VisitScotland launches new trail with plenty of green spaces
February 10th 2022At Discover Scottish Gardens, we are passionate about sharing Scottish gardens and any related businesses open all year round that offer safe spaces to connect with friends, family, strangers or even just a quiet area for your peace of mind.
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that gardens and green spaces alike are the perfect places to escape the humdrum of life and tap into nature while improving our health and well-being. Gardens allow us to tap into our most creative, happiest selves or even just simply ourselves when we are most at peace.
In order to promote the very best of Scottish greenspaces, we’ve teamed up with VisitScotland to share how you can do so with their new UNESCO Trail.
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire
You can start by visiting this natural playground of magical beauty. There are plenty of enchanting outdoor places that will be the perfect spot for exploring nature. Robert Burn’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum is located 2.5m south of Ayr. Robert Burns is an international icon and a symbol of Scotland (Auld Lang Syne is sung across the globe every New Year), and at his birthplace, you can even find a handwritten manuscript of one of his famous poems. You can take a walk in the luscious rose bushes while visiting his tribute – the Burns Monument.
You can also head to Culzean Castle & Country Park, located on the A719, 12 miles south of Ayr. This 260-acre estate is perfect for a family day out – with its swan pond, icehouse and playgrounds for children. You can reconnect with nature in the breathtaking formal gardens, where there is no recollection of the hustle and bustle of your busy life.
Threave Garden and Estate is the place to be if you want to feel at one with the earth – you can enjoy their gardens in every season. Just off the A75, 1 mile west of Castle Douglas, prepare to be bombarded with fresh air and stunning views. You can grab a bite in the Terrace Café with fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden.
Not far away from there is Glasgow, which means ‘dear green place’. Even though it’s the biggest city in Scotland, Glasgow has an amazing array of outdoor green spaces, where you can get lost in nature’s beauty. You can experience the infamous Botanic Gardens full of greenery and exotic plants. Located in the West End, this gives you the perfect opportunity for a peaceful walk, holding a warm cup of coffee.
If you fancy a picnic, you can grab your friends and head to Pollok House, right off M77. You can walk around and imagine that you’re in a fairytale and if you end up being cold you can check out the art collection, considered the crown of Pollok House.
To find out more about the UNESCO Trail and what it means for Scotland, head over to the VisitScotland site.
