Castle Kennedy Gardens
RHS Partner Garden
Free RHS Member days
Thursday, when open
About the garden
Castle Kennedy Gardens is one of Scotland’s most important historical landscaped gardens, known for its collection of rhododendrons, champion trees and rare species. Romantically situated on an isthmus, the gardens cover 75 acres of sculpted landscapes and magnificent avenues radiating from the iconic ruins of Castle Kennedy, and benefit from fantastic growing conditions due to their location on the Gulf Stream.
Originally designed in 1730 by the 2nd Earl of Stair, who was ambassador to France and greatly influenced by Versailles, the gardens owe much to his design. They have since been tended, extended and maintained by the same family. Highlights include a beautiful two-acre circular Victorian lily pond, the Monkey Puzzle Avenue and views across to Lochinch Castle.
Facilities
- Dogs welcome
- Parking
- Plant sales
- Refreshments
- Toilets
Key features
- Sub-tropical garden
- Herbaceous border
- Arboretum
- Pond or lake
- Autumn colour
- Champion trees
Get involved
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.