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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.
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The Midnight Garden Halloween Trail

01/06/2026

Date: 10 October - 1 November 2026
Time: 10 am to 5 pm daily

Something mysterious is stirring in the Gardens… Follow our Halloween trail, crack the clues and uncover the Midnight Garden's secret!  

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Events, Halloween Festival CKG halloween, Events, family event, family time, family trail, festival, Halloween, halloween 2023, pumpkin festival, Pumpkin Trail, trail

GUIDED WALK, AUTUMN GLORY IN THE GARDENS

16/09/2026

Date: Thursday, 22nd October
Time:  2.00pm - 3.30pm
 
Glory in the beautiful hues of the Beech leaves and Acers turning from green to red and orange to brown as our Head Gardener leads you on a guided tour.

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Events, Guided Walks activities, Castle Kennedy Gardens, Events, family day out, Guided Walks

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  • October 2026

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Castle Kennedy Gardens
Castle Kennedy Gardens

It's hard to beat an autumnal walk in the fresh air and if you ask us, it's even better if there's a slice of cake involved. Our tearoom has plenty of delicious homemade bakes to enjoy, including a few Halloween themed treats too. So, whether you're visiting our Halloween trail, enjoying a family walk in the gardens or simply fancy a coffee and something sweet, make some time for a stop at the tearoom.

Which treat catches your eye? ... See MoreSee Less

Its hard to beat an autumnal walk in the fresh air and if you ask us, its even better if theres a slice of cake involved. Our tearoom has plenty of delicious homemade bakes to enjoy, including a few Halloween themed treats too. So, whether youre visiting our Halloween trail, enjoying a family walk in the gardens or simply fancy a coffee and something sweet, make some time for a stop at the tearoom. Which treat catches your eye?Image attachment
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Castle Kennedy Gardens
Castle Kennedy Gardens

Why not stay a little longer this Autumn?

Autumn is a wonderful time of year to spend a few days at Stair Estates, when the landscape begins to change and the colours of the season appear all around you.

Our holiday cottages make a comfortable and cosy base, perfect for exploring the estate. Step outside for a stunning autumn walk and take in the views, then come back to your cottage where every detail has been considered to make your stay a memorable one.

Fresh flowers, comfortable rooms and thoughtful touches are all part of the welcome. Slow down, enjoy the season and experience more of our estate at your own pace.

Book your autumn break at Stair Estates today: castlekennedygardens.com/holiday-cottages/availability-booking/ ... See MoreSee Less

