Gardens in Scotland

Horatio's Garden - Glasgow

"There’s perhaps nowhere better to experience the healing power of plants than at an Horatio’s Garden. This carefully thought out patch of Eden at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is the second garden from the Horatio’s Garden charity, which creates lush garden sanctuaries on NHS grounds. With acclaimed garden designer and RHS judge, James Alexander-Sinclair at its helm, you can expect the planting at Horatio's Garden Glasgow to be pretty special. Horatio Gardens are known for their sensory aspect, and this Glasgow garden is no exception. Fragrant herbs, edibles and blossoming fruit trees surround a central courtyard, where people can enjoy the tranquil sounds of the fountain and the sight of the birds flitting from the birdfeeders. As a vital space of recovery, reflection and recuperation, you’ll find individual pods for seclusion and privacy, while flat, wide pathways ensure the entire garden is wheelchair friendly. Head gardener Sallie Sillars perhaps summed up the aim of the garden best when she said, “it is all about planting seeds of hope, quite literally!” "

Teasses Estate

A productive estate with beautiful and varied gardens.

Archerfield Walled Garden

Great family day out with fairy trail, cafe, walled garden and meadows.

Attadale Gardens

Large fern collection and gardens in spectacular setting.

Backhouse Rossie Estate

A cleverly curated estate with extensive gardens and cafe.

Logie House Gardens

A riverside woodland garden with its own microclimate.

St Andrews Heritage Museum & Garden

A secluded sanctuary at the heart of St Andrews.

Glenwhan Gardens & Arboretum

Delightful mosaic of sheltered lakes, open moorland and parkland.

Ardkinglas Woodland Garden

A woodland garden with a renowned collection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas.

Cringletie

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.

Finlaystone Gardens

Family-friendly estate with ancient woodland and mature gardens.

Little Sparta

Sculptural poetry at landscape scale on a beautiful wild moorland.

Burgie Arboretum

Globetrotting gardeners are in for a treat at Burgie Arboretum, where there’s not one, not two, but 12 different planting zones. From the serenity of the Japanese garden to the Neotropical planting of the South American region, plants from all corners of the world have found a home here. But things weren’t always so rosy. In the 1970s, the woodland was ravaged by a bad case of Dutch Elm disease. Luckily, these days Burgie Arboretum is resplendent in year-round colour and the waterfall that cascades into an old disused quarry adds a splash of drama to this tranquil setting. The young woodland is a firm hit among dog walkers, nature lovers and forest bathers who can expect to see Oak, Eucalyptus, Lime, Alder, Birch and Tilia, as well as a variety of unusual species from across the globe. But it’s not just the woodland and sheer diversity of planting that makes this place special. As climate change threatens Scotland’s native flora and fauna, Hamish Lochore has been using his family estate to experiment with and plant climate-resistant species, so you can be sure that this garden will be around for generations to come.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

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.

Dunninald Castle & Gardens

Beautiful wild and walled gardens on the Angus coastline.

Achamore Gardens

Created by Colonel Sir James Horlick with the assistance of Gardener Kitty Lloyd Jones in 1944, Achamore Gardens is the home of Horlick’s renowned Rhododendron and Camellia Collection. Flourishing in Gigha's warm microclimate, the 54-acre Gardens hosts many notable and unusual plants and trees from around the world. The Garden Viewpoint has stunning views over to the Islands of Islay and Jura, while the pond area offers a secluded oasis. Enjoy woodland walks with Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, New Zealand tree ferns, Hydrangeas and Fuchsias that complement the walled gardens with their tender exotics, herbaceous borders and Bamboo Maze for all to enjoy. As you explore you will discover the amazing work that the team are doing to restore this special place, uncovering plants that haven’t been seen in years, discovering lost paths, and finding entire garden compartments hidden in the undergrowth.

Mount Stuart House & Gardens

Huge and verdant gardens on a Scottish island.

Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum

Historic woodland gardens beside a castle ruin and museum.

St Andrews Botanic Garden

Inspiring research gardens and renowned plant collection in peaceful surroundings.

Dunninald Castle & Gardens

Beautiful wild and walled gardens on the Angus coastline.

Scotland's Gardens Scheme (Portrack - The Garden of Cosmic Speculation)

Whimsical, surreal and spectacular landscape designed to educate and entertain.

Leathad Ard Gardens

Charming private garden overflowing with flowers.

Glenwhan Gardens & Arboretum

Delightful mosaic of sheltered lakes, open moorland and parkland.

Cambo Gardens

Richly planted walled garden set in a large estate.

Finlaystone Gardens

Family-friendly estate with ancient woodland and mature gardens.

Archerfield Walled Garden

Great family day out with fairy trail, cafe, walled garden and meadows.

