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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castlekennedygardens

Nature Prints Guided Activity, Wednesday 24 August Nature Prints Guided Activity, Wednesday 24 August.

During this guided activity, you will learn how to create amazing shapes and shadows on paper using the wonderful environment in the Gardens. 
Link to tickets in bio 

@visitscotland @discoverscottishgardens 

#schoolholidays #summerholidays #familytime #thingstodo #stranraer #castlekennedygardens #visitscotland #discoverscottishgardens
The Beatrix Potter Famous Animals Trail is a hit w The Beatrix Potter Famous Animals Trail is a hit with kids this summer. 
This accessible trail enables people to forage around the Walled Garden for hidden rabbits, as well as use the Trail Map to guess the animal that matches the famous character named on the marker.
Pick up your Trail Map from the Shop on arrival. Every entrant receives a sweet prize at the end and can go into the draw to win a free family pass to one of our open air theatre performances next season. 

#beatrixpotter #trail #kidsactivity #accessible #familyfun #thingstodo #Dumfries  #stranraer #castlekennedygardens 
VisitScotland 
@discoverscottishgardens
Couldn't have asked for better weather. 'Awful Aun Couldn't have asked for better weather. 'Awful Auntie' busy David Walliams starts in 5mins. Thanks to the crowds who have joined us already. Last minute tickets can be bought at the door.
TONIGHT (4 Aug) 'Awful Auntie' by David Walliams O TONIGHT (4 Aug) 'Awful Auntie' by David Walliams Open Air Theatre. Doors open at 5pm for a 6pm show start.

Last minute tickets are available online. This is our last open-air theatre show of the season, so please come along and enjoy the evening with your friends and family.

Characters will be in full costume before the show and available for photographs. 

The Tea Room is open all evening serving delicious light meals and snacks such as freshly made popcorn, home-baking, sweet treats and drinks.

Bring low chairs, picnic blankets, and insect repellent, and be ready to have some family fun.

Link to tickets in bio.

#awfulauntie #davidwalliams #openairtheatre #heartbreakproductions #stranraer #castlekennedygardens #thingstodo #familytime
Our Tea Room has a variety of home-baked goodies t Our Tea Room has a variety of home-baked goodies to please all tastes.

From the delicious lemon loaf to vegan chocolate brownies. Think of your local Tea Room at Castle Kennedy Gardens for your next morning tea. 

 #daydate #visitscotland #discoverscottishgardens #afternoontea #morningtea #castlekennedygardens
Arrow - is a new addition to the collection of Bir Arrow - is a new addition to the collection of Birds of Prey. He is a 1 year old Peregrine and likes to have a chat.

All the crowd favourites are here -
Nyah - Mongolian Steppe Eagle
Tali - European Eagle Owl
Cherry - Red Tail Hawk
Grizzly - Tawny Owl
Chac - Chaco Owl
Vegas - Western Screetch Owl 
Momo - Barn Owl

Come along to one of our workshops today at 10.30pm, 1pm or 3pm.

#birdsofprey #Eagle #Owl #hawk #visitscotland #discoverscottishgardens #castlekennedygardens
Birds of Prey Day TODAY (Sun 31 July) Join us for Birds of Prey Day TODAY (Sun 31 July)

Join us for one of our three Birds of Prey workshops today at either 10.30am, 1pm or 3pm. 
Places are limited, so please book online in advance. 
 
Bird Petting and Photographs are available for a small additional cost. 

#birdsofprey #hawk #owl #liveanimals #castlekennedygardens #visitscotland #DiscoverScottishGardens 

@visitscotland @discoverscottishgardens
Awful Auntie by David Walliams Thursday 4 August Awful Auntie by David Walliams Thursday 4 August

Adapted for the outdoor stage by @heartbreakproductions is a truly thrilling tale. Owls, ghosts, chases, escapes, motorcycle rides, and tiddlywinks all fill Stella’s days as she evades her menacing Aunt and saves the family home. 

Make sure you bring a blanket or low-chair to sit on, weather-appropriate gear, insect repellent, and a picnic, as the tale could take some time to tell, and storytelling can be hungry work! 

Ticket link in our bio.

