Gardens in Scotland
Search gardens in Scotland
Our favourites
Cringletie
Scotland
If you thought those panoramic views of the Scottish Borders were looking mighty fine from Cringletie House, wait until you’re up in the clouds and peering at the landscape through the window of a helicopter. That’s right, this traditional country house comes with its own helipad – ideal for special occasions or anyone feeling particularly flush. Prefer to stay on terra firma? There’s plenty of entertainment to be found on ground level. Visitors not distracted by the boules pitch and outdoor chess board are presented with 28 acres of roaming space, from vibrant floral displays and mature fruit trees to the historical nature trail which passes through a majestic woodland circling the estate. The listed Walled Garden dates back to 1666 and the voluminous yew hedges are said to be amongst the oldest in Scotland. Beyond the sweeping manicured lawns is a gentle river, cascading waterfall and weather-worn sculptures. Complete your trip with afternoon tea on the lawn or book a table at one of the swanky restaurants and bars. Visitors after a more leisurely stay are welcome to book a tastefully decorated suite.
Dog-friendly gardens
Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park
Isle of Arran
Teeming with history and surrounded by mountains, Brodick is every inch the quintessential island castle. The formal gardens, woodland, waterfalls, bathing pools and bold rhododendrons conjure up an island charm that will beguile children and adults alike.
Falkland Palace & Garden
Cupar
Falkland Palace & Garden provides a unique opportunity to explore a royal ‘pleasure palace’ with a Victorian twist. Visitors can wander through our historic orchard, complete with a living willow labyrinth, and marvel at the beauty of our formal gardens designed by Percy Cane.
Fernery
Greenhouses
Floors Castle & Gardens
Kelso
The majestic Floors Castle was built for the first Duke of Roxburghe in 1721 and remains the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. But animal lovers might be equally as excited to learn about its furrier inhabitants. Aside from the visitor’s four-legged friends, the estate is home to the endangered red squirrel and works to conserve much of the UK’s native flora and fauna, including the increasingly rare black grouse. Elsewhere Floors Castle & Gardens is home to glasshouses bursting with soft fruits and beautifully preserved Victorian kitchen gardens, where you can spy cabbages, beetroots and other veg depending on the season. At the woodland garden, flowering shrubs are dispersed among ornamental trees. The gracefully clipped Millennium Garden with its curving initials and formal, French-style parterre opens out onto some of Scotland’s finest herbaceous borders, ablaze with colour and height. Top off your visit, as Queen Victoria did back in 1867, with tea and cake in the summer house.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Glasgow
Glasgow’s West End is known for its buzzing nightlife scene, fashionable boutiques and impressive Victorian architecture but beyond the cosmopolitan exterior, you’ll find a slower pace of life at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, whose grounds border the beautiful River Kelvin. This oasis of calm consists of a spectacular array of plants from around the world, including cacti and succulents from the arid deserts of Africa and America. If tropical planting is more your thing, head for the balmy climes of the palm house. Don’t miss Kibble Palace where the architecture of the tree fern collection is as impressive as the elegant Victorian-era greenhouse it grows in. For good weather days, there’s the heritage trail which winds its way through a mature arboretum and there’s a minibeast trail for little ones. The Glasgow Botanic Gardens blends the circling pathways and relaxed open lawns of a public park with the exotic planting of a botanical garden – so there’s something to see whether you’re just passing through or making a day of it.
Drumlanrig Castle
Thornhill
Drumlanrig Castle is a 17th century castle and is the Dumfriesshire home of the 10th Duke of Buccleuch & Queensberry. There are formal gardens and a 183m long terrace walk along a magnificent stone balustrade that’s well-known for growing tender climbing plants. There are modern additions to the gardens that include a rambling woodland garden and huge rhododendron collection. You can also purchase plants from the gift shop. There are 40-acres of beautifully maintained gardens lead to the extensive estate, with waymarked walks, cycling, land rover tours, tea room, and shop. The castle and its grounds are available for corporate and private events. Other highlights include restored Victorian glasshouses and the distinctive heather houses.
Threave Garden
Castle Douglas
Threave’s wonderful garden has been created over the years by students of the NTS School of Heritage Gardening – and is a fine example of landscaped beauty. The garden is divided into a series of smaller gardens to showcase different styles, including a rose garden, rockery and walled garden.
Douneside House And Gardens
Aboyne
The MacRobert Trust Gardens at Douneside House have a variety of plants and flowers. The 17-acres of botanical wealth are maintained and nurtured by the Trust’s expert horticultural team, who have created a varied environment for our guests to explore. There is also an array of fresh, organic vegetables, salad leaves, herbs and fruit that is cultivated in the walled garden. Once harvested, the produce is delivered straight to the kitchen team and is used for that day’s menu.