Castle Kennedy Gardens

11/09/2026

A new gardener is getting to know one of Scotland’s most iconic gardens. 🌿
We’re delighted to welcome Adrian Lovatt as Head Gardener at Castle Kennedy Gardens.

Adrian brings a wealth of horticultural experience, having graduated from the Royal Botanic Gardens and from Kew Gardens with their prestigious Kew Diploma in Horticulture. Since then, he has served as Head Gardener at several distinguished gardens, worked with leading garden designers on private estates in Cheshire and spent time with the National Trust at Powis Castle.

Adrian is perhaps best known for his early involvement in the Eden Project in Cornwall. Born on the Isles of Scilly, Adrian has a particular interest in exotic plants, and south west Scotland’s milder climate was one of the things that drew him to Castle Kennedy.

For now, Adrian is taking time to get to know the Gardens and their landscape, collections, character and seasons. We’re very much looking forward to working with him as he becomes part of their continuing story.
Please join us in giving Adrian a very warm welcome. 🌱

10/09/2026

We’re looking forward to welcoming the return of the Stranraer Oyster Festival 11th - 13th September. The festival is a brilliant celebration of Loch Ryan’s wild native oysters, local food and drink, live music, family activities and the people who make this part of Galloway so special.

If you’re making a weekend of it, why not add a little time in the Gardens too? Wander among the trees, enjoy the lochs and historic landscape and make the most of a visit to this beautiful corner of southwest Scotland.

04/09/2026

Come and enjoy the beautiful colours of late summer at Castle Kennedy Gardens.

Take a leisurely family stroll, explore the winding paths, peaceful woodland and colourful planting as the gardens begin to shift into a new season. Dog on leads are welcome🍃🐾

Open daily from 10am, why not visit our Tea Room, Gift Shop and Plant Centre too. We'd love to see you!🫖🪴

26/08/2026

International Dog Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy a walk together at Castle Kennedy Gardens.

With beautiful paths to explore, wide open views, peaceful woodland and plenty of fresh air, the gardens are a wonderful place to slow down, stretch your legs and spend some time in nature with your four-legged companion.

Make the most of the late-summer gardens and enjoy a walk together this International Dog Day. 🐾

25/08/2026

Eucryphia season has arrived at Castle Kennedy Gardens and it is one of late summer’s loveliest sights.

Our Plant of the Month, Eucryphia × nymansensis ‘Nymansay’, is an evergreen tree covered in fragrant white flowers with striking golden stamens from late summer into autumn. Reaching more than 40ft high, these magnificent trees make an impressive sight near the Canal Bridge entrance, with their flowers also providing a welcome source of nectar for bees as other blooms begin to fade.

A hybrid of two Chilean species, Eucryphia has its roots in the temperate rainforests of southern Chile, adding another fascinating botanical story to discover in the gardens.

Look out for them on your next walk through Castle Kennedy Gardens. 🌿🤍🐝

Plan your visit at https://castlekennedygardens.com/

22/08/2026

A trail deserves a treat.

After following The Lost Legends route or enjoying a summer walk through the gardens, stop at the Café for our lemon drizzle cake. Sweet, citrusy and with a melt in the mouth sponge, it's the perfect post-trail treat.

Add a Café stop to your Castle Kennedy visit: https://castlekennedygardens.com/

The Castle, built in the Scottish Baronial style in the mid-19th Century, is still home to the Earl and Countess of Stair and their family. Visit website

18/08/2026

Meet one of the Lost Legends: the Brownie of Blednoch.

In a famous poem by Galloway bard William Nicholson, the Brownie of Blednoch is called Aiken Drum. Brownies were household spirits said to help quietly with jobs after dark - although tradition warned that they did not like wages or fine clothes.

His Galloway story is waiting at Stop 1. Read the board, solve the question and begin a trail that travels from local tales to folklore from across Scotland.

A great family day out awaits! No booking is required.

Come and find all ten legends at Castle Kennedy Gardens. And then collect your reward, sweets and certificates for proven adventurers!

14/08/2026

One route, ten legends and a whole garden to explore in between.

The Lost Legends of Castle Kennedy leads families along paths beside lochs, historic ruins, remarkable trees and changing garden views. Children can follow the clues and complete the crossword while the whole family enjoys the landscape. At the end, take the finished leaflet to the Café to show the mystery word and collect a prize.

The trail costs £3.50 in addition to normal garden admission. No booking is required.

Make a day of it at Castle Kennedy Gardens: https://castlekennedygardens.com/

11/08/2026

Make a day of it at Castle Kennedy Gardens
🗺️Try your hand at the Scottish Myths + Legends Trail
🌿Wander around our beautiful lush gardens
🍰☕enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake in our welcoming tearoom

See you soon!

09/08/2026

The legends have arrived 📜✨

🏰The Lost Legends of Castle Kennedy is now open at Castle Kennedy Gardens.

Follow ten stories through the gardens, from Galloway tales to folklore from Scotland's coasts, islands, forests and lochs. Solve the questions, complete the crossword and uncover the mystery word to claim your place as a Myth Maker.

A great fun family day out 🌟😊 No booking is required.

🗺️See where the stories lead.

Plan your visit: https://castlekennedygardens.com/

The Castle, built in the Scottish Baronial style in the mid-19th Century, is still home to the Earl and Countess of Stair and their family. Visit website