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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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

Are you hiding inside too? Did you know that Autumn is the best time to spot red squirrels? Dig out your wellies and explore the Gardens for your own encounter with the wonderful wildlife!

#nativespecies #castlekennedygardens #familydaysout #wildlife #redsquirrel #DiscoverScottishGardens #visitscotland ... See MoreSee Less

Are you hiding inside too? Did you know that Autumn is the best time to spot red squirrels? Dig out your wellies and explore the Gardens for your own encounter with the wonderful wildlife! #nativespecies #castlekennedygardens #familydaysout #wildlife #redsquirrel #discoverscottishgardens #visitscotland
1 month ago
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Head gardener seen one in Azalea Avenue this week, also Senior Gardener on the drive in to Castle Kennedy Gardens so they are there and busy.

Castle Kennedy Gardens
Castle Kennedy Gardens

Snapped this picture on exiting the Gardens earlier today. Such a beautiful display of autumn.
Open for seven more days 10am to 5pm.

#red #gold #autumn #seaofcolour #seasonofchanhe #turnturnturn #castlekennedygardens #familydaysout Discover Scottish Gardens VisitScotland ... See MoreSee Less

Snapped this picture on exiting the Gardens earlier today. Such a beautiful display of autumn. Open for seven more days 10am to 5pm. #Red #gold #autumn #seaofcolour #seasonofchanhe #turnturnturn #castlekennedygardens #familydaysout Discover Scottish Gardens VisitScotland
1 month ago
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  • Christmas Wreath Making Workshops are back this season! @castlekennedygardens https://t.co/TQLKThGt2M https://t.co/U91QDd4sUq 04:35 PM Nov 29th
  • RT @Anita310858: Taken at @CastleKennedyGs a while ago @ https://t.co/7FSVBaPpRP 12:22 PM Nov 21st
  • Can you beat this silly selfie with our Halloween Scarecrow? Behind the Castle, you will find the selfie spot. Tag… https://t.co/DgKlmmgzp5 09:07 AM Oct 11th
  • Our Halloween Festival is back for 2022 and the fun starts this Saturday. See our website for all the details… https://t.co/TxJmlq4ewv 01:46 PM Oct 3rd
  • We’re excited to be taking part in @The_RHS Partner Garden of The Year competition! The past two years have highlig… https://t.co/IXBiXy9TmX 03:46 PM Aug 30th
  • TONIGHT - Open Air Theatre performance of 'Awful Auntie' by David Walliams. Tickets are available online. https://t.co/U3ATHpzSp0 08:32 AM Aug 4th
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castlekennedygardens
The Christmas wreath workshop on Saturday was such The Christmas wreath workshop on Saturday was such a great success. Everyone had the loveliest time creating their festive masterpieces to take home. We have one more class THIS SATURDAY 10 Dec from 11am. Online bookings are essential. FEEDBACK from Saturday - "Just wanted to say how FANTASTIC the wreath workshop was. I felt really welcomed and the tuition, materials and general ambiance were delightful - I would definitely attend again, and will be telling friends about this great activity". Head to our website to book and find out more. #christmaswreath #christmas #wreathmakingworkshop #wreathmaking #christmas2022 #lochinchevents #florist #family #festive @discoverscottishgardens @visitscotland
Dressed and ready to go for our first Christmas wr Dressed and ready to go for our first Christmas wreath making workshop today at 11am. Tickets are still available for the Saturday 10th. Head to the Gardens website for more information. Link in bio. #festive #christmas #wreathmaking #lochinchevents #betseysblooms
With only 25 sleeps until Christmas, now is the ti With only 25 sleeps until Christmas, now is the time to start thinking about coming together with those you hold dear. What better way to celebrate the season than a festive wreath making workshop. Using real flowers, foliage and decorations you will create a luxurious wreath to take home to enjoy for weeks to come. Our professional florist will teach you skills to use again and again. Delicious festive treats, mulled wine and hot drinks are all included in this unique experience. The Carriage House at Lochinch Castle is an idyllic location for the workshops and will make this a Christmas memory to treasure. Advanced bookings online are essential. Link in bio. #christmaswreath #wreathmaking #christmasgift #experience #florist #c#christmas @visitstranraer @gateway2galloway @stranraerdevelopmenttrust @visitscotland @discoverscottishgardens