Why not stay a little longer this Autumn? Autumn is a wonderful time of year to spend a few days at Stair Estates, when the landscape begins to change and the colours of the season appear all around you. Our holiday cottages make a comfortable and cosy base, perfect for exploring the estate. Step outside for a stunning autumn walk and take in the views, then come back to your cottage where every detail has been considered to make your stay a memorable one. Fresh flowers, comfortable rooms and thoughtful touches are all part of the welcome. Slow down, enjoy the season and experience more of our estate at your own pace. Book your autumn break at Stair Estates today: https://castlekennedygardens.com/holiday-cottages/availability-booking/Image attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment
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It's hard to beat an autumnal walk in the fresh ai It's hard to beat an autumnal walk in the fresh air and if you ask us, it's even better if there's a slice of cake involved. Our tearoom has plenty of delicious homemade bakes to enjoy, including a few Halloween themed treats too. So, whether you're visiting our Halloween trail, enjoying a family walk in the gardens or simply fancy a coffee and something sweet, make some time for a stop at the tearoom. Which treat catches your eye?
Why not stay a little longer this Autumn? Autumn Why not stay a little longer this Autumn? Autumn is a wonderful time of year to spend a few days at Stair Estates, when the landscape begins to change and the colours of the season appear all around you. Our holiday cottages make a comfortable and cosy base, perfect for exploring the estate. Step outside for a stunning autumn walk and take in the views, then come back to your cottage where every detail has been considered to make your stay a memorable one. Fresh flowers, comfortable rooms and thoughtful touches are all part of the welcome. Slow down, enjoy the season and experience more of our estate at your own pace. Book your autumn break at Stair Estates today, booking link in bio.
The Halloween trail is now open at Castle Kennedy The Halloween trail is now open at Castle Kennedy Gardens! We're ready for our first brave visitors. The clues are in place and the mystery is ready to be solved. Follow the trail* through the Gardens, solve the spooky clues along the way and see if you can uncover the secret word. Once you're done, why not join us in the tea room for a well-earned treat? A fun Halloween adventure for the whole family and a great reason to get outdoors and explore the gardens this half term. Are you ready to take on the trail? 📅10th October-1st November 🕛10am-5pm Book online today! See link in bio. Don't forget to tag us on social media and share your Halloween adventures. We'd love to see how you get on! *Additional cost. The trail is £3.50. General admission required.
It's almost here! Our Halloween trail is opening It's almost here! Our Halloween trail is opening this Saturday at Castle Kennedy Gardens. Fun for the whole family, work together to solve our spooky clues and uncover the secret word as you follow the trail* through the gardens. Reach the end and collect your well earned sweet reward. Keep your eyes peeled, you never know what you might discover! 📅10th October-1st November 🕛10am-5pm Book online today! See link in bio. We can't wait to welcome you! Please be sure to tag us on social media and share your Halloween adventures. *General admission also required.
Beyond the gardens, there's another side to life a Beyond the gardens, there's another side to life at Stair Estates. The River Luce is a special place to spend a day at this time of year. The Luce is fishing well at the moment, and it is lovely to see anglers making the most of the season. Some of the Estate’s fly-fishing water is available for day lets, which gives a great opportunity for more people to experience this beautiful stretch of Galloway. It’s another part of life on the Estate, and another way in which this landscape continues to be enjoyed, cared for and shared. For bookings, please contact our team on 01776 702 024 or office@stairestates.com.
Dahlias are bringing a beautiful burst of colour t Dahlias are bringing a beautiful burst of colour to the Gardens at the moment, with their striking flowers making them hard to walk past without stopping for a closer look. This beautiful Dahlia is 'Sissinghurst'. It was bred for gardener and writer Sarah Raven, and its name was inspired by the richness of Vita Sackville West's Sissinghurst interiors and garden roses. One of the things that makes dahlias so special is their incredible variety. Their flowers range from simple, open blooms to intricate pompons, and some can reach up to 30cm across. Dahlias are brilliant late-season performers too, flowering from summer well into autumn. So now is the perfect time to come and see them for yourself. Come and enjoy them as part of an autumn walk through Castle Kennedy Gardens, then round off your visit with a well-earned slice of cake in the Tea Room. 🍰 Book your visit today.
Something spooky is coming to Castle Kennedy 🎃 Th Something spooky is coming to Castle Kennedy 🎃 Things are about to get a little more mysterious this half term. We're busy preparing a brand new Halloween trail, with plenty of spooky surprises waiting to be discovered around the gardens. We're keeping the details under wraps for a while longer, but keep your eyes peeled as Halloween arrives at Castle Kennedy Gardens.
Our garden never stands still. As September gives Our garden never stands still. As September gives way to October, Autumn really makes itself known. Leaves begin to turn, different textures appear and the stunning colours of the season are on full display. Even after a few short weeks, familiar views and walks can look very different. With such a varied collection of trees and plants across the estate, the seasons always bring change. This is just one of the many reasons why a return visit is worthwhile. No walk in the grounds is ever the same. There's always something new to notice. Come and enjoy the beauty of Autumn at Castle Kennedy Gardens.
A stay in our holiday cottages is about so much mo A stay in our holiday cottages is about so much more than the cottages themselves. Step outside and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Lochinch Castle Heritage Estate. With stunning early autumn colours, open landscapes and beautiful walks, there is plenty just waiting to be explored. After a morning spent outdoors, the warmth and comfort of your cottage is waiting to welcome you for a peaceful and settled evening. Our estate is the perfect place to slow the pace, spend time outside surrounded by breath taking nature and enjoy a different side of autumn in south-west Scotland. Discover an early autumn stay at Stair Estates. Book your break with us today and wake up to the great outdoors. Visit our website for booking info.
