Romantically situated between two large natural lochs, Castle Kennedy Gardens extend to 75 acres of landscaped terraces and avenues. With the romantic, ruined 16th century Castle Kennedy overlooking a Walled Garden, a 2 acre round pond and Lochinch Castle at the other end, these gardens are perfect for exploring. Greatly influenced by the Gulf Stream, the Gardens are home to many fine specimens including 20 Champion trees and an exciting variety of exotic plants.
Originally designed in 1722 by the 2nd Earl of Stair, Field Marshal and Ambassador to France, who was influenced by Versailles, the Garden highlights include early spring bulbs of snowdrops, daffodils, and bluebells, magnolias and rhododendrons displays, beautiful herbaceous borders, as well as woodland and loch-side walks. Guided walks, tree trails, family ranger events & open-air theatre take place through-out the year.

How to find us

Castle Kennedy Gardens are situated approximately five miles east of Stranraer on the A75. The entrance is clearly signed at the village of Castle Kennedy.
From the East: brown tourist sign posts along the A75 start roughly 12 miles from the Gardens.
From the North: from the A77, when you are approximately 2 miles from Stranraer, turn left onto the A751 sign posted to Dumfries. At the junction with the A75, turn left towards Dumfries. You will come to the village of Castle Kennedy after 1 mile. Turn left into the Gardens as sign posted.
Well-shaded car and bus parking is available adjacent to the entrance to the Gardens.
The nearest railway station is at Stranraer and it is an easy taxi ride for the short distance to the Gardens.
For Sat Navs please use postcode DG9 8SL.

Location

Awards

Visit Scotland 4 Star Visitor Attraction
RHS Partner Garden

Highlights

• The Walled Garden, which consists of beautiful, long herbaceous borders
• The Round Pond, two acres in size, which contains rare Victorian waterlilies
• 20 Champion Trees, the tallest or largest of their kind in Scotland or the UK
• Avenues planted with a single species of tree
• Elaborate land sculptures, mounds and terraces are throughout the Gardens

Guided tours

Fully guided tours are provided by our knowledgeable Head Gardener and clan Chief John MacArthur of that Ilk, who has worked at the Gardens for nearly 30 years. These are possible to arrange throughout the year and can be tailored to suit the group's special interest. To book a guided tour please call 01776 889 178 or email [email protected]

Myerscough College April, 2016
"Thank you for your assistance in organising our recent visit to Castle Kennedy Gardens, 21 April 2015. We all felt most welcome and found it so enjoyable. A particular thank you to Head Gardener John MacArthur for his time; the talk was really interesting, something for everyone – the arborists, landscapers and horticulturalists. Castle Kennedy Gardens seemed to be a favourite garden on the tour for many of our group, it opened their eyes to gardens on such a scale."Castle Kennedy Gardens is always pleased to welcome groups of visitors. Group visits can take place throughout the year as part of a general or special interest group tour. There are fantastic fully guided tours available with our knowledgeable Head Gardener and clan Chief John MacArthur of that Ilk.

There is a 10% discount on the entry fee for groups of more than 20 people.

A variety of different catering options are available for for groups from tea/coffee and cake to hot and cold buffets. Advanced booking for catering is recommended. Coach drop-off points are at the entrance to the Gardens with parking nearby across the Canal. To book a group tour please call 01776 702 024 or email [email protected]

Group visits

Castle Kennedy Gardens is always pleased to welcome groups of visitors. Group visits can take place throughout the year as part of a general or special interest group tour. There are fantastic fully guided tours available with our knowledgeable Head Gardener and clan Chief John MacArthur of that Ilk.

There is a 10% discount on the entry fee for groups of more than 20 people.

A variety of different catering options are available for for groups from tea/coffee and cake to hot and cold buffets. Advanced booking for catering is recommended. Coach drop-off points are at the entrance to the Gardens with parking nearby across the Canal. To book a group tour please call 01776 702 024 or email [email protected]

Promotional Themes

• Herbaceous Borders & Plantings
• Woodland Gardens
• Water Gardens
• Tree Collection/Champion Trees
• Autumn Colour
• Daffodil Displays
• Bluebell Displays
• Rhododendron Displays
• Snowdrops
• Spring bulbs
• Woodland Wildlife