Enchanting Public Gardens in Scotland

There are over 400 gardens to visit in Scotland - from the historic to the contemporary, the herb to the botanic. No matter the season, Scotland’s formal gardens, country parks, woodlands and unique garden attractions offer something new to explore, whether you’re wandering beneath towering beech trees, delighting in the scent of blooming flowerbeds or spotting herons wading through gentle streams in search of their next ‘catch’.

Scotland’s Famed Gardens

Here are some beloved gardens in Scotland that captivate both visitors and locals alike: treasured landscapes that each offer a unique blend of history, horticulture and garden design - from Renaissance parterres to wild woodlands and subtropical havens.

The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Established in 1670, and located in Scotland’s historic capital city, is one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated botanic gardens, home to over 13,000 plant species. Famed for its Chinese Hillside, Rock Garden, and Victorian glasshouses, it blends scientific research, conservation and breath-taking landscape design.

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Borthwick Castle - A 15th-century fortress once visited by Mary Queen of Scots, now offering a dramatic and authentic castle stay.

Dalhousie Castle - A historic fortress near Edinburgh, blending centuries of heritage with luxurious hotel accommodation and picturesque grounds.

Cawdor Castle Gardens, Scottish Highlands

Discover three remarkably different gardens, each with its own story to tell. Wander through the historic Walled Garden, first planted in the 17th century and still bursting with colour and seasonal blooms. Explore the tranquil Flower Garden, where fragrant borders and neatly kept paths invite peaceful strolls. Then lose yourself in the Wild Garden, a woodland haven of winding trails and hidden corners and wildlife.

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Leslie Castle - A charming 17th-century tower house in Aberdeenshire, full of character, historic charm, and scenic surroundings.

Innes House - Of the same century, this beautiful property near Elgin blends historic grandeur with beautiful gardens and countryside views.

Inverewe Garden, Wester Ross

This is a remarkable subtropical coastal garden that thrives in the wild Scottish Highlands, made possible by the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, it showcases exotic plants from around the world set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and lochs.

While we don’t offer a castle stay in this part of Scotland, the garden itself is certainly worth the journey. The nearest of our castles is Tulloch Castle, around 65 miles away, which could be ideal if you’re exploring more gardens of the Highlands.

Drummond Castle Gardens, Perthshire

One of Scotland’s most historic and formal gardens, designed in the grand 17th-century Italian parterre style, features an elegant symmetry. Its ornate topiary and sweeping views from the castle terrace add to its luxurious appeal. Its cinematic landscape gained even greater international fame through its appearance in the Outlander series.

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Dalmunzie Castle – A former Laird’s mansion in the Cairngorms, offering Highland seclusion and character.

Inverlochy Castle – A luxury hotel near Fort William, renowned for fine dining and majestic mountain scenery.

Crarae Garden, Argyll

Imagine a lush Himalayan woodland paradise, where winding paths lead through dramatic gorges, waterfalls and vibrant plantings of rhododendrons and magnolias. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, this captivating wild garden medley offers an immersive landscape that reflects the spirit of early 20th-century plant exploration.

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Kilmartin Castle – A lovingly restored 16th-century tower house set in an area rich with ancient history.

Castle Lachlan – A romantic ruin and nearby estate on Loch Fyne, perfect for a tranquil coastal escape.

Inverary Castle Gardens, Argyll

Spanning 16 acres, these award-winning gardens display bountiful daffodils at Easter, followed by the famous rhododendrons and azaleas, and later heathers, roses and vibrant autumn colour. The borders beyond the lawns form a year-round magnificent St. Andrew’s Cross, whilst fine conifers thrive in the estate’s high-rainfall climate.

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Glengorm Castle – A striking baronial castle on the Isle of Mull, with views across rugged coastline.

Stonefield Castle – A 19th-century property set in 60 acres of woodland gardens overlooking Loch Fyne.

Dunrobin Castle Gardens, Sutherland

Inspired by Versailles, these are a rare surviving example of Victorian formality, with elegant parterres set around pools and fountains. Historic design, vibrant planting and avenues of Tuscan laurel and uniformed pleached trees combine to create a setting of colour and refinement, framed by sweeping views over the Moray Firth.

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Tulloch Castle - A traditional Highland castle filled with character, legends, and warm hospitality.

Kincraig Castle - A baronial mansion offering luxury accommodation and panoramic Highland views.

Crathes Castle Gardens, Aberdeenshire

Guests are enthralled by this National Trust delight, with giant, imaginatively manicured topiary trees framing long landscaped lawns and mimicking a scene from Alice in Wonderland. There is so much to see, from the abundant walled gardens and varied woodland to the ancient stone fountains and extensive brightly-filled glasshouses.

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Leslie Castle - A 17th-century fairy-tale tower complete with turrets and historic charm.

Craigietocher Tower - An exclusive five-star retreat in a meticulously restored medieval tower house.

Kellie Castle Gardens, Fife

Within high south-facing walls resides a romantic, Arts & Crafts ambiance; an intimate, garden rich in timeless grace, sensory delight and tradition. Imagine aromatic roses mingled with nepeta along lush herbaceous borders spilling with vibrant colour. This picturesque secluded sanctuary marries formal structure with homely abundance; expect trailing soft fruit, lingering fragrances, a charming stone summer house, roaming chickens and delicious fresh produce to take home.

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Melville Castle - An elegant 18th-century castellated mansion near Edinburgh, blending history with modern comforts.

Fonab Castle - A luxurious lochside retreat in Pitlochry, where contemporary design meets Highland grandeur.

Can Celtic Castles Help Further?

From subtropical escapes to formal Renaissance parterres, Scotland’s public gardens are as enchanting as the castles that dot their surrounding landscapes. Make your visit even more unforgettable by staying in one of our historic castles. Browse our full portfolio of castle hotels and exclusive-use castles, or get in touch with our friendly team.

With almost 30 years of experience matching families and friends with their perfect castle, our expert team is available seven days a week to offer free, impartial guidance. Whether you’d like to discuss your plans or browse availability online, we’re here to help you create a Scottish escape to remember.

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