Castle Kennedy Gardens a Scottish garden of great beauty

The RHS welcomes Castle Kennedy Gardens, near Stranraer, to the Recommended Gardens scheme. The gardens have a long history – at one time the castle green is said to have been inspired by Versailles – but today’s gardens date largely from the 19th century.

Laid out between the remains of the original castle and its 19th-century replacement, the gardens enjoy a dramatic setting of great natural beauty and the benefit of a Gulf Stream microclimate. They were created at a time when new plants were flooding in to Britain from around the world, and Castle Kennedy’s favourable climate meant many new species were sent to the garden for trial.

Explore more than 30ha (12 acres) of terraces and avenues offering interest in every season, beginning with swathes of daffodils and assorted magnolias in bloom. April and May are the best time to see the many rhododendron species and hybrids; the yellow azaleas fill the air with scent and a colossal specimen of R. ‘Cynthia’ makes a memorable sight. By June the embothriums (Chilean fire bush) are vibrant and from July to September the walled garden, with its main herbaceous borders, is a key feature.

RHS members can visit Castle Kennedy Gardens free of charge in April and September (Member 1 only).
Jardines parques en Reino Unido