VisitScotland @discoverscottishgardens 

#openairtheatre #davidwalliams #awfulauntie #heartbreakproductions #theatre #thingstodo #familytime #stranraer #castlekennedygardens
Look who is lurking in the foliage at the Gardens. Look who is lurking in the foliage at the Gardens. 

The characters of Beatrix Potter have snuck in and can be found on the Beatrix Potter Famous Animals Trail. On everyday until the end of August. 

Come and join the fun 10am to 5pm.

#beatrixpotter #rabbits #Trail #summerholidays #activities
Our new Picnic Hampers are a hit. The sun is shin Our new Picnic Hampers are a hit.  The sun is shining and the weather is perfect for a lovely relaxing picnic in the Gardens. 

You can pre-order your picnic hamper online, along with your admission ticket.  This delicious, home-baked Afternoon Tea picnic is the top choice for two.
Link to book in bio.

#picnic #dates #datenight #daydate #familytime #scones #hamper #dateideas #homebaked #castlekennedygardens #discoverscottishgardens #visitscotland

VisitScotland @discoverscottishgardens
It's morning tea time! Come into the Tea Room at t It's morning tea time!
Come into the Tea Room at the Gardens and enjoy home baked cakes, scones and biscuits. Baked daily, there is always a delicious morsel on offer.
Open 10am - 5pm. 
Admission to the Tea Room only is free.
TONIGHT - Open Air Theatre in the Gardens It is n TONIGHT - Open Air Theatre in the Gardens

It is not too late to grab tickets to The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny for this evening, Wed 27 July. The show starts at 6pm. Tickets are available online or at the door.
 
Link for tickets in bio.

 #peterrabbit #openairtheatre #quantumtheatre #scottish #storytelling #visitscotland #familytime #castlekennedygardens #southwestscotland
Birds of Prey show, Sunday 31st July. Meet a wh Birds of Prey show,  Sunday 31st July. 

Meet a whole host of birds including a Mongolian Steppe Eagle and the adorable Asian Brown Owl.  There will be free workshops (included with admission ticket) about our native birds of prey at 10.30am, 1.00 pm, and 3.00pm. 

Places are limited, so please book in advance.  Bird Petting and Photographs are available for a small additional cost. 

Castle Kennedy Gardens is open daily from 10 am - 5pm. 

VisitScotland @discoverscottishgardens 

#birdsofprey #castlekennedygardens #schoolholidayactivities #scotland #southwestscotland
As you enter the Walled Garden from the Castle Ken As you enter the Walled Garden from the Castle Kennedy ruin on your left, look up and you will see this splendid display of red flowers from one of our favourite evergreen shrubs.

Stop a while on one of the bench seats and enjoy the view. 

📷 Callistemon subulatus, ‘bottlebrush'
Scottish History Week In the heart of the Garden Scottish History Week 

In the heart of the Gardens is the ruin of Castle Kennedy itself. Having been ravaged by fire in 1716, the castle ruins haven’t suffered much further damage, and look nearly identical to this sketch, made in 1789, by English antiquarian Francis Grose.

After the fire, the 2nd Earl of Stair decided to keep the ruin as a centrepiece to the Garden, as it remains to this day.

Activity - load the image on your mobile device and see if you can match your location to this image.

#history #scottishhistory #scotland #stranraer #scottishbeauty #scotlandsbeauty #castlekennedy #castleruins #castlesofscotland
OPEN-AIR THEATRE SHOW We are thrilled to host ano OPEN-AIR THEATRE SHOW 
We are thrilled to host another open-air theatre event this season at Castle Kennedy Gardens. 

Our second show is David Walliams Awful Auntie on Thursday 4 August.  Tickets are on sale now, online or at the Gardens. Link to tickets in bio.

#visitscotland #davidwalliams #aufulauntie #summerholidays #familyfun #theatre #liveshow #visitscotland
Birds of Prey Experience Sun 31 July The Birds of Birds of Prey Experience Sun 31 July

The Birds of Prey experience will engage all ages next Sunday 31st July. This event is included within admission. 

Meet a whole host of fascinating birds of prey including a Mongolian Steppe Eagle and the adorable Asian Brown Owl. 

There will be free workshops about our native birds of prey at 10.30am, 1.00 pm and 3.00pm. Places are limited, so please book in advance. Link to tickets in bio. 

