastic fully serviced four-star Aden Caravan & Camping Site. Located just off the main entrance to the park, and with a wide range of facilities and activities on offer (including groovy glamping pods!) it is easy to see why the site is so popular.
The Craft and Gift Shop is located in the scenic, calming setting of the Aden courtyard. The shop offers a wide range of items including children’s toys, souvenirs, books and postcards, as well as a range of locally made arts and crafts. The shop also offers hot drinks, chilled soft drinks, ice cream and snacks. The shop is run jointly by the Friends of Aden volunteers in partnership with Buchan Day Opportunities.
One of the most popular areas in Aden is the new children’s play area. Aimed at entertaining people of all ages and abilities, the new play area is a must visit for any family. The play area is great not only for play, but a perfect location for a picnic. Surrounded with trees, we’ve been told it’s the best play park in Aberdeenshire.
Here at Aden, we love animals, and we think it is fair to say that animals really love Aden! We have ample dog exercise areas, along with an agility area, for those who want to test their dogs’ skills. We also have a dedicated, enclosed horse arena, and bridle path running through Aden. So, take your dog or Horse to Aden, they will love you for it!
Although not yet launched to the public, located at the rear of the Aden Craft & Gift Shop, the electric bike (e-bikes) hire scheme will be a great way to explore the park or see the amazing sights of the local Buchan area. We will have four e-bikes available for hire, so you can either go for a solo cycle or get some family and friends to join you.
Part of Aden’s charm is its balance between informal woodland, managed parkland, rhododendron-lined paths, Victorian and 21st Century arboretums, wildflower meadows, and secluded gardens. This varied landscape contributes to Aden’s unique mix of insects and wildlife.
Once the refurbishment and interpretation works have been completed in the ground floor of the Coach House, it will be opened (hopefully in Spring 2023) as a new Visitor Centre. The Centre is centrally located in the main courtyard and will be the perfect place to start your Aden experience. Whether picking up a park map or trail leaflets, learning about our history and heritage, or simply advice on what the best things to do are, the Visitor Centre should be No.1 on your to do list when arriving in Aden.
If exercise is your thing, then look no further. Not only is there an outdoor gym and orienteering course, but there are also a variety of measured walking, cycling and jogging routes for the novice and experienced to enjoy. For those looking for something different, how about trying out our Mini Segway Trail, great fun for all
Located within the Landscape Services depot building in Aden, is Woodcraft at Aden, a purpose-built workshop selling a wide range of high-quality garden furniture, kindlers, and other wooden items. The project is run by Buchan day Opportunities, with the finished products being sold to members of the public and local companies. If you want to visit Woodcraft at Aden, please contact the staff in advance.
