Gardens in Dumfries and Galloway

Blessed by the balmy breeze of the Gulf Stream which gives Dumfries & Galloway its surprising warm weather, the gardens of the region are some of Scotlands best. From the palm-fringed west coast to tropical gardens, formal gardens, hidden gardens and specialist nurseries tending rare and unusual plants. Visit a few of these and you’ll find Dumfries & Galloway a very colourful place at any time of year, inspiring you with ideas, advice, and specimens to take back to your own floral refuge.

Threave Gardens is one mile west of Castle Douglas and its displays of daffodils, herbaceous beds, trees, heather garden, and Plant Centre are an all-year-round attraction. Threave House offers an insight into life in the 1930s. Threave Estate is a wildfowl refuge with walks, nature trails and a countryside centre.

Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan, is 14 miles south of Stranraer. A fabulous array of bizarre and beautiful plants that flourish out of doors in Scotlands most exotic garden. There is a shop, café, self-guided tours, and Discovery Centre.

Logan House Garden, Port Logan is 14 miles south of Stranraer. Set in 20 acres, Logan House and its surrounding grounds and gardens form a perfect beauty spot. First created in 1869 there are many fine species of trees and shrubs.

There are many more public gardens in the surrounding area, and there are also many private gardens that open their doors to share their special places with visitors once a year. To find out more visit www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk.

Explore the area while staying at The Ken Bridge.

The Ken Bridge, a 10 bedroom Georgian hotel, has a spectacular river bank location close by Loch Ken, in an area renowned for its tranquility and picturesque views. This 18th Century Coaching Inn was originally built to provide food, ale and shelter for travelers and coaches on the Old Edinburgh Road between Ireland and Edinburgh.

The hotel is a superb centre for fishing, golfing, hill walking, cycling on the surrounding quiet country roads, mountain biking on the world famous 7 Stanes routes, bird watching, photography, clay pigeon shooting, field and water-sports or for simply relaxing and taking in the wonderful scenery.

We are on the edge of the UNESCO Dark Skies Park created in 2009, which at the time was the only one in Britain and only the 5th worldwide. The river beside the hotel is a seasonal host to Osprey, Kingfisher and Oyster Catcher, there is also a healthy population of Otter and the hotel gardens receive regular visits from Red Squirrels. Early risers may see deer in the meadows across the river, as well as fox and badger.

The woodland to the west of the hotel is used as a roost by up to as many as 35 Red Kite which frequently soar and wheel spectacularly over the hotel.

The Ken Bridge Hotel is ideally situated enabling you to explore the whole of Dumfries and Galloway.

Dumfries and Galloway has so much to offer from Castles and Historic attractions to numerous outdoor activities. Here are just a few to help you choose when planning your holiday.