DISCOVER SCOTTISH GARDENS
Located near Oban in Argyll, don’t miss seeing the splendour Ardmaddy Castle Gardens holds in the early summer. With ancient woodlands, a historic walled garden, water features, and a collection of interesting and unusual combinations of colour. Visit Ardmaddy Castle year-round from 9am-6pm.
Open from 10am-5pm Sunday to Thursday until 30th September, Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens is home to three gardens and beautiful grounds to be explored throughout the open season. Heaped in history, enjoy a day exploring 500 years of Highland history in the castle and formal gardens, woodlands, and riverside walks.
For those exploring the NC500 or taking a trip to the North of Scotland, the Castle & Gardens of Mey near Thurso awaits visitors for a grand day out. With guided tours of the castle and leisurely strolls through the gardens and grounds, explore the gardens and grounds from 10:30am-4pm and the castle between 11am-3pm. Don’t miss the Queen Mother’s roses in the Shell Garden.
Situated 1 mile north of Oban, on the West Coast of Scotland, Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds is part of Argyll's rainforest and connected to Dunollie Woods. The site has been inhabited for thousands of years and is home to a number of rare plant species from different periods: from native blooms to medieval European poisonous plants found only near MacDougall Castle, to wonderful seasonal displays and rare 19th century trees such as a Giant Redwood Sequoia and Monkey Puzzle Tree. Visit Sunday to Friday from 10am-4pm
Wrapped in history from the Lindsay family, Edzell Castle and Gardens has recently been reopened, beckoning visitors to explore the gardens and unique buildings. Not to be missed, Edzell Castle and Gardens has a beautiful summer display best seen in early July. Visit Friday to Sunday from 10am-4:30pm.
Inveraray Castle & Gardens is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and the iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland. The garden covers sixteen acres, of which around two acres are formal lawns and flowerbeds, the remainder being park and woodland. After the vibrant collection of rhododendrons and azaleas has bloomed in spring, roses and grand borders take centre stage in the gardens. Visit Thursday to Monday from 10am-5pm.
Kilbryde Castle, in Central Scotland, has been home to the Campbell family since 1659. There has been a building on the site since about 1460 with the gardens created from the 1970s onwards by Sir Colin and Lady Campbell. With beautifully planted herbaceous borders, rose gardens, and shaded riverside walks, enjoy visiting the gardens throughout the year by appointment only.
Mellerstain House and Garden is located within 100 acres of mature parkland in the Scottish Borders, inviting visitors daily from 11am-5pm all year round. Whether you want to enjoy a walk in the garden or picnic under an ancient tree, Mellerstain provides a magnificent backdrop and a serene location that has changed very little since the days of Adam and Grisell Baillie. Take in the breathtaking views of the gardens to the lake and the Cheviot hills beyond, enjoy the various garden art and sculptures, and relax amongst the beautiful grounds rich in wildlife and history.
At Paxton House, the 80 acres of gardens and grounds near the Southeast Coast are considered an outstanding work of art, originally designed by Robert Robinson around 1756. Some well-preserved 18th & 19th century estate structures in the grounds and modern features add to the interesting history and landscapes at Paxton. The Edwardian-style herbaceous border, extensive woodland, and Tweed River Walk provide visitors the perfect day of soaking up the peace of the grounds and beautiful floral displays. Visit until 21st October from 10am-4pm. Tours of the gardens can be arranged by appointment and house tours are every day from 1pm.
There are many gardens with castles, historic houses, and palaces open year-round across Scotland, where will your summer garden visiting take you?
With hundreds of beautiful gardens across Scotland welcoming visitors throughout the year, 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 the country to visit, or visit www.discoverscottishgardens.org for more information.
Always check ahead with each garden on opening times and events and be mindful of how weather may impact openings and events.
Take a tour of some stunning Highland Gardens on the Scotland Grows Show.