DISCOVER SCOTTISH GARDENS
Spending time in a Scottish garden, connecting with friends, family, and wildlife, can be a great boost for your mental health. The fresh, crisp air may entice more time spent indoors, but the rewards of getting outside during the winter season often outweigh this sheltered comfort.
Colours, textures, and lighting during this time of year show a different side of Scottish gardens and with the incentive of a hot tea or cup of soup, you might just find yourself enjoying winter garden visits more than you could have imagined.
Why not spend a day or enjoy your weekend exploring some of these Scottish gardens this winter?
Open daily from 9:30am-3:45pm, visitors may feel as though they have been transported to another country when they step into the Tropical House at Inverness Botanic Gardens, the hottest spot in the Highlands, or the Cactus House which is full of a variety of cacti, succulents, and plants found on the other side of the world. Entry to the gardens is by donation, making it an affordable day of adventure.
Located in Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Fyvie Castle garden and grounds are open every day from 9am to dusk. Fyvie Lake serves as a peaceful and tranquil place for visitors and resident wildlife, where you are likely to spot a red squirrel or two.
This destination offers a perfect day out for the whole family. From the woodlands, walled garden, nature play area, and beach walks, Cambo Gardens has something for everyone. Visitors can stay busy and active or take things at a more leisurely pace, rounding up their visit with a meal or treat in the lovely café, which caters to many diets. Open daily from 10am-5pm.
A hidden gem tucked away in Argyll near Taynuilt, Angus's Garden is open year-round from 9am to dusk. With beautiful woodland gardens, a number of trails to experience, and stunning viewpoints across Loch Angus, this garden hosts beautiful walks for a relaxing winter wander.
Visitors looking to explore some of Scotland’s ruins and one of the country’s most ancient trees can visit Dryburgh Abbey, near Melrose in the Scottish Borders daily from 10am-4pm. Whether you’re visiting during the Scottish Snowdrop Festival or enjoying a day out, Dryburgh Abbey will make for a wonderful day wandering through the beautiful ruins of the Abbey and taking in the changing colours of the seasons.
Looking for a dog-friendly day out? Paxton House is open daily through December from 11am-3pm with garden and woodland walks and a vast amount of trails the whole crew can enjoy. Even more, the Stables Tearoom is open 11am-3pm and also dog-friendly, so you can make the most of your visit where no one misses out on any part of the day.
Packed with activities, walks, and wildlife, a full day of adventure and education awaits, from dawn to dusk. Located near Cumnock in Ayrshire, entry to the grounds at Dumfries House is free meaning guests can experience an exciting and affordable day out. A café on site allows you to treat yourself to a meal or pack a lunch and take advantage of scenic spots across the estate to set a picnic. From the stunning walled garden, woodland play area and maze, to the beautiful arboretum and woodland walks, Dumfries House makes for a fantastic day for all to enjoy.
Perched atop the mighty Clyde River, Finlaystone Country Estate estate boasts hundreds of acres of woodland walks, 10 acres of formal gardens and several play areas throughout. Families can spend a wholesome day reconnecting with nature through a number of self-led trails, and there is a café on site catering to a number of diets and serving up delicious coffees and hot drinks. Open daily from 10am-4pm, explore the rich woodlands and grounds at Finlaystone, just off the A8 near Langbank.
There are hundreds of beautiful gardens across Scotland welcoming visitors throughout the year but always check ahead with each garden on opening times and be mindful of how weather may impact openings and events. Be sure to pick-up the latest edition of the Discover Scottish Gardens map in tourist information points and leaflet stands across Scotland to discover all the wonderful gardens open across Scotland to visit.
Visit www.discoverscottishgardens.org for more information.
Take a tour of some stunning Highland Gardens in the Scotland Grows Show.
