LOCHINCH

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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Month: October 2014

Design a Bird Mask

22/10/2014

Event start: 22/10/2014 - Event end: 22/10/2014

Join our Garden Ranger for half-term fun at the Bird Hide.

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Past Events

Wintering Wildfowl

15/10/2014

Event start: 15/10/2014 - Event end: 15/10/2014

Join our Garden Ranger for this month’s ‘Wintering Wildfowl’ theme.

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Past Events

Build a Bird Feeder

15/10/2014

Event start: 15/10/2014 - Event end: 15/10/2014

Join our Garden Ranger for half-term fun in the Gardens.

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Past Events

Autumn Glory – Guided Walk

15/10/2014

Event start: 15/10/2014 - Event end: 15/10/2014

Experience the wonderful colours of the trees and leaves as the Gardens get ready for winter.

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Past Events

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    castlekennedygardens

    Step through the door and into another world! ✨ Th Step through the door and into another world! ✨ The Walled Garden is our favourite magical spot for a reason - it feels like a scene straight out of a storybook.

How many of these magical features can your little explorers find today?

🚪 The Green Door: Is it the secret entrance to a world of flowers?

🗿 The Stone Sentinels: Are they ancient plinths guarding the paths?

🌸 The Giant Rhodies: Flowers so big they look like they belong in a jungle!

🏰 The Ruin View: A peek-a-boo window through the trees back to the old Castle.

#SecretGarden #MagicalMoments #CastleKennedyGardens #FamilyChecklist
    🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Your "Outlandish" Escape Awaits in Souther 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Your "Outlandish" Escape Awaits in Southern Scotland
Ever dreamed of stepping into the world of Claire and Jamie? 🌿✨

Did you know? Castle Kennedy Gardens has a starring role beyond the blossoms - we were a filming location for the hit series Outlander! Our dramatic, sculpted landscapes provided the perfect historic backdrop for scenes in the show. Now, you can make our grounds the setting for your very own Scottish adventure. What will you find at our "Craigh Na Dun"?

As the Gardens transition from the vibrant blooms of spring into the long, golden days of summer, there is no better time to book your next holiday break. Our charming holiday cottages offer the ultimate getaway from the everyday. Imagine retreating to a room as cozy and beautifully appointed as this one after a day of exploring the wild beauty of the south.

Why choose us for your next escape?

The Perfect Base: We are ideally situated for you to explore the hidden gems of Southern Scotland, from rugged coastlines to rolling hills.

Nature on Your Doorstep: Wake up to birdsong and enjoy the rare privilege of having 75 acres of world-class gardens as your back garden.

Historic Comfort: Our cottages combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts you need for a relaxing break.

Whether you are embarking on your own Outlander pilgrimage or simply looking for a peaceful summer getaway, our cottages provide the perfect sanctuary.

📅 Spring and Summer dates are filling up fast! Visit our website to book your Southern Scotland escape today.

#Outlander #OutlanderLocations #VisitScotland #SouthernScotland
    Last chance for Easter Trail fun this weekend! Th Last chance for Easter Trail fun this weekend!  They conclude on Sunday, the 19th. 

If you have not had a chance to experience this fun activity for the whole family, hop into Castle Kennedy Gardens this weekend.  We are just off the A75!
    While you're having family fun, keep your eyes pee While you're having family fun, keep your eyes peeled for our other residents! 🐿️🦦 Castle Kennedy Gardens is a haven for wildlife.

Sneak into one of our two bird hides at White Loch or Black Loch to see if you can spot an otter playing or a heron standing still as a statue. If you’re lucky, you might even see our famous red squirrels darting through the trees! How many animals can your little nature detectives spot today? 🦅🦆 

#WildlifeWatching #RedSquirrels #NatureKids #CKGWildlife
    Did you know there’s a 'fairytale' castle hiding a Did you know there’s a 'fairytale' castle hiding at the other end of our lochs? 👸🏰 Take a walk along the Great Avenue for a stunning view of Lochinch Castle, then wander through our ancient Monkey Puzzle Avenue.

These magical trees look like they’re from another world! It’s the perfect backdrop for a family photo or a game of hide-and-seek. Don't forget, completing your Easter Trail form gives you a chance to win a family ticket to The Jungle Book this July! 🐯 

#FairytaleGardens #FamilyDaysOut #MonkeyPuzzleTree #SummerPrize
    Riddle me this - "I’m a character in a story, hopp Riddle me this - "I’m a character in a story, hopping through a garden. I wear a blue jacket and avoid a certain farmer." 🥕

Can you guess who it is? Find the answer in the gardens to complete your form and enter our prize draw! 

