1. North Scotland
  2. Aberdeenshire
  3. Aberdeen

About The Gonks of Gardenshillock Storybook Trail

The Gonks of Gardenshillock Storybook Trail

Step into a magical world where imagination blooms and nature flourishes—the Gonks of Gardenshillock Storybook Trail. Based on the enchanting children’s book The Gonks of Gardenshillock, written and illustrated by local author Samantha Annal, this trail brings the whimsical world of the gonks to life right in the heart of Fintray’s picturesque hills. A place where nature and fantasy meet, the storybook has been transformed into an interactive experience, allowing children and families to explore the homes of their favorite gonk characters while engaging in fun tasks and solving puzzles along the way.

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Fun, interactive adventure with nature, puzzles, play, and storybook magic!

Embark on a Magical Journey and

Step into the enchanting world of The Gonks of Gardenshillock—a delightful storybook trail based on the beloved children’s book by Samantha Annal.

Wander through beautiful our meadow and discover the charming homes of your favourite gonk characters.

Open for 4 seasonal trails (Easter,summer,October and Christmas) falling into the Aberdeenshire School Holidays.

Children can solve fun puzzles and complete exciting tasks along the trail before letting off steam at our fabulous play park.

Wrap up your magical day with a tasty treat and a refreshing drink from our cosy coffee spot—perfect for parents and little adventurers alike.

Whimsical folklore tours through magical gardens and gnome-filled tales

The Gonks of Gardenshillock offers a truly unique and immersive experience that combines the magic of storytelling with the beauty of nature. Based on the beloved children’s book by Samantha Annal, this enchanting adventure invites visitors to explore a whimsical storybook trail filled with vibrant wildflower meadows during our summer months and delightful gonk character homes. For Halloween and Christmas our trail is lit to delight all ages for an visual exploration full of hands on tasks!

What sets this attraction apart is its perfect blend of outdoor exploration, interactive fun, and family-friendly activities. As families meander through the meadows, they can solve puzzles and complete tasks that bring the story to life, making every step a new adventure.

After exploring, children can burn off energy at the play park, while parents relax and enjoy a snack or drink at the cozy coffee spot. This seamless combination of outdoor play, storytelling, and relaxation ensures there’s something for everyone, making it the ideal destination for a family day out.

Whether you're a fan of whimsical tales or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, Gonks of Gardenshillock offers a memorable, heartwarming experience that will stay with visitors long after they.

Solving puzzles, discovering characters and exploring magical meadow play areas!

Solving puzzles, discovering characters and exploring magical meadow play areas!
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Facilities

  • Toilets iconToilets
  • Gift Shop iconGift Shop
  • Onsite Parking iconOnsite Parking
  • Accessible Toilets iconAccessible Toilets
  • Baby Changing iconBaby Changing
  • Food Available iconFood Available
  • Wheelchair Friendly iconWheelchair Friendly
  • Pushchair Friendly iconPushchair Friendly
  • Card Payments Accepted iconCard Payments Accepted
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Opening Times

Regular Times
  • Monday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Tuesday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Wednesday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Thursday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Friday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Saturday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Sunday, 09:30 - 16:00

Our Trail is Open Seasonally! Please check our website for the most up to date Trail Opening Dates/Times

Easter Bunny Boot Camp Trail

9.30am - 4pm (last entry 2.30pm)

28th March - 5th April 2026

TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

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Pricing & Tickets

General Admission
  • Child (0-12) : £13.95
  • Adult (13-18+) : £3

All participants require a ticket. Infants and babies non walking in a sling or buggy go free with a fee paying child entry. All children walking around require a ticket.

Book in advance for cheapest tickets

Find other attractions similar to The Gonks of Gardenshillock Storybook Trail by visiting our attraction tickets section.

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Plan Your Visit

Stopwatch IconTypical visit time 1 - 2 hours

Tick IconSuitable for Kids and Adults too

Food & Drink Options

Our menu changes seasonally however for Halloween we have treats like hot dogs, crumble and dirt cups! Hot chocolates, traybakes and other goodies.

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FAQs

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Parking

Toilets Icon

Toilets

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Family Friendly Options

Food & Drink

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Accessibility Information

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Tickets & Bookings

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Private Hire & Birthday Parties

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Public Transport

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Contact Details

The Steading
Gardenshillock
Fintray
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB21 0RL
Scotland

w3w: perky.chosen.fearfully

Tel: 07564708124

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Transport Information

No Public transport options to reach our attraction. Closest village bus would be newmachar but then would required a car journey to the attraction

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Verification & Last Updated

Verified Status:Verified

This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

Last Updated: 10:02 10/01/2026

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