Our university campus is small, but plentiful. What it lacks in size, it makes up from in beautiful … small bits of paradise. You will be ambling along the Old High street, turn a corner and before you know it find yourself in a wee oasis. Here are five hidden gems around our Old Aberdeen campus, to help you get the best views around campus.
1) Hidden seating area behind New Kings: [not fully accessible – steps]
Just tucked in between the Law library (within the Taylor building) and the Old brewery you will find a spacious seating area, perfect for a rest between classes. You will find this to your right as you walk to the Old brewery from the Taylor building or to your left as you walk along the Old High Street – opposite to Kilo.
2) MacRobert memorial garden [not fully accessible – steps]
Further along the Old High street, tucked away behind some cottages is this beautiful seating area and pond. In spring it's surrounded by cascading cherry blossoms, making it a cosy place to come to get some rest. Just follow either of the two paths adjacent to the Geography building on the Old High Street.
This memorial garden was built in 1965, to honour Lady MacRobert's work throughout her life. Whose family have helped the university considerably.
3) Lookout in Seaton Park
Most students staying at the Hillhead halls of residence will know Seaton park well! But all over its filled with hidden places to sit and enjoy the scenery. The best one by far is the hand-carved wooden seats which overlook the flowers on Cathedral walk. Most of the paths lead round to this spot, so keep your eyes peeled!
4) Hidden pond in the Cruikshank Botanic Gardens
These Botanic Gardens is a 11-acre garden which used to belong to the minsters of the Chanonry but established as a Botanical garden in 1898 by Miss Anne Cruikshank in honour of her brother, Dr. Alexander Cruickshank - with the aim of teaching botany within the University and providing the public with a pocket of nature. It now has a collection of over 2500 labelled plants.
However, if you are looking for a more private place to relax, on the side of the main garden with the huge wall and seating areas, go around this wall to find the hidden pond! There are two entrances, one closer to the cathedral entrance which loops behind the wall and through some small holdings. And another one, closer to the Zoology building which is an old-fashioned gate on the wall itself.
5) Tree circle in the Cruikshank Botanic Gardens [not fully accessible – steps]
Even more hidden away, behind the pond, you will find a gate to the arboretum – an area composed exclusively of trees. If you walk to the far end of the arboretum, and up a small hill, you will find this tree circle.
So there you have it, not all but some of the secret scenic areas around Old Aberdeen campus. But always be on the lookout for more! Recommend yours in the comments!
Interested in finding out more about the Cruikshank Botanic Gardens? Check out this blog The history of the Cruickshank Botanic Garden and its keepers, read it by clicking here.
