Scotland's Gardens and Parks

Stroll along ancient avenues of rustling beeches. Breathe in the perfume of colourful flowerbeds as busy bees buzz happily around you. Watch stealthy herons as they search for lunch in tinkling streams. 

Whenever you visit, there's always something new in Scotland's gardens, parks, woodlands and plant nurseries to discover. From our four Royal Botanic Gardens and beautiful urban green spaces, to historic castle gardens and country parks, return to nature and let Scotland soothe your spirits.

There are over 400 gardens, woodlands and plant nurseries to visit in Scotland and Discover Scottish Gardens has information about many of them.

Scotland's Garden Scheme is a charity that works with many of Scotland's gardens (some not normally open to visitors), to hold Open Days to raise funds for good causes.

Green Cities and Country Parks

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.

Country Parks

Head a little out of the cities and you'll find wonderful country parks that are ideal for a family day out.

Just a short bus ride or drive from Edinburgh will take you to Vogrie by Gorebridge, Dalkeith, Beecraigs just outside Linlithgow and Roslin Glen which you'll find between Roslin, Auchendinny and Rosewell.

On the outskirts of Glasgow explore Calderglen in East Kilbride and Strathclyde country park a little further east or Cathkin Braes near Cambuslang. To the north of the city Mugdock and Palacerigg country parks are well worth a visit.

Angus, north of Dundee is also renowned for its parks, which include Monikie, Crombie and Forfar Loch.

6 Breathtaking Coastal Gardens in Scotland

Discover Scotland's beautiful coastal gardens, from Himalayan-style Crarae Garden in Argyll to exotic Logan Botanic Garden in Dumfries & Galloway.

Logan Botanic Garden, Dumfries & Galloway

Warmed by the Gulf Stream, Logan Botanic Garden is blessed by an almost subtropical climate that allows plants that are rarely seen in the UK to grow and thrive there. Breathe in the rich perfumes in the walled garden and wander through groves of eucalyptus and exotic palm trees.

Cambo Estate, Fife

Located close to St Andrews, on Scotland’s east coast, Cambo Gardens has a beautiful Georgian walled garden that is bursting with colourful flowers and rare plants to explore. Make sure to factor in time to follow the woodland walk to the Fife Coastal Path and breathe in the fresh sea air. Visit in February and early March to see the estate’s famous snowdrops.

Crarae Garden, Argyll

Created in 1912 by Lady Grace Campbell, Crarae Garden is described as Britain’s finest example of a Himalayan-style garden. Visit to gaze in wonder at champion trees and the garden’s National Collection of southern beech trees.

Arduaine Garden, Argyll

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An exotic garden located on Scotland’s west coast, Arduaine Garden overlooks the Sound of Jura and is home to a huge array of colourful plants, including giant Himalayan lilies, forget-me-nots, magnolias, azaleas and rhododendrons.

Inverewe Garden and Estate, Highlands

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Located in the north west Highlands, Inverewe Garden was lovingly cultivated from a barren wilderness by Osgood Mackenzie and his daughter Mairi Sawyer in the 19th century. Some of the beautiful plants you can see include prehistoric trees and rhododendrons from China, Nepal and India.

Dunrobin Castle, Highlands

Laid out in 1850 by Sir Charles Barry – the man who designed the Houses of Parliament – Dunrobin Castle gardens are beautiful examples of formal Victorian gardens and include features such as parterres laid out around circular pools with fountains.

Want some more options? Search for more gardens and browse 9 stunning castle garden walks.