Some say that Scotland is a massive garden all by itself, with stunning lochs and mountains set as a backdrop to beautiful forests and moors with colourful Rhododendrons, flowering along single track roads and country paths. Some gardens are set in stately homes and castles, and others flourishing in a Gulf Stream climate like Inverewe who offer visitors a chance to see subtropical plants at a northern latitude. All of Scotland’s gardens are stunning and we have listed a few popular ones below.
Crarae Gardens
These wonderful gardens are set in 50 acres of woodland, run by the National Trust of Scotland it is located in Minard near Inveraray in Argyll, and open all year round. Here you will find a tranquil garden set within a dramatic gorge with waterfalls and small bridges leading you to many wonders, with a Himalayan feel. In these gardens you will find anything from eucalyptus trees to rhododendrons and magnolias. More Information can be found here
Botanic Gardens, Glasgow
Situated to the west end of Glasgow the Botanic Gardens offer lovely woodland walks, and exotic tropical sections to explore. It would be easy to spend a whole day here, with free walking tours and tearooms to enjoy a lovely drink and something to eat. The gardens cover an area of 42,2 acres, and there are various houses/conservatories that range from tropical expeditions to floral displays, and open all year round from 7 am till dusk. There is also a heritage trail with up to 30 points of interest. Further information can be found at their website here
Pitmedden Garden
Another garden now owned by the National Trust is Pitmedden Garden, this garden also has an adjoining Museum of Farming Life, here you can learn all about the agricultural past of Scotland. A great feature of these gardens are 
the Great Garden, consisting of over 40,000 plants displaying a variation of stunning colours and scents. The gardens are located 14 miles from Aberdeen in the village of Pitmedden, and is open all year round with available tearooms and good facilities. For further information visit the National Trust website here
Crathes Gardens
Centred around the beautiful ivy clad tower house these gardens offer a large diversity of plants that provide a stunning range of scents and colour. The castle and the gardens are open to visitors all year round, with a visitor centre, gift shop and tea room, the gardens offer many more great facilities for all the family. Set over 595 acres, the castle and gardens have a connection with Robert the Bruce, and has been shaped by the Burnett family for over 400 years. The castle and gardens are located just 15 miles from Aberdeen, with many choices of public transport from the city. Much more information can be found here
Inverewe Gardens
Set upon a peninsula of Loch Ewe with a stunning vista of Wester Ross, these gardens are one of Scotlands most popular choices for garden lovers. The plants of Inverewe gardens flourish here thanks to the warm air of the Gulf Stream, and display a wide variation of plants you would not expect to see in Scotland, from Himalayan Blue Poppies to tropical plants that you would expect to find in South America, South Africa and the South Pacific, and not in a country with the same latitude as Siberia. Over 2,500 species of plants thrive here and you will see giant forget-me-nots and rare palms to name just a few. The gardens are open throughout the year and close to Poolewe in Wester Ross, the gardens are also excellent for disabled visitors with a special route designed especially. More information can be found here
Logan Botanic Garden
Logan Botanic Garden is located at the south western tip of Scotland, and another garden warmed by the Gulf Stream. The Walled Garden is a stunning collaboration of plants from all over the world. The gardens are near Port Logan in Dumfries and Galloway, and you would be forgiven for thinking you where in the Southern Hemisphere on a sunny day. The Woodland Garden is a fantastic display of wonderful plants and trees and an excellent place for a lovely walk. within the grounds you will find over 50 different types of Eucalyptus and exotic Cabbage Palms. Even in the winter you will see some fine winter flowering shrubs, due to the mild climate of this part of Scotland. There is a delicious selection of snacks at the Potting Shed Bistro and is open daily. You can find out more information of this great garden at the Royal Botanic website
Dawyck Botanic Garden
Another branch of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden, that specialises in rare trees, such as the Dawyck Beech and stunning blankets of Narcissi. One of the most popular parts of the garden is the Azalea Terrace, popular with many photographers, especially in spring when it displays an array of spectacular colours. Set 8 miles from the Scottish Borders town of Peebles the gardens provide excellent guided tours during the season, and is open to visitors between February and November. Popular parts of the gardens are The Dutch Bridge, Dynamo Pond and the Beech Walk. More information can be found on our blog
The Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh are internationally renowned as a base of scientific research, with up to 17,000 stunning species of plants and trees. There are many glasshouses displaying exotic plants, and the gardens are surrounded by beautifully maintained lawns. The gardens are only one mile from the city centre and covers over 70 acres of stunning landscaped grounds. Recommended sections of the gardens are the Scottish Heath Garden, Rock Garden, the Queen Mothers Memorial Garden and the Victorian Temperate Palm House. With a magnificent entrance you will find the Windows on the World, a glasshouse featuring ten different climatic zones, here you will find Banana plants and the largest collection of tender vireya rhododendron in the world, from the southern hemisphere. These gardens are a truly magnificent attraction and one not to be missed. More information is available on the Royal Botanic Garden Website
Drummond Castle Gardens
Unfortunately the castle is not open to the public, but there are stunning gardens to be found here. The gardens and castle are located in Perthshire, and is said to be the best example of a formal terraced garden in Europe. Many of the trees here were planted by Queen Victoria during her visit in 1842. The gardens are designed in the style of Italian Parterre, with a lovely sundial in the middle. The surrounding woods where used in the film “Rob Roy”;. Although the castle is not open to the public there are still fine views of this spectacular building, and well worth a visit. More information of Drummond Castle and Gardens can be found on the castles website
Southern Hebridean Gardens
The islands of the Southern Hebrides are home to some of the most beautiful smaller gardens in Scotland. Some of these gardens have become private, such as the beautiful gardens in Jura, and some, such as Foreland House on Islay, are only open during a few weekends each year. For an overview of the island gardens please visit the Southern Hebrides Gardens page
Further Information:
- Scotlands Gardens – A charity site with listing of all the Scottish Gardens
Recent Comments