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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Easter Egg Trail 2026

20/03/2025
Easter Egg Trail

Date: 28 March - 19 April 2026
Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm daily

Come and explore Castle Kennedy Gardens, unravel the clues on our Easter Egg trail and win a chocolate Easter prize.

READ MORE
Easter Festival, Events, Special Events chocolate, easter, Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Egg Trail, family activity

Welcome

It has been our family’s honour to create, restore and care for one of Scotland’s hidden treasures for almost 300 years. These important historical Gardens, situated on an isthmus, consist of 300ha (75 acres) of sculptured landscapes, and magnificent avenues radiating out from the iconic Castle Kennedy ruins. Described as ‘one of the showpieces of Galloway’, it is one of Scotland's most important historical landscaped gardens with its collection of Rhododendrons, Championship Trees and rare species.

The Gardens are perfect for exploring and provides a fun day out for families, with a charming Tea Room, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.

We warmly welcome you to the Gardens and we look forward to seeing you soon.

The Earl and Countess of Stair

NEWS & SOCIAL

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Castle Kennedy Gardens
Castle Kennedy Gardens

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 ... See MoreSee Less

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
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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
Looking for jobs before the ground freezes? Novemb Looking for jobs before the ground freezes? November is an ideal month for planting! Job Idea: If the soil isn't too wet or frozen, get planting bare-root roses, hedging, or fruit bushes while they're dormant. For your potted, half-hardy plants, now is the time to move them into a sheltered spot or wrap their pots in bubble wrap or fleece for insulation against frost. Protecting their roots is key! 🌷 #NovemberPlanting #WinterProtection #GardenerHacks #BareRoot #CastleKennedyTips
With Christmas just around the corner, skip the hi With Christmas just around the corner, skip the high street rush and give a gift of fresh air, history, and beauty! A Castle Kennedy Gardens Membership is a whole year of inspiration. They can start planning their spring visits now! Purchase online and give a gift that truly keeps on growing. 🎁 castlekennedygardens.com #ChristmasShopping #MembershipGift #GardenMembership #PerfectPresent #CastleKennedy
Without the summer canopy, the true 'bones' of the Without the summer canopy, the true 'bones' of the garden are revealed. November is the time to appreciate the structure of our mature trees, the sweep of the historical avenues, and the vastness of the landscaped lochs. The garden is never truly empty, just simplified. We’re working hard to maintain this structure to ensure a glorious bloom next season! 🌳 #GardenStructure #DormantBeauty #WinterView #CastleKennedyGardens #LandscapedGardens
A well-maintained garden starts with reflection on A well-maintained garden starts with reflection on the year that was and with well-maintained tools! While the ground is resting, November is a great time to give your gear some TLC. Job Idea: Sharpen your secateurs, clean your spades, and oil wooden handles to prevent rot over winter. Also, keep clearing those fallen rose leaves to reduce the chance of diseases like blackspot next year. Your spring self will thank you! 🛠️ #GardeningTools #WinterMaintenance #GardenCare #CastleKennedy
The change of season brings some very important vi The change of season brings some very important visitors to the lochs! Our resident flock of Greylag Geese is a wonderful sight, often seen grazing the open pasture and taking to the air in impressive formations. As the weather cools, keep an eye on your local wetlands and lochs for these majestic birds. They are an essential part of the Castle Kennedy ecosystem. 🦢 #CastleKennedyWildlife #GreylagGeese #NaturePhotography #Lochlife #ScottishNature
Need a break that truly allows you to disconnect? Need a break that truly allows you to disconnect? Our Holiday Cottages offer a tranquil base for a winter escape on the historic Castle Kennedy Estate. Imagine peaceful, crisp mornings and evenings spent by a warm fire, with the landscape all but to yourselves. It’s an ideal setting for a calm, restorative retreat. Book your winter stay and make the quiet beauty of the off-season your own 🏡 castlekennedygardens.com #CastleKennedyCottages #ScottishEscape #WinterRetreat #OffGridGetaway #HolidayLet
Getting ready for winter at home? Take a tip from Getting ready for winter at home? Take a tip from our CKG Gardeners! Now is the perfect time to tidy up your beds and give your soil some love. Job Idea: Lift and divide any overcrowded clumps of herbaceous perennials. This maintains their vigour and gives you new plants for free next spring! Also, remember to raise any outdoor pots off the ground to prevent waterlogging during the wetter months. 🧤 Also, plant bulbs like tulips or daffodils for an amazing spring display 🌷 #GardenTips #WinterPrep #GardeningAdvice #GrowYourOwn #CastleKennedyGardeners