🧡Three shades of early autumn. A ripple on the loc 🧡Three shades of early autumn. A ripple on the loch. A rustle through fallen leaves A visit to Castle Kennedy Gardens rewards those who slow down and look closely. Along the paths, families can notice changing textures, colours, sounds and signs of wildlife - although, as ever in nature, no particular sighting is guaranteed. 🌿Come and see what you notice on a late-summer visit.
Join us for an afternoon in the Gardens, guided by Join us for an afternoon in the Gardens, guided by the person who knows where to look. This Thursday 24th September, our Head gardener Adrian Lovatt will be leading a very special guided walk through Castle Kennedy Gardens. From the spectacular Salvia border in the Walled Garden to the colourful blooms that make this time of year so rewarding, Adrian will be sharing his insights into what’s looking its best and the plants and details you might otherwise have missed. Drawing on his years of expertise and wealth of horticultural experience, this is a wonderful opportunity to see our stunning grounds through a gardener's eyes. 📅 Thursday 24th September 🕑 2pm–3.30pm 🎟️ £4 plus normal Gardens admission ☕ Includes a hot drink and a slice of home baking Tickets for this wonderful guided walk can be purchased on arrival at the Gardens entrance. We are looking forward to welcoming you.
Although the view may change with the seasons, the Although the view may change with the seasons, the history is always there. When we look back at old photographs of the estate, there's something very special about recognising the same landscape in a different time. No matter how the gardens evolve, the trees grow and the light changes season to season, the character of the place remains. Our beautiful estate has been shaped by generations before us, and caring for its history is something we are immensely proud of. Come and explore the gardens, discover the views and see first hand how the past is still part of the estate today.
This weekend is your last chance to become a LoreK This weekend is your last chance to become a LoreKeeper. Our summer trail, The Lost Legends of Castle Kennedy is coming to end on 20th September. There are only a few days left to follow the trail and uncover the magical stories hiding around the gardens. Follow the trail and discover characters from Scottish myths and legends, solve the clues and complete the crossword to reveal the mystery word. Once your adventure has been completed, bring your finished leaflet to the Café, which also happens to be the perfect place to round off your visit with something delicious. Visit this weekend and complete the trail* before the legends disappear. *The trail cost is £3.50, in addition to normal garden admission.
One of the stars of the garden at this time of yea One of the stars of the garden at this time of year is Salvia, bringing rich reds, vivid blues and plenty of late summer colour to the Walled Garden. This is definitely a plant worth slowing down for on your September walk. Our dedicated Salvia border showcases the wonderful variety of these plants, from their different flower colours to their contrasting growth habits. Many of the varieties here are New World Salvias that originated from the Americas and they really come into their own later in the season, flowering throughout September and into October. Be on the look out for familiar favourites such as ‘Hot Lips’, as well as ‘Amistad’ which was discovered in Argentina and named using the Spanish word for friendship. Many Salvias are half-hardy, but the relatively mild climate of south west Scotland means they can often be successfully overwintered here in the ground. With around 1,000 Salvia species found across the world, there is an incredible diversity to discover. At Castle Kennedy Gardens, this is a particularly lovely time to enjoy them.
Fresh flowers, a homemade cake and all the thought Fresh flowers, a homemade cake and all the thoughtful details that make an arrival feel special. Between each stay, there’s plenty happening behind the scenes at our holiday cottages. Sheets are freshly pressed and beds are freshly made, flowers are gathered and arranged, a homemade cake is ready for the kitchen table and every room is given those final finishing touches. This is all part of the care that goes into welcoming our guests to our Estate. We pride ourselves on creating somewhere that feels warm, welcoming and ready to settle into from the moment you arrive. It's the small details that help to create a memorable stay with us. Discover our holiday cottages and make the estate your home for a few days.
The legends are still hiding in the Gardens… but o The legends are still hiding in the Gardens… but only until 20th September. 🌿✨ There’s still time to take on The Lost Legends of Castle Kennedy, our family summer trail inspired by Scottish myths and legends. Follow the route through the Gardens to discover 10 legendary stops, from mysterious fairies and kelpies, to selkies and unicorns. Solve the clues along the way, complete the trail and finish your adventure at the Café. The trail costs £3.50, in addition to normal Garden admission. Don’t let the legends disappear before you find them! Plan a family visit before 20th September. What will you discover?
A new gardener is getting to know one of Scotland’ 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 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. 🌱
We’re looking forward to welcoming the return of t 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.
Come and enjoy the beautiful colours of late summe 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!🫖🪴
International Dog Day is the perfect excuse to enj 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. 🐾
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Balker Lodge external
Balker Lodge external
bed interior self catering
bed interior self catering
George Wellman CKG panaromic view over White Loch
George Wellman CKG panaromic view over White Loch
Scones on arrival - Balker Lodgering
Scones on arrival - Balker Lodgering

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t: 01776 702 024 / 01581 400 225
e: info@castlekennedygardens.com

Stair Estates, Sheuchan, Castle Kennedy,
Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway,
DG9 8SL

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    Castle Kennedy Gardens
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