Ardmaddy Castle Gardens

Ardmaddy Castle Gardens sit in a quiet, gentle corner of Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. Surrounded by woodland, hills, moors and the sea, Ardmaddy is a haven for wildlife. Eagles soar above the hills, skylarks sing their hearts out, deer graze on the hillsides and otters hunt by the shore. The large walled garden lies beyond an old arched footbridge hosting a fine collection of azaleas, herbaceous perennials and climbing plants that line the walls. Between dwarf box hedges, a range of interesting vegetables and cane fruits are grown using a variety of ingenious labour-saving methods. Summer visits offer the opportunity to buy some of this marvellous produce. Delight in both the Clock garden and Water garden, brimming with cutting flowers, various stone and water features, as well as damp-loving candelabra primulas, irises and rodgersias. The woodland walks meander alongside the burn where you can spot enormous rhododendrons dating back more than half a century.

Mount Stuart House & Gardens

Huge and verdant gardens on a Scottish island.

Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum

Historic woodland gardens beside a castle ruin and museum.

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Immaculately-kept castle gardens perched on a rugged shoreline.

Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park

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.

Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse & Garden

Downton Abbey fans need look no further than Fife to find this wonderful example of Edwardian stately living. Architect Robert Lorimer designed the landscaped gardens, with formal lawns, yew hedging, flowering borders and a sunken rose garden.

Fyvie Castle Garden & Estate

Fyvie Castle houses an 18th century walled garden which contains a collection of Scottish fruit and vegetables. There is also a loch, American garden, woodland garden and landscaped grounds.

Crarae Garden

Tranquil woodland garden with Himalayan plants and tumbling waterfalls.

Falkland Palace & Garden

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.

Holmwood House

Holmwood House is a National Trust for Scotland property designed by architect Alexander 'Greek' Thomson sometime between 1857/8. There are 5-acres of landscaped grounds including a kitchen garden and a variety of trees.

Drum Castle, Garden & Estate

Drum Castle is one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses and the Old Wood of Drum is home to oak trees dating from the 1700s. There is also a 'Garden of Historic Roses'.

Inveraray Castle & Gardens

The garden covers sixteen acres, of which, around two acres are formal lawns and flowerbeds, the remainder being park and woodland. Extending to 180 hectares they form a well-designed Scottish landscape.

Ascog Hall Garden & Fernery

Experience the Fernery, Gardens and Stable Ruins. Within its 3 acres on the Isle of Bute are contained a array of flora and a Baronial style mansion.

Cambo Gardens

Richly planted walled garden set in a large estate.

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Immaculately-kept castle gardens perched on a rugged shoreline.

Drumlanrig Castle

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.

Dunninald Castle & Gardens

Beautiful wild and walled gardens on the Angus coastline.

Geilston Garden

A magical 200-year-old walled garden by the River Clyde with adventure playground and floral mini-maze.

Mount Stuart House & Gardens

Huge and verdant gardens on a Scottish island.

Greenbank Garden

An urban oasis with woodland walks and beautiful plants in all seasons, close to Glasgow’s Southside suburbs.

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Crathes Castle is a 16th-century tower house surrounded by 240 hectares of formal gardens, woodland walks and rolling Scottish countryside.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

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.

Floors Castle & Gardens

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.

Drummond Castle Gardens

One of the finest formal gardens in Europe. First laid out in the 1620s by 2nd Earl of Perth and enlarged and redesigned in the 1820s. The tranquility of the gardens makes them the perfect setting to sit or stroll amongst the plants.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Botanics captures the imagination of everyone who visits and is world renowned for its horticultural excellence. Over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds provide a tranquil haven just one mile from the city centre.

Drum Castle, Garden & Estate

Drum Castle is one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses and the Old Wood of Drum is home to oak trees dating from the 1700s. There is also a 'Garden of Historic Roses'.

Dumfries House

Set in 2,000-acres, the Dumfries House is Scottish estate and 18th Century house that contains a huge collection of Chippendale furniture. The estate also has large grounds and a number of historic features to view.

Threave Garden

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

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.

Dundee University Botanic Garden

The University of Dundee Botanic Garden has a wide range of plants, with collections of conifers and broad-leaved trees and shrubs, tropical and temperate glasshouses, a water garden and a herb garden. It is located in 9.5-hectares of south facing, gently sloping land near the banks of the River Tay, the garden features many species of indigenous British plants as well as representative collections of important plants from all the continents of the world. The garden also has a café and gift shop with a plant nursery, whilst regular art exhibitions are hosted in the visitor centre, and facilities exist for holding receptions and meetings.

Ardtornish Gardens

The garden at Ardtornish has been sculpted out of a rocky hillside from every part of which there are extensive views south-west along Loch Aline to the northern hills of the Isle of Mull. The site is 24-acres in size includes an alpine meadow, eucryphia garden, and rockery.