🎄 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐖𝐫 🎄 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐖𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬 🎄 Carriage House at Lochinch Castle Saturday, 3 & 10 December 11am to 1pm 🟩 All materials included (like amazing fresh local foliage) 🟥 Home-baked treats, mulled wine and hot drinks included 🟩 Small class sizes to get the most from the experience 🟥 Take home a large wreath to enjoy for weeks to come 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹. Link in bio. @betseys_blooms
4 weeks until Christmas! If you haven't thought a 4 weeks until Christmas! If you haven't thought about buying presents yet, start today! We can help you with a Friends of the Garden membership. Head over to our website to secure the gift that keeps on giving. Link in our bio #friends #membership #friendswithbenefits #beourfriend #christmasgift #asva #gardenersworld #scotlandstartshere #southwestscotland #rhs #discoverscottishgardens #visitscotland 📸Magnolia Stellata in the Walled Garden
Although the Gardens are closed, beautiful views c Although the Gardens are closed, beautiful views can be found throughout the woodland walks, near the Southern Upland Way and beyond. This sweeping image inside the Gardens is what our lucky Gardens get to see in the off season. #asva #gardenersworld #scotlandstartshere #southwestscotland #rhs #discoverscottishgardens #visitscotland #scottish #Romantic #castlekennedygardens #southwestscotland
Congratulations to Edinburgh writer, Sara Sheridan Congratulations to Edinburgh writer, Sara Sheridan, who recently won the @waterstones Scottish Book of the Year award for The Fair Botanists. Sara was with us in September talking about her book as part of the @wigtownbookfest and captivated the audience. "James, of Waterstones’ Kirkcaldy branch, said: “The Fair Botanists is a quintessentially Scottish book. To read this book is to get lost in an intoxicating and joyous blend of the vibrant peoples and cultures, told as only Sara Sheridan can" @live_edinburghnews We are so proud to support local storytellers and look forward to hosting more authors in 2023. #asva #gardenersworld #scotlandstartshere #southwestscotland #rhs #discoverscottishgardens #visitscotland #yearofstories
Even on the greyest of days it is such a joy to ta Even on the greyest of days it is such a joy to take a walk among the spectacular trees in autumn. Though most leaves have fallen already leaving a sea of gold on the ground, look up and see what you can find in woodland or gardens near you. #nativespecies #castlekennedygardens #familydaysout #wildlife #redsquirrel #discoverscottishgardens #visitscotland #asva #gardenersworld #scotlandstartshere #southwestscotland #rhs #discoverscottishgardens #visitscotland
Set in a premium location adjacent to Lochinch Cas Set in a premium location adjacent to Lochinch Castle, Chauffeurs Apartment is the luxury staycation your family has been looking for this Winter. Cosy and warm with free access to the spectacular gardens and woodlands, the kids and the dog will find no end of fun. Once home to the Stair family chauffeur, the apartment has three large airy bedrooms, an open-plan living area with an open log fire and central heating. A large welcome hamper is provided to all guests in addition to logs for the fire. Book your stay today > link in bio. #staycationscotland #holidayscotland #luxuryhomes #dogfriendly #travel #southwestscotland #groupholidays #luxurytravel #luxuryfamilyhotels #ruralretreat #familyholiday #staycation #visitscotland
Many people come to our Gardens for peace and refl Many people come to our Gardens for peace and reflection. Let's carry this thought through the week in support of anti-bully week. What can you do in your school, workplace or home to help stop bullying? Take a walk in your closest garden or woodland this week and reflect on how you can reach out. #antibullyingweek #reachout #bekind #supportothers #changestartswithyou #mentalhealth
Did you know our Gardens have been celebrated in v Did you know our Gardens have been celebrated in verse? Irish poet Samuel Boyse (1708 – 1749) wrote in a work (‘Loch Rian’) addressed to Lord Stair: How bloom thy gardens crown’d with soft delight And spread successive beauties to the sight: What airy prospects! What romantic views! Surprise the fancy, and inspire the Muse! Through the long vista, or the casual break, Glitter the blue canal, or silver lake; Sweetly bewilder’d the spectator roves Midst hills, and moss-grown rocks, and hanging groves; With care the eye examines every part, Too form’d for Nature – yet too wild for Art: One ponders how many others have taken up the pen (or paintbrush) inspired by the Gardens. #art #peom #poetry #inspired #artreflectslife #lilypond #lily #gardens #asva #gardenersworld #scotlandstartshere #southwestscotland #rhs #discoverscottishgardens #visitscotland 📸 lilypad on our round pond in autumn
