Fed by natural spring waters, the sunken Victorian fernery is still working just as is was when built in 1875. It is a visual delight for all visitors and is believed to contain Britain's oldest exotic fern. The main picture of this listing is a woodcut print made for the Gardener's Chronicle in 1879 - the features in the print can be easily recognised today.
The surrounding gardens contain many rare and varied plants and are a delight for gardeners and non gardeners alike. A "Plant Hunter Trail", consisting of weatherproof boards, gives information on a selection of explorers who introduced many of the interesting plants in the garden to the UK. Not to be missed are photo opportunities with the gunnera plant and the unusually large tree fern.
Finally a visit to the old stables ruin, which is an extension of the garden, gives a feeling of the Victorian age.
Set in 3 acres and only 2 1/2 miles along the coast from Rothesay, the Victorian Fernery and Gardens is a must see attraction for visitors to the Isle of Bute. We are open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm and request a fee £4 per vistor, all of which is used to maintain the gardens and fernery for the general public to enjoy. Weather permitting teas and coffee are available.
