Explore wonderful natural water features
Castle Kennedy Gardens
Glenwhan Gardens
Glenwhan Gardens
Find some spectacular natural water features in Dumfries & Galloway’s renowned gardens.
Spend a morning in Glenwhan Gardens and admire breathtaking views across Luce Bay to the Mull of Galloway. Water lilies thrive on two small lochans, the focal point of the gardens, while fish are visible swimming beneath the surface. The lochans are bordered by pretty willow trees and plants that flower throughout the year to provide stunning colours every season.
Marvel at the plants before strolling into the shady glen where large leaved rhododendrons and candelabra primulas provide a hauntingly beautiful scene during the summer months. Explore the wilderness area, which provides an unstructured habitat for more hardy plants, and remember to look out for the wildlife, from the buzzing insects to birds darting through the trees and bushes.
See a collection of internationally famed rhododendrons when you visit Castle Kennedy Gardens near Stranraer, one of the highlights of Galloway. Overlooked by the ruined 16th century Castle Kennedy and Lochinch Castle, the gardens are flanked by two natural lochs. The 75 acre area combines beautiful gardens, avenues and landscaped terraces to create a stunning horticultural site with the striking Round Pond in the centre, a haven for waterlilies.
Castle Kennedy Gardens boasts a vast collection of magnolias, azaleas and striking herbaceous borders as well as a monkey puzzle avenue. Keep an eye out for the distinctive red flowers of the intriguing Chilean fire tree and the Giant’s Grave, a dramatic raised bank.
Visit Ardwell Gardens to explore the formal layout of fine camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas which surround the 18th century Ardwell House before following garden paths towards the less formal area of woods and shrubberies. The gardens are fascinating to see in any season - a carpet of spring daffodils provide a golden hue whilst in autumn the woodland becomes ablaze with burnt oranges, reds and golds.
Take a look around the walled garden and find various colourful bedding plants and home-grown produce such as tomatoes, potatoes and raspberries. Complete your day with a short walk around the largest pond in the garden, which is home to majestic swans and ducks.
Search
Skip search formsSearch for accommodation
Search for attractions
Search for events
Search for activities
Newsletter sign up »
Sign up now to receive regular e-newsletters and be the first to hear about the latest news, exciting events and festivals.
Order a free brochure »
Order Dumfries and Galloway Brochures & Guides, such as the Accommodation Guide, Visitors Guide, Golf Guide, Walking Guide & Cycling Guide.