Autumn is a beautiful time of year to stop and tak Autumn is a beautiful time of year to stop and take a minute to look at the things around you. Look at the lovely engraved scroll on the historic canal bridge designed by Robert Adam. Have you ever stopped and observed the detail on its side? #asva #gardenersworld #scotlandstartshere #southwestscotland #rhs #discoverscottishgardens #visitscotland #myths #scottish #storytelling #Romantic #daydate #visitscotland #discoverscottishgardens #scottishgardens #castlekennedygardens
The 2022 season at the Gardens has officially come The 2022 season at the Gardens has officially come to a close. We wish to thank all of our amazing visitors and members for their continual support of our events and activities across the year. The feedback has been resoundingly positive which makes us proud to continue to deliver exceptional experiences. A massive thank you to all of the hard working staff in the Tea Room, Shop and Plant Centre, the Gardens team and office and support staff. Their incredible effort creates the experiences that visitors feel and see. Although the Gardens are closed to the public, people can still enjoy the Estates woodland by booking a staycation at one of our holiday cottages. Please see our website for details www.castlekennedygardens.com We look forward to seeing you all again in February 2023 when we open for the Snowdrop Festival. #closed #castlekennedygardens #winter #seasonal @discoverscottishgardens @visitscotland
Happy Halloween everyone! Today is the last day w Happy Halloween everyone! Today is the last day we are open for the 2022 season. Come along for one last wander in the Gardens, come and grab a bargain in the Shop and Tea Room or enjoy one of our Halloween Festival activities. Open until 5pm. While you are at the Gardens, why not test one of our three spooky Halloween Trails and free daily activities! #ckghalloween #CastleKennedyGardens #DumfriesandGalloway #SouthWestScotland #Wildlife #FamilyDaysOut
Woot. More entries! Winner will be announced on No Woot. More entries! Winner will be announced on November 1. One more day to get your entry in.
More last minute entries are rolling in for the DI More last minute entries are rolling in for the DIY Pumpkin Carving Competition today. They are looking good. You have today and tomorrow to enter for your chance to win a sweet hamper worth £50.
TODAY! We are ready for a big day in the Gardens t TODAY! We are ready for a big day in the Gardens today. KG Hawks Birds of Prey Owls from 10.30am and face painting in the afternoon from 1pm. Don't forget all the spooktacular trails and activities all day. Tomorrow is the last day open for the season. So don't miss your chance to check our the Gardens before we close. While you are at the Gardens, why not test one of our three spooky Halloween Trails and free daily activities! #ckghalloween #Wildlife #owls #birdsofprey #harrypotter #ckghalloween #FamilyDaysOut #CastleKennedyGardens #DumfriesandGalloway #SouthWestScotland @visitscotland @discoverscottishgardens
Don't forget your pre-carved pumpkins today when y Don't forget your pre-carved pumpkins today when you attend the Birds of Prey event! Entry to the competition is only £2 and you could win a sweet hamper worth £50. Open 10am to 5pm.
Look at this awesome entry into the DIY Pumpkin Ca Look at this awesome entry into the DIY Pumpkin Carving Competition! So creative. You still have time to enter. Get carving and bring yours to the Shop.
Hoo is coming to see the amazing birds of prey at Hoo is coming to see the amazing birds of prey at the Gardens tomorrow? 🦉 KG Hawks will be bringing the adorable owls to help you get into the spirit of Halloween. Tickets are free with admission. Please book online as spaces are limited. While you are at the Gardens, why not test one of our three spooky Halloween Trails and free daily activities! #ckghalloween #CastleKennedyGardens #DumfriesandGalloway #SouthWestScotland #Wildlife #owls #birdsofprey #harrypotter #ckghalloween #FamilyDaysOut
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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
    • Visiting During Covid
    • Storm Arwen
  • 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

    • KEEPING OUR GUESTS SAFE

  • CONTACT
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