Gardens in Argyll & The Isles

Many of the gardens are also part of historic estates, meaning you can soak up the beauty and tranquility of the region's glorious gardens while discovering its dramatic history and heritage.

In a magnificent mountainside setting on the Cowal Peninsula lies Benmore Botanic Gardens, an enchanting area steeped in history and surrounded by dramatic scenery. Benmore’s 120 acres boast over 300 species of rhododendron, Bhutanese and Chilean plantings, and a spectacular avenue of giant redwoods.

Spend a morning in the colourful Ardmaddy Castle Garden, near Oban, where you can admire vibrant rhododendrons and serene water gardens.

Mid Argyll is also famed for its beautiful gardens. Kilmory Woodland Park, set in the grounds of Kilmory Castle, is a wonderful location to begin exploring with a network of paths leading through the trees to a lochside picnic area, bird hide, and archaeological interest points. Take in the stunning views across the surrounding landscape with its exotic shrubs, rare trees and blooming rhododendrons.

Crarae Garden is another favourite that is centred around the Crarae Burn with water cascading through a rocky gorge. With conifers towering above woody plants and shrubs, and bridges spanning the burn, it can almost feel as though you have stepped into a Himalayan valley.

Or why not hop aboard a ferry to a romantic island retreat? Achamore Gardens, situated on the Isle of Gigha, are blazing with colour and offer a tranquil haven where you can stroll through natural woodlands, see rare plants and admire rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.

Meanwhile, on the isle of Bute you’ll find one of Europe’s finest estates. Incorporating 300 acres of vibrant gardens, wilderness and woodland, Mount Stuart’s dramatic gardens have been been nurtured and enhanced over time. The Rock Garden, designed by the celebrated English landscape gardener Thomas Mawson, is a real highlight.

Find out more about Argyll & The Isles beautiful gardens.