Castle Kennedy Gardens




Idyllically situated on an isthmus between two large natural lochs, Castle Kennedy Gardens extend to seventy five acres of landscaped terraces and avenues. With the romantic ruined 16th century Castle Kennedy overlooking a walled garden, a two acre round pond in the middle and Lochinch Castle at the other side, these famous gardens are unique and outstanding. In close proximity to the sea, the Gardens are greatly influenced by the Gulf Stream, and are home to many fine specimens, including twenty Champion Trees such as Britain’s Champion Rhododendron arboreum (an original Hooker introduction), as well as an exciting variety of exotic plants.
The Gardens were originally designed in 1722 by the 2nd Earl of Stair, Field Marshal and Ambassador to France, who was greatly influenced by the gardens of Versailles with their adventure and history. Four carefully planned walks of different lengths and interest have been designed for visitors. These reveal the full garden experience throughout the seasons including the snowdrops, daffodils, magnolias and rhododendrons early in the year to the beautiful herbaceous borders in the Walled Garden later in the the summer, as well as many woodland and loch-side walks.
Fact File
Opening Times: Open 10am – 5pm. Weekends in Feb and March then daily from 1st April
Admission Rates: Adults £7.00 Concessions £6.50 (60+), Child £2.50 (3-16), Family (2 adults, 2 children) £16.50
Groups Rates: 10% discount on entry & special tearoom rates
Facilities: Gift Shop, Tearoom, Plant Sales
Disabled Access: Partial. Toilet and parking for disabled on site.
Tours/Events: Head Gardeners Guided Walks, Garden Ranger Activities, Family Events, Easter Egg Hunts, Open Air Cinema & Theatre, Halloween Pumpkin Trail
Coach Parking: Yes
Length of Visit: 1 – 6 hours
Booking Contact: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Stair Estates Office, Sheuchan, Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SL
Gardens Tel: 01581 400225
Office Tel: 01776 702024
Email: info@castlekennedygardens.com
Website: www.castlekennedygardens.com
Location: Approximately 3 miles east of Stranraer on A75, DG9 8SJ.
Updated: March 2023