Only a few more days to join the fun!  Trails end on April 19th!

#EasterTrail #RiddleMeThis #PeterRabbit #FamilyFun
    April is truly the month where the gardens explode April is truly the month where the gardens explode with life. 🌿 

The large-leaved Rhododendron sinogrande and falconeri are in their element. Don't forget your camera! 

#AprilInBloom #NaturePhotography #GardenInspiration
    🧩 Level Up Your Easter: The Ultimate Garden Quest! 🧩 Level Up Your Easter: The Ultimate Garden Quest!
Think the Easter Trails are just for the wee ones? Think again! Our Easter Egg Trail Challenge is designed for the older kids (and the young at heart) who love a bit of a brain-teaser while they explore.

Check out these puzzle-masters in action! They’ve just tracked down 10 Across - do you know the answer? 🍫

How the Quest Works:

The Mission: Grab your trail sheet at the entrance for £3.50.

The Hunt: Navigate through 75 acres of spring blooms to find hidden question eggs like the one in this photo.

The Code: Use the answers to fill in your crossword. If you solve all the clues correctly, a secret word will be revealed!

The Loot: Take your completed crossword back to the entrance to claim your well-earned chocolate prize.

The Ultimate Bonus: Handing in your completed form doesn't just get you chocolate - it also enters you into our grand prize draw for a Family Pass (for 4) to see Immersion Theatre’s The Jungle Book on Tuesday, 14th July! 🐯🐾

We are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Who’s ready to crack the code? 

 #EasterPrize #TheJungleBook #ImmersionTheatre #WinTickets
    Happy Easter !🐯 Will You Find the Winning Trail? 🐯 Happy Easter !🐯 Will You Find the Winning Trail? 🐯

Want to turn your Easter outing into a summer adventure? This year, the Easter Egg Trail isn't just about the chocolate prize at the end... it’s your ticket to the jungle!

Simply complete the trail and hand in your form at the end of your visit to be entered into our grand prize draw. One lucky family of four will win tickets to see Immersion Theatre’s "The Jungle Book" right here in the Gardens on Tuesday, July 14th! 🐾

Get tracking, get solving, and you could be joining Mowgli and Baloo later this season! 

 #EasterPrize #TheJungleBook #ImmersionTheatre #WinTickets
    🦅 An Easter Sunday Event with a View!🦅 Join us on 🦅 An Easter Sunday Event with a View!🦅 Join us on April 5th for our Birds of Prey event! We have three sessions throughout the day where you can get up close and personal with some of nature's most majestic hunters.

It’s an incredible way for the kids to learn about wildlife while enjoying the fresh spring air. Best of all? Access to the display is included in your Garden admission. With three sessions across the day, there is plenty of time to get up close and personal with these magnificent birds.

Come for the birds, stay for the blooms! 

#birdsofprey #easter2026 #familyfun
    🕵️‍♂️ Can You Spy Them All? Our I-Spy Trail is Ope 🕵️‍♂️ Can You Spy Them All? Our I-Spy Trail is Open! 🕵️‍♀️

Our beautiful, blossoming gardens have some very special new residents, and they’re playing a game of hide-and-seek! 🌳✨ See this clever little adventurer in the photo? She’s just discovered one of our hidden character friends (and yes, they each have their own names!).

How to Play:

Pick up your official I-Spy sheet at the entrance.

Embark on an epic garden expedition and hunt for our charming character cutouts hidden throughout the flowers and trees.

When you spot one, simply circle the character on your sheet, just like our friend is doing.

Once you’ve found them all, return your completed form to the entrance to claim a delicious, wee chocolate prize! 🍫🏆

This simple, fun, and magical trail is the perfect way to explore the gardens and create some amazing family memories. 🌷 It’s a great challenge for little eyes and imaginative minds!

We’re open daily, 10am-5pm. Come and join the hunt! 

#Easter2026 #EasterTrail #FamilyDay
    🐰 Trail Complete? Time for a Treat! 🐰 After your 🐰 Trail Complete? Time for a Treat! 🐰

After your little explorers have successfully hopped their way through the Easter Bunny Trail, lead them straight to the Tea Room for the ultimate reward! We’re serving up our famous Easter Hot Chocolate - piled high with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a few chocolatey surprises. ☕

✨If you’re looking for something traditional, our warm, homemade scones and a pot of tea are the perfect way to soak in the garden views while the kids compare their trail prizes. Simple, delicious, and guaranteed to bring out the smiles!	

