Scotland's gardens and parks

Stroll along ancient avenues of rustling beeches, breathe in the perfume of colourful flowerbeds, and 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, there are over 400 gardens to visit in Scotland.

A group of friends getting their photograph taken at Scone Palace
© Perth and Kinross Council / Fred Murray

Immerse yourself in Scotland's Royal Botanic Gardens

Benmore Botanic Garden

Huge redwood trees here form the most dramatic entrance.

Dawyck Botanic Garden

See one of the world's finest arboreta near Peebles.

Logan Botanic Garden

Warmed by the Gulf Stream, this is our most exotic garden.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Welcome to the second oldest botanic garden in Britain.

Scotland's majestic green cities and country parks

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
© VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin

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 significant 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.

Accessible parks & gardens

Scotland has many accessible parks and gardens you can enjoy exploring! Take a look at Euan's Guide to help you plan your next visit.

National Trust for Scotland also has a range of beautiful gardens to explore, a number of which are accessible.

Beecraigs Country Park
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

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.

Find out more at Discover Scottish Gardens

6 Amazing Scottish gardens to explore

Whatever the season, you’ll find something beautiful to soak up in Scotland’s gardens. Fresh spring buds, summer blooms, autumnal leaves and wintry scenes are all waiting to delight. Take your chance to step into nature and see what some of the best gardens in Scotland have to offer, including grand castle estates, tranquil city oases and country havens.

Inveraray Castle
© VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton

1. Inveraray Castle, Inveraray

Home to the Dukes of Argyll, and the seat of Clan Campbell, Inveraray Castle is a turreted, fairytale castle with a fittingly grand garden. The 16 acre garden encompasses formal lawns, flowerbeds and woodlands.

Horticultural highlights: daffodils, rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers and roses.
Gardener’s tip: when you’re on the central path, stop and take a look around – the borders on either side are laid out like the Saltire, Scotland’s national flag.
Nearby gardens: Ardkinglas House & Gardens, Crarae Garden, Benmore Botanic Garden

2. Dunninald Castle & Gardens, Montrose

Grab the chance to see one of Scotland’s lesser known gardens! Open on specific days in spring and summer, Dunninald Castle and Gardens is one of hundreds of locations which open for a limited time to raise money for charity as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.

Horticultural highlights: roses, daffodils, bluebells, snowdrops.
Gardener’s tip: take a walk in the woods and you might spot a red squirrel!
Nearby gardens: Langley Park Gardens, Pitmuies Gardens, Brechin Castle Gardens

3. Johhnston Gardens, Aberdeen

Scotland’s cities are home to stunning gardens too. Get away from it all at the Japanese-inspired Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen, where you can relax and unwind by trickling streams and flowing waterfalls.

Horticultural Highlights: rhododendrons, spring bulbs, heathers and alpines.
Gardener’s tip: the garden is a popular spot for wedding photos – smile!
Nearby gardens: David Welch Winter Gardens, Cruickshank Botanic Garden, Pitmedden Garden

Gordon Castle Walled Garden
© Gordon Castle

4. Gordon Castle Walled Garden, Fochabers

New life has been breathed into one of Britain’s largest and oldest walled gardens. Lovingly re-designed, Gordon Castle Walled Garden features a wealth of vegetables and herbs which are used in the café and products in the shop – including the botanical gin! There are also floral displays, a maze and a natural play area for children.

Horticultural highlights: perfume garden, nectar garden, lavender garden.
Gardener’s tip: The garden hosts events and workshops throughout the year, including theatrical performances in the purpose-build sunken performance area.
Nearby gardens: Haugh Garden, Blackhills Garden, Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens

5. The Hidden Gardens, Glasgow

This garden is on a mission to bring people together in Pollokshields, one of Scotland’s most diverse communities. Located in a former tram works, the Hidden Gardens have transformed the area into a peaceful haven that features both native and exotic plants, and intriguing artworks.

Horticultural Highlights: bamboos, rowans, magnolias, hazels.
Gardener’s tip: Join a Voluntour (a volunteer-led tour) to get the most out of your visit.
Nearby Gardens: Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Pollok House

6. Dawyck Botanic Garden, Scottish Borders

Open from February to the end of November, Dawyck Botanic Garden is a treat in any season. Garden terraces and woodland paths feature both native and exotic plants, with the Azalea Terrace, Dutch Bridge and Beech Walk being the garden’s most popular photo spots.

Horticultural highlights: snowdrops, daffodils, azaleas, rhododendrons, beech trees, Douglas firs.
Gardener’s tip: Did you know that Dawyck is a sister garden to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Logan Botanic Garden and Benmore Botanic Garden?
Nearby gardens: Kailzie Gardens, Traquair House, Priorwood Garden

Discover more gardens to visit in Scotland

Discover more gardens & parks around Scotland

National Trust for Scotland Gardens

Enjoy 38 gardens and designed landscapes from Poolewe in the north to Broughton in the south, managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

Glorious Gardens of Argyll & Bute

Explore 20 wonderful gardens across mainland Argyll and the beautiful islands of Bute, Gigha and Seil.

Glasgow's Parks and Gardens

There are over 90 in the city and they are well worth exploring.

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