Gardens of South West Scotland
Your Guided Group Holiday To The Gardens of South West Scotland
Experience the South West of Scotland on this 3-night garden break. A quaint and historic region of Scotland, which aided by the Gulf Stream, has a wide range of the more tender plants not usually associated with other parts of this country. It’s host to exceptional views and a pleasant climate which contributes to the abundance of beautiful verdant gardens. This is the tour for those who dislike flying as we will travel on our own coach directly from Dublin to Larne and then a short ferry journey to Cairnryan. On arrival we’ll visit Castle Kennedy Gardens, which is often described as ‘one of the showpieces of Galloway.’ Other highlights of this garden holiday include exploring the clifftop Culzean Castle and its gardens, visiting Threave Gardens & Estate, a National Trust of Scotland garden and Logan Botanic Gardens.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Leisurely
Day
Travel to Cairnryan & Castle Kennedy Gardens
Travel to Cairnryan
This morning we will meet our garden guide, Iain MacDonald and our coach at The Alex Hotel, Fenian Street, for our transfer to Belfast (comfort stop included en route) for our ferry sailing to Cairnryan.
Castle Kennedy Gardens
On arrival, we visit our first garden, Castle Kennedy, this picturesque ruin is situated on a peninsula and, thanks to the Gulf Stream has a unique microclimate. It is surrounded by a richly planted walled garden, which in turn is encircled by formal gardens. Transfer to Stranraer to our beautifully located hotel.
We will dine together as a group each evening.
Glenwhan Garden, Culzean Castle and Garden.
Glenwhan Garden
After breakfast we depart for a visit to the private garden of Tessa & Bill Knott – Glenwhan - a magical 12 acre garden with breathtaking views over Luce Bay. Vast collections of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants are arranged around a series of lakes and bog gardens.
Culzean Castle and Garden
A contrast in the afternoon, when we visit Culzean Castle, perched on the Ayrshire cliffs. It was designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century and is filled to the turrets with treasures that tell the stories of the people who lived here.; a gothic house in a splendid cliff top location. Free time for lunch before exploring the 40 acres of gardens which feature an orangery, pagoda, fountains and walled garden and secret follies.
Threave Castle Gardens, Elizabeth MacGregor's Nursery & Garden, Broughton House Gardens
Threave Castle Gardens and Elizabeth MacGregor's Nursery & Garden
Depart this morning for our visit to Threave Gardens, a National Trust of Scotland garden which is used as a school of horticulture and has extensive plantings of specimen tress, shrubs and herbaceous borders. Then a visit to Elizabeth MacGregor’s small, award-winning nursery and garden on the outskirts of Kirkcudbright selling classic cottage garden plants In addition to the sales area, the nursery also boasts a half-acre formal garden. Thanks to its high curved walls, the garden provides a showcase for plants in their mature form. At its best from mid-summer, the garden's scents and colours are truly memorable. Stocks beds also allow the plants to propagate, giving rise to promising new trails of shrubbery
Broughton House Garden
Free time for lunch and to explore Kirkcudbright, this delightful, coastal fishing village, known as ‘The Artist’s Town”. Then visit Broughton House home of the artist, E.A. Hornel, one of the Glasgow Boy painters, who created this delightful 1.5 acre garden in the early 20th century and fused old world cottage charm with fantasy Japanese elements
Logan Botanic Garden & return to Dublin
Logan Botanic Garden
This morning check out and settle any room charges you may have incurred.
Visit to the renowned Logan Botanic Gardens, probably the most exotic garden in Scotland. Caressed by the Gulf Stream, it specialises in southern hemisphere plants, with majestic tree ferns adding scale and structure to the luxuriantly planted walled garden with its magnificent herbaceous borders. Free time for lunch in their lovely cafe.
Return to Dublin
Transfer to Cairnryan for our afternoon ferry to Larne, travel on to Dublin arriving at The Alex in the early evening.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.