#SweetTreats #TeaRoomSpecials #FamilyDay
    Our Rhododendrons are starting their spectacular s Our Rhododendrons are starting their spectacular show! 🌸 Did you know we are home to several British Champion trees, including the tallest Rhododendron arboreum? 

Come and stand beneath these floral giants.

 #Rhododendrons #ChampionTrees #BritishChampion
    🏛️ Preserving our Heritage: An Update on the Upper 🏛️ Preserving our Heritage: An Update on the Upper Walled Garden

Many of you will remember the sad news from the off-season regarding our British Champion Griselinia littoralis. During the recent winter storms, this magnificent tree - renowned for having the widest girth of its kind in Britain - succumbed to the elements. In its fall, it sadly took with it a section of our historic Upper Walled Garden wall.

As a Listed Wall within a Designated Landscape, this isn't just a simple repair job; it is a delicate conservation project. We are pleased to share that the restoration process is now officially underway!

🔍 The Restoration Journey
Starting this week, you will see activity in the Top Walled Garden. Our first step is to carefully strip the wall down to a stable level where the structure remains undamaged. This allows us to accurately assess the extent of the repair and ensure the foundation is sound before we begin rebuilding.

🧪 Science Meets History
To ensure the repair is as sympathetic as it is strong, we are working closely with a historic surveyor. Heritage conservation is at the heart of this project:  The surveyor will conduct lab work to analyse the original materials. We are sourcing a specific lime mortar match to ensure the new section blends seamlessly with the centuries-old masonry.

⏳ What to Expect
We anticipate the main body of the building works to take approximately 2 to 3 weeks. While this area of the Top Walled Garden may look a little different during this time, the rest of the Gardens remain open for you to enjoy!

We see ourselves as custodians of this beautiful landscape, and while we are heartbroken to lose a Champion tree, we are proud to be restoring the wall using traditional methods that will stand for centuries to come.

🧱 Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes updates as the lime mortar arrives and the stones begin to go back up! 

#CastleKennedyGardens #HeritageConservation #GardenRestoration #WalledGarden
    Take a break from the Easter Egg and I-Spy Trails Take a break from the Easter Egg and I-Spy Trails with a seasonal lunch. 🥣 

Our delicious soups and fresh sandwiches are the perfect fuel for a full day of garden exploration. Sit back and enjoy the view of the ruins! 

#GardenLunch #TeaRoomViews #SpringVibes
    We Open Today! Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Sta We Open Today!  Open daily from 10am to 5pm. 

Standing tall at the heart of our Gardens are the romantic ruins of Castle Kennedy. 🏰 Destroyed by fire in 1716, these striking remains now serve as the dramatic backdrop for our Walled Garden and spring walks.

Our 75 acres of sculpted landscapes are ready for exploration. Which path will you take first? 

#OpeningDay #DailyAdventures #SpringGardens
    Is there anything better than a fresh barista coff Is there anything better than a fresh barista coffee in a historic setting? ☕ Our Tea Room team is busy prepping for opening day. 

From delicious cakes to steaming lattes, your post-walk treat awaits!  Open from March 28 - 10am to 5pm.

#TeaRoom #CoffeeLovers #HomeBaked
    While we prepare for our grand opening, nature is While we prepare for our grand opening, nature is already hard at work! 🌷 

Keep an eye out for our drifts of daffodils and the early-blooming Magnolia campbellii mollicomata. The gardens are waking up, and we can’t wait to share them with you. 

Open daily from March 28 - 10am to 5pm

#SpringIsComing #Magnolias #GardenLife
    Save the Date! The bunnies are almost here! 🐰 Ou Save the Date! The bunnies are almost here! 🐰 

Our official season begins on March 28th, and with it comes the return of our Easter Egg Trail and the I-Spy Trail. For just £3.50ea (plus admission), follow the clues through the spring blooms to find a sweet reward at the end! 

#EasterCKG #FamilyFun #EasterEggTrail
    As November draws to a close, we reflect on the st As November draws to a close, we reflect on the stunning transformation of the 2025 season. The peace and stillness now are a vital part of the cycle. Every quiet day we spend preparing is a promise of the vibrant colour and life that will return in the spring. 