A new kind of beauty takes over the gardens in Nov A new kind of beauty takes over the gardens in November. With the foliage mostly down, the grandeur of our ancient trees and the magnificent architecture of the Castle Ruin are laid bare. This is the quiet, powerful beauty of a historic landscape preparing for rest. We’ll be sharing glimpses of the gardens' winter transformation over the coming weeks. Stay tuned for views you don't see during the busy season! 📷 Can you spot the castle ruin in this picture? #CastleKennedy #NovemberGardens #HistoricLandscape #WinterIsComing #ScottishGardens
And that’s a wrap on the 2025 season! 🍂 A heartfel And that’s a wrap on the 2025 season! 🍂 A heartfelt thank you to every visitor, member, and furry friend who walked our 75 acres this year. Your support helps preserve this historic landscape for generations to come. While the gates are closed for winter rest, you can still secure your unlimited entry for 2026! Castle Kennedy Garden Memberships are available online all year – they make a brilliant, thoughtful Christmas gift for the garden lover in your life! Thank you, and see you in the spring! 🔗 castlekennedygardens.com #CastleKennedyGardens #SeasonClosed #ThankYou #Membership #ChristmasGiftIdeas #SupportLocal
Today is our final day of the season! Thank you to Today is our final day of the season! Thank you to all who have visited and supported Castle Kennedy Gardens this year. The gates close at 5 pm, but the dedicated work continues behind the scenes. We look forward to welcoming you back in the spring to share the new season's beauty. Until then, stay well! 👋 #CastleKennedyGardens #SeasonClosed #ThankYou #SeeYouNextYear
A spooky silence descends upon the Castle Kennedy A spooky silence descends upon the Castle Kennedy ruin tonight... but the only ghosts you'll find here are the centuries of history whispered on the wind! Bring your family this weekend for a final, beautiful autumnal walk before we close for the season. Happy Halloween! 👻 📷 Halloween 2022 #CastleKennedyGardens #Halloween #CastleRuin #Atmospheric #October
Tick-tock! 🕰️ Only one week left to enjoy the magi Tick-tock! 🕰️ Only one week left to enjoy the magic of Castle Kennedy Gardens this year! Don't miss your chance for a final peaceful stroll, a slice of cake in the Tea Room, or a beautiful plant from our Centre. We close for the season on Sunday, November 2nd. Open 10am to 5pm. #CastleKennedyGardens #LastWeek #FinalCall #EndOfSeason
The final act of the season is upon us. The matu The final act of the season is upon us. The mature trees are putting on a spectacular show of gold and bronze, enhancing the grandeur of the landscape. Come and soak up the deep, rich colours of late October – a perfect, peaceful farewell to the gardening year before our doors close on November 2nd. #CastleKennedyGardens #AutumnMagic #FinalAct #OctoberBeauty #WoodlandWalks
Searching for the perfect gift for the garden love Searching for the perfect gift for the garden lover in your life? Give the gift of year-round beauty! A Castle Kennedy Gardens Membership offers unlimited access next season and is a wonderful way to support our historic grounds. It's the perfect Christmas gift to look forward to! Find out more and purchase via castlekennedygardens.com 🎁 #CastleKennedyGardens #Membership #ChristmasGiftIdea #SupportLocal
Beyond the plants, you are walking through a piece Beyond the plants, you are walking through a piece of living history. Castle Kennedy Gardens is a significant historical landscape, the product of generations of vision and care. Take a moment to appreciate the scale and design of the grounds as you explore the final autumnal views of the season. History is in every step. Open 10am to 5pm. #CastleKennedyGardens #HistoricGardens #LandscapeDesign #LivingHistory #VisitScotland
Want a true escape? Our holiday cottages offer the Want a true escape? Our holiday cottages offer the perfect base for an autumn break, allowing you to experience the tranquil beauty of the Castle Kennedy Estate after the daily visitors leave. Imagine peaceful evenings by the fire and crisp morning walks through the grounds. Book your serene Scottish getaway before the year is out! castlekennedygardens.com #CastleKennedyGardens #HolidayCottages #ScottishBreak #AutumnGetaway #TranquilRetreat
Walk amongst giants and witness botanical history! Walk amongst giants and witness botanical history! Castle Kennedy is home to magnificent Championship Trees and a collection of rare species and Rhododendrons that have been nurtured for generations. October provides a beautiful, uncluttered view of these impressive specimens. Come and admire the scale and significance of our historic plant collection. #CastleKennedyGardens #ChampionshipTrees #BotanicalHistory #RareSpecies #HistoricLandscape
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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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