Benmore Botanic Garden, Benmore, by Dunoon

Benmore Botanic Garden is a magnificent mountainside Garden, surrounded by beautiful scenery, at the gateway of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.  Its 120 acres are home to a world-famous collection of plants from the Orient and the Himalaya to North and South America, including over 300 species of rhododendrons. 

Benmore welcomes visitors through an avenue of 150 year old giant redwoods, arguably one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden.  From the serenity of the pond, visitors can climb through exotic plantings to a dramatic viewpoint at 450 ft (140m) where it is possible to see Holy Loch and the tops of neighbouring mountains.  Other highlights include the beautiful Victorian Fernery, the Garden's meticulously restored Golden Gates and the Bhutanese and Chilean pavilions.

The Garden is beautiful throughout the seasons with superb displays of rhododenrons in spring, striking eucryphias in summer and spectacular displays of rich autumn foliage.  Visitors can enjoy the Courtyard Gallery, which hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year, and sample some delicious home baking in the Benmore café, or browse the Garden Shop.

Benmore offers Garden guided tours on Tuesdays and Sundays are 14:00hrs, and escorted tours aboards the Benmore Explorer on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 14:00hrs.  The Explorer provides rides around the Garden and up to higher levels for those with mobility needs.  It can accommodate up to eight visitors.  For more information or to book a tour, please call 01369 706261.