Scotland’s parks and gardens

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Year of Natural Scotland 2013
Year of Natural Scotland 2013

Celebrate Scotland's natural beauty throughout 2013

Scotland boasts a wide variety of stunning parks and gardens in the cities, countryside and castle grounds. Discover exotic species in one of Scotland’s many botanic gardens, enjoy the tranquillity of city parks, stroll in the gardens of ancient castles or wander through beautiful woodland gardens.

The Royal Botanic Garden has four gardens across Scotland: Logan in Dumfries & Galloway, Dawyck in the Scottish Borders, Benmore in Argyll and the second oldest botanic garden in Britain, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which was established in 1670.

Each garden has its own specialist collection of exotic and native plants as well as restaurants, exhibits, greenhouses and information centres. Dundee, Glasgow and St Andrews are also home to botanic gardens where you can see a wide variety of plant collections.

Escape the buzz of urban life in one of Scotland’s city parks. Discover the spectacular David Welch Winter Gardens in Duthie Park in Aberdeen, home to collections of bromeliads and giant cacti. Other great city centre parks include Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow, the Meadows in Edinburgh and Camperdown Park in Dundee.

Explore fascinating castle and country home gardens throughout Scotland. Edzell Castle in Angus, once the home of the infamous Lindsay family, boasts a spectacular 17th century walled garden. Or explore the beautiful gardens at Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire, a stunning castle complete with fairytale turrets and gargoyles. You will also find great gardens at Blair Castle in Perthshire, Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland, Culzean Castle in Ayrshire and Threave Garden in Dumfries & Galloway.

Wander in the woodland gardens of Cambo Estate in Fife amongst beautiful flora and fauna; you may even catch a glimpse of an otter or a badger. There are also some great woodland walks at the House of Dun in Angus and Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens in Argyll.

  • A couple in the garden of Broughton House in Kirkcudbright, the former home of EA Hornel
    The garden of Broughton House, Kirkcudbright
  • The Kibble Palace, Glasgow Botanic Gardens in the west end of the city.
    The Kibble Palace, Glasgow Botanic Gardens
  • Looking over yellow flowers to the head of Ronas Voe, north Mainland
    Looking over yellow flowers to Ronas Voe, north Mainland
  • Two women admire flowering plants in the Garden Walls of Lang Rig at 46 South Street, St Andrews
    The Garden Walls of Lang Rig at 46 South Street, St Andrews
Looking across the pond in the walled garden of the Dunskey Estate, Portpatrick

Gulf Stream gardens

Enjoy a world of colour in the gardens of Dumfries & Galloway where palm trees and African daisies mix with daffodils.

Looking over the garden maze towards Pollock House

The 'dear green place'

The city of Glasgow and surrounding Clyde Valley has a whole range of beautiful parks and gardens for you to explore.

Garden on the Island of Tondra, off the south east coast of Mainland Shetland

Gardens and Parks in Shetland

Explore the many beautiful gardens in Shetland where indigenous and exotic flora is grown.

Visitors look at the bright floral borders amongst the greenery of Achamore Gardens, Isle of Gigha

Gardens in Argyll & The Isles

Warmed by the heat of the Gulf Stream, Argyll & The Isles is home to around 20 gardens where native and exotic plants thrive.

A family at the edge of the loch at Beecraigs Country Park, near Linlithgow

Green city spaces and countryside parks

Discover the great outdoors in Edinburgh & The Lothians with many beautiful parks, beaches and gardens.

Overlooking the spectacular Durmmond Castle Gardens, Perthshire © Ken Cox

East horticultural delights

Explore beautiful gardens on a walk through exotic blooms and sculpted shrubs in Perthshire, Angus and Fife.

A dazzling display of hyacinths, crocuses and tulips

Scotland's Gardens

Some of Scotland's finest gardens are privately-owned, but are sometimes open to the public especially for charity thanks to Scotland's Gardens (SG). Start planning your visit today.