A Grand Tour of the Gardens of Scotland2nd Jun 2026
From:£2,795
Summary
Our Grand Tour of Scotland’s finest gardens takes us from the open spaces of the far north to the wilds of the west; from the splendours of the south to the elegance of the east. The range of gardens is equally diverse, from the peace and calm of Malleny Garden in Edinburgh to the windy hilltop and lavish planting of Glenwhan, from the sub-tropical exoticism of Logan Botanic Gardens to the homely and traditional Castle of former home of Her Majesty the late Queen Mother.
We begin at Branklyn and Cluny gardens in Perthshire before driving along the ‘backbone’ of Scotland to Inverness. From here we strike out north to castles Dunrobin and Mey and west to Dundonnell and Inverewe, undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour. Travelling through the Great Glen we savour the peace and quiet of the West Highlands, where the mild, damp climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream, promotes luxuriant growth in tranquil gardens such as Ardchattan, Arduaine and An Cala.
Moving south and west into Dumfries and Galloway we see more lush planting, with exotic plants from around the world flourishing in this mild climate. Then we move on into the softer, more rounded landscapes of the Border country to see two marvellous gardens before we come full circle back to Edinburgh and conclude in the distinguished surroundings of the Royal Botanic Gardens. From spectacular, show-stopping sites to the hidden gems found within private grounds, this unmissable tour showcases the variety of Scotland's best gardens.
What to Expect
- Exotic planting at Inverewe, Arduaine and Logan Botanic Gardens
- The late Queen Mother’s homely and much-loved rose garden at the Castle of Mey
- Peaceful, loch-side gardens in Argyll
- The great woodland gardens of Ardkinglas and Glenarn
- The stately surroundings of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | 00:00 | |
| Edinburgh | 00:00 | |
| Dunfermilne | 00:00 | |
| Kinross | 00:00 | |
| Perth | 00:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Day by Day Itinerary
Branklyn Gardens
We depart from our designated pick-up points and travel north to our first visit, Branklyn Gardens, a haven of peace and colour. Begun in 1922, on a south-facing slope with acid soil, the garden represents a wonderful collection of small rhododendrons, blue poppies, magnolias and woodland plants. Paths wind along the contours of the land bringing the visitor nose to nose with all kinds of distinguished plants, all beautifully grown.
We continue with a visit to Cluny House Gardens, near Aberfeldy. Wandering through this wonderful wild woodland garden we will discover rare and exotic plants from around the world. The gardens feature trees and shrubs from America, New Zealand, Japan, China and Tibet, creating the unique atmosphere of a Himalayan woodland paradise. We’ll also see Britain’s widest conifer – a giant Wellingtonia, 11 metres in girth and over 130 years old.
Later we will continue to our hotel.
Meals Included:Dinner
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