๐ Castle Kennedy, Dumfries & Galloway
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Gardens can be special for a number of reasons. Some are notable for their rare plant species; others are memorable for their sheer size, or for their intimate beauty. Others have some unusual, unexpected feature providing a unique centrepiece. But Castle Kennedy is special for having all of these qualities, making this one of the country’s most wonderful gardens and a must-see attraction if you’re visiting the far southwestern corner of Scotland in late spring or summer. The ivy-clad ruin of Castle Kennedy itself forms the natural focus for 75 acres of landscaped grounds, backed by a large, walled garden on the sunny south side. To the north, immaculate lawns slope down to the Round Pond, full of Victorian water lilies, with the Baronial grandeur of Lochinch Castle a little further on. Elsewhere, there are dozens of tree-lined avenues (including 21 “champion trees” – the tallest or broadest of their type either in the country or the county), landform sculptures, 9 designated viewpoints and 4 waymarked walks. The gardens are almost completely encircled by two lochs, with wildlife hides for water birds, otters and red squirrels.
๐ Location
๐ Off the A75 at Castle Kennedy
๐งญ O.S. Grid Reference: NX 111609
๐ฐ๏ธ GPS coordinates: 54.907218,-4.948813
๐ Bus to Castle Kennedy (0.5 mi via Southern Upland Way)
๐ Car park
๐ Key info
โ Daily, April to October; weekends February to March – probably best late spring / early summer
๐ซ ยฃ7 adult / ยฃ2.50 child