Inveresk Lodge Garden

These walled grounds tucked away in the charming village of Inveresk, near Edinburgh, have all the ingredients for garden paradise. This plant haven offers a sanctuary of tranquillity and a year-round feast for the senses.  It is home to colourful borders and a heady mix of scents, including roses, honeysuckle and herbs.

The garden is split into two main areas, with sloping lawns and borders at the top of the hill and the wilder woodland and ponds below. You’ll find the beautiful glasshouse just to the left of the entrance gate. Check the white board for highlighted plants and wildlife to look for during your visit. There are also some interpretation guides that you can take around the garden.

Go down the steps into the main area, where you’ll find a variety of themed borders featuring both familiar and rare plants. In the lower level you’ll find a woodland walk, a scattering of picnic benches and the ponds. There’s also an interesting sundial at the centre of the garden – its unusual lectern dial dates back to 1644.

Wildfowl are frequent visitors to the garden, including swans, ducks and geese. Other birds spotted are various tits, herons, treecreepers and an occasional kingfisher.

Children can follow a discovery trail highlighting some of the garden’s flora and fauna. They can also bring their own nets and go pond dipping from the platform on the larger pond.