Scotland: Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway
13th Sep 2026
Key Highlights
- Stunning interiors and a wonderful walled garden at Dumfries House
- Plants from around the world in the lush surroundings of Logan Botanic Gardens
- The tranquil pond at the heart of Glenwhan Gardens
- The treasure trove of fine art that is Drumlanrig Castle
Summary
In the south-western corner of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway is home to some of the country’s most attractive gardens. The artistic highlight of our tour is undoubtedly Dumfries House, actually in Ayrshire, which His Majesty King Charles helped to save. One of the Adam brothers’ finest achievements, the stunning interiors showcase a unique collection of Chippendale furniture, while the walled garden is one of the most exciting new garden developments in Scotland.
We see something rather different at Broughton House – an artist’s garden at the restored former home of ‘Glasgow Boy’ EA Hornel, which shows the influence of his time in Japan and is always full of colour.
Further highlights include Drumlanrig Castle, with its extensive gardens and world-class collection of fine art and furniture. This was one of the first and most important Renaissance buildings in the grand manner built in Scotland.
What's included
- Accommodation
- Services of an expert tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals as per the itinerary
- All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Meet your tour manager
Brian Sinclair
On leaving school in 1977 I started as an apprentice gardener with Falkirk council. Subsequently I went to college to study horticulture and spent a practical middle year on an apple orchard in the Loire valley, so starting a liking for France and her people. Following this I worked as a practical gardening/arboriculture instructor at several colleges before returning to practical gardening at Inverewe gardens, Threave gardens then as head gardener at House of Dun. I also spent 13 years as head gardener Findrack estate on Deeside before returning to work in France as a gardener for 6 years. Eventually I returned to my native Scotland to be head gardener at Stirling Castle conducting many of the request tours of the grounds and gardens. Through all these years of travelling I've also kept my love for history, hill walking, reading non-fiction and cycling.
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from your local pick-up point and head for the gardens at Drumlanrig Castle. Surrounded by the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate, Country Park and grand Victorian gardens, Drumlanrig Castle was completed in 1691 by William Douglas, 1st Duke of Queensberry and is one of the first and most important Renaissance buildings in the grand manner in Scotland. Drumlanrig hit the headlines in 2003 following the audacious theft of the Leonardo da Vinci painting ‘Madonna with the Yarnwinder’ and it was as a consequence of this that formal guided tours of the castle were introduced.
Meals includedDinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| Aberdeen - Opposite Denburn Car Park behind library where Spa Street meets Skene Street | 05:00 | 21:45 |
| Stonehaven - Market Square | 05:30 | 21:15 |
| Forfar - Bus stop off the A90, near McDonalds | 05:50 | 20:55 |
| Dundee - Outside Discovery Point | 06:30 | 20:15 |
| Perth - Broxden Park & Ride, A93 | 07:00 | 19:45 |
| Kinross - Moto Services on M90 | 08:30 | 18:15 |
| Dunfermline - Halbeath Park & Ride, Jct 3, M90 | 08:45 | 18:00 |
| Edinburgh - Outside Reception of the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road | 09:15 | 17:45 |
| Glasgow - Bus stop on North Hanover Street, opposite Queens Street Station | 10:30 | 16:30 |
** 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. **
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