What are you most looking forward to seeing bloom at Castle Kennedy next year? 🌺

#CastleKennedyGardens #ScottishGardens #SeasonalChange #LookingToSpring #QuietBeauty
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    Castle Kennedy Gardens
    3 days ago
    Castle Kennedy Gardens

    Step through the door and into another world! ✨ The Walled Garden is our favourite magical spot for a reason - it feels like a scene straight out of a storybook.

    How many of these magical features can your little explorers find today?

    🚪 The Green Door: Is it the secret entrance to a world of flowers?

    🗿 The Stone Sentinels: Are they ancient plinths guarding the paths?

    🌸 The Giant Rhodies: Flowers so big they look like they belong in a jungle!

    🏰 The Ruin View: A peek-a-boo window through the trees back to the old Castle.

    #SecretGarden #magicalmoments #castlekennedygardens #familychecklist
    ... See MoreSee Less

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    Castle Kennedy Gardens
    4 days ago
    Castle Kennedy Gardens

    🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Your "Outlandish" Escape Awaits in Southern Scotland
    Ever dreamed of stepping into the world of Claire and Jamie? 🌿✨

    Did you know? Castle Kennedy Gardens has a starring role beyond the blossoms - we were a filming location for the hit series Outlander! Our dramatic, sculpted landscapes provided the perfect historic backdrop for scenes in the show. Now, you can make our grounds the setting for your very own Scottish adventure. What will you find at our "Craigh Na Dun"?

    As the Gardens transition from the vibrant blooms of spring into the long, golden days of summer, there is no better time to book your next holiday break. Our charming holiday cottages offer the ultimate getaway from the everyday. Imagine retreating to a room as cozy and beautifully appointed as this one after a day of exploring the wild beauty of the south.

    Why choose us for your next escape?

    The Perfect Base: We are ideally situated for you to explore the hidden gems of Southern Scotland, from rugged coastlines to rolling hills.

    Nature on Your Doorstep: Wake up to birdsong and enjoy the rare privilege of having 75 acres of world-class gardens as your back garden.

    Historic Comfort: Our cottages combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts you need for a relaxing break.

    Whether you are embarking on your own Outlander pilgrimage or simply looking for a peaceful summer getaway, our cottages provide the perfect sanctuary.

    📅 Spring and Summer dates are filling up fast! Visit our website to book your Southern Scotland escape today.

    #Outlander #OutlanderLocations #VisitScotland #SouthernScotland
    ... See MoreSee Less

    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    Castle Kennedy Gardens
    5 days ago
    Castle Kennedy Gardens

    Last chance for Easter Trail fun this weekend! They conclude on Sunday, the 19th.

    If you have not had a chance to experience this fun activity for the whole family, hop into Castle Kennedy Gardens this weekend. We are just off the A75!
    ... See MoreSee Less

    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    Castle Kennedy Gardens
    6 days ago
    Castle Kennedy Gardens

    While you're having family fun, keep your eyes peeled for our other residents! 🐿️🦦 Castle Kennedy Gardens is a haven for wildlife.

    Sneak into one of our two bird hides at White Loch or Black Loch to see if you can spot an otter playing or a heron standing still as a statue. If you’re lucky, you might even see our famous red squirrels darting through the trees! How many animals can your little nature detectives spot today? 🦅🦆

    #WildlifeWatching #RedSquirrels #NatureKids #CKGWildlife
    ... See MoreSee Less

    View on Facebook
    · Share
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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

    CONTACT

    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
      • Home
      • The Gardens
        • History
        • What’s Here
          • Features
          • Plants & Shrubs
          • Sculptured Landforms
          • Wildlife
        • Garden Tour
        • What’s in Flower
        • GALLERY
        • Collections
        • Conservation
        • Lochinch &
          Stair Estates
      • Plan a Visit
        • Plan a Visit
        • Group Visits
        • School Visits
        • Accessibility
      • TICKETS & PRICES
      • WHAT’S
        ON
      • NEWS &
        SOCIAL
      • Eat &
        Shop
      • Get Involved
        • Volunteering
        • Become a Friend
      • Weddings
      • Holiday
        Cottages
        • Properties
          • The Chauffeur’s Apartment
          • Balker Lodge
          • Ice House Cottage
        • Activities
        • Enquiries
        • Availability & Booking
      • CONTACT
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