Scotland's Gardens and Parks

27 January - 11 March 2024

As winter fades Scotland's flowers and plant life reemerge across the country to create a blossoming sea of colour across our parks, gardens and landscapes. From the end of January through to March, you can delve into the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, an annual celebration of one of Scotland’s most delicate but hardiest plant species.

Join in candlelit snowdrop walks, wander along trails through woodlands and estates, enjoy talks from plant experts, see rare species of snowdrops up close and discover more about Scotland’s gardens. Throughout the festival, gardens and estates open their doors to welcome in visitors to see their grounds in all their snowdrop glory. Get involved in a variety of events throughout the festival to learn more.

Explore more events and activities during the Scottish Snowdrop Festival

GREEN CITIES

Scotland's seven cities contain many tranquil green spaces, which are perfect for quiet contemplation or a relaxing stroll:

• Edinburgh is blessed with Princes Street Gardens at its very heart.
• Although Glasgow has a powerful industrial heritage, it's one of Europe's greenest cities. Head for Kelvingrove Park or Glasgow Green and you'll see what we mean.
• Camperdown Country Park in Dundee feels more like a country estate than an urban green space.
• And in Aberdeen, lovely Hazlehead Park with its woodlands, rose gardens, maze and golf courses is just one of 13 parks in the city.

ACCESSIBLE PARKS & GARDENS

Scotland has many accessible parks and gardens you can enjoy exploring! Take a look at Euan's Guide to help you plan your next visit.

National Trust for Scotland also has a range of beautiful gardens to explore, a number of which are accessible.

1. INVERARAY CASTLE, INVERARAY

Home to the Dukes of Argyll, and the seat of Clan Campbell, Inveraray Castle is a turreted, fairytale castle with a fittingly grand garden. The 16 acre garden encompasses formal lawns, flowerbeds and woodlands.

Horticultural highlights: daffodils, rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers and roses.
Gardener’s tip: when you’re on the central path, stop and take a look around – the borders on either side are laid out like the Saltire, Scotland’s national flag.
Nearby gardens: Ardkinglas House & Gardens, Crarae Garden, Benmore Botanic Garden

2. DUNNINALD CASTLE AND GARDENS, MONTROSE

Grab the chance to see one of Scotland’s lesser known gardens! Open on specific days in spring and summer, Dunninald Castle and Gardens is one of hundreds of locations which open for a limited time to raise money for charity as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.

Horticultural highlights: roses, daffodils, bluebells, snowdrops.
Gardener’s tip: take a walk in the woods and you might spot a red squirrel!
Nearby gardens: Langley Park Gardens, Pitmuies Gardens, Brechin Castle Gardens

3. JOHNSTON GARDENS, ABERDEEN

Scotland’s cities are home to stunning gardens too. Get away from it all at the Japanese-inspired Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen, where you can relax and unwind by trickling streams and flowing waterfalls.

Horticultural Highlights: rhododendrons, spring bulbs, heathers and alpines.
Gardener’s tip: the garden is a popular spot for wedding photos – smile!
Nearby gardens: David Welch Winter Gardens, Cruickshank Botanic Garden, Pitmedden Garden

4. GORDON CASTLE WALLED GARDEN, FOCHABERS

New life has been breathed into one of Britain’s largest and oldest walled gardens. Lovingly re-designed, Gordon Castle Walled Garden features a wealth of vegetables and herbs which are used in the café and products in the shop – including the botanical gin! There are also floral displays, a maze and a natural play area for children.

Horticultural highlights: perfume garden, nectar garden, lavender garden.
Gardener’s tip: The garden hosts events and workshops throughout the year, including theatrical performances in the purpose-build sunken performance area.
Nearby gardens: Haugh Garden, Blackhills Garden, Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens

5. THE HIDDEN GARDENS, GLASGOW

This garden is on a mission to bring people together in Pollokshields, one of Scotland’s most diverse communities. Located in a former tram works, the Hidden Gardens have transformed the area into a peaceful haven that features both native and exotic plants, and intriguing artworks.

Horticultural Highlights: bamboos, rowans, magnolias, hazels.
Gardener’s tip: Join a Voluntour (a volunteer-led tour) to get the most out of your visit.
Nearby Gardens: Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Pollok House

6. DAWYCK BOTANIC GARDEN, SCOTTISH BORDERS

Open from February to the end of November, Dawyck Botanic Garden is a treat in any season. Garden terraces and woodland paths feature both native and exotic plants, with the Azalea Terrace, Dutch Bridge and Beech Walk being the garden’s most popular photo spots.

Horticultural highlights: snowdrops, daffodils, azaleas, rhododendrons, beech trees, Douglas firs.
Gardener’s tip: Did you know that Dawyck is a sister garden to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Logan Botanic Garden and Benmore Botanic Garden?
Nearby gardens: Kailzie Gardens, Traquair House, Priorwood Garden

Discover more gardens to visit in Scotland