Bird petting and photographs are available for a small additional cost. 
Castle Kennedy Gardens is open daily 
10 am - 5pm 

#owls #hawks #birdsofprey #castlekennedygardens #schoolholidayactivities #scotland #southwestscotland #stranraer  #thingstodo #familytime #summerholidays
7 Sleeps To Go Until Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny 7 Sleeps To Go Until Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny!
Don't miss your chance to see The Tale of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny live on stage next week (Wednesday 27 July) at the Gardens. Bring a picnic, a blanket, or a low chair and enjoy a wonderful night out with the family.
Link to tickets in bio.
@quantumtheatre 
@visitscotland Year of Stories

#peterrabbit #yearofstories #visitscotland #quantumtheatre #openairtheatre #summerholidays #stranraer #castlekennedygardens #thingstodo #familytime
The colour of the Hydrangea macrophylla are simply The colour of the Hydrangea macrophylla are simply stunning and are putting on a magnificent display at the moment. 
This image was taken in the Walled Garden last weekend. Come see it for yourself. We are open daily 10am to 5pm. Link to tickets in bio.
@discoverscottishgardens 
VisitScotland 

 #hydrangea #scottishgardens #purpleflowers
Storytelling and Author Meet & Greet - Friday 19 A Storytelling and Author Meet & Greet - Friday 19 August 

Come along for our storytelling adventure which incorporates humour, nature, and a dash of meditation. Discover the little-known myths and legends from the Moorfoot area of Midlothian; a land of psychic trees, bagpipe-playing ghosts, and exploding hills!

Books will be available for purchase and the author available to sign a copy, and answer questions.

In association with VisitScotland Year of Stories.

 #visitscotland #castlekennedygardens #storytelling #oralhistory #scottish #myths #southwestscotland #meeththeauthor
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Castle Kennedy Gardens

6 hours ago

Castle Kennedy Gardens
Nature Prints Guided Activity, Wednesday 24 August.During this guided activity, you will learn how to create amazing shapes and shadows on paper using the wonderful environment in the Gardens. Link to tickets in bio @visitscotland @discoverscottishgardens #schoolholidays #summerholidays #familytime #thingstodo #stranraer #castlekennedygardens #visitscotland #discoverscottishgardens ... See MoreSee Less

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Castle Kennedy Gardens

4 days ago

Castle Kennedy Gardens
The Beatrix Potter Famous Animals Trail is a hit with kids this summer. This accessible trail enables people to forage around the Walled Garden for hidden rabbits, as well as use the Trail Map to guess the animal that matches the famous character named on the marker.Pick up your Trail Map from the Shop on arrival. Every entrant receives a sweet prize at the end and can go into the draw to win a free family pass to one of our open air theatre performances next season. #beatrixpotter #trail #kidsactivity #Accessible #familyfun #thingstodo #dumfries #stranraer #castlekennedygardens VisitScotland @discoverscottishgardens ... See MoreSee Less

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Castle Kennedy Gardens

4 days ago

Castle Kennedy Gardens
Couldn't have asked for better weather. 'Awful Auntie' busy David Walliams starts in 5mins. Thanks to the crowds who have joined us already. Last minute tickets can be bought at the door. ... See MoreSee Less

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Castle Kennedy Gardens

5 days ago

Castle Kennedy Gardens
TONIGHT (4 Aug) 'Awful Auntie' by David Walliams Open Air Theatre. Doors open at 5pm for a 6pm show start.Last minute tickets are available online. This is our last open-air theatre show of the season, so please come along and enjoy the evening with your friends and family.Characters will be in full costume before the show and available for photographs. The Tea Room is open all evening serving delicious light meals and snacks such as freshly made popcorn, home-baking, sweet treats and drinks.Bring low chairs, picnic blankets, and insect repellent, and be ready to have some family fun.#awfulauntie #davidwalliams #openairtheatre #heartbreakproductions #stranraer #castlekennedygardens #thingstodo #familytime #summerholidays VisitScotlandDiscover Scottish GardensStranraer Millennium Centre Link to tickets in our profile ... See MoreSee Less

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  • TONIGHT - Open Air Theatre performance of 'Awful Auntie' by David Walliams. Tickets are available online. https://t.co/U3ATHpzSp0 08:32 AM Aug 4th
  • Did you know we have a guided walk this Monday 11 July? Historic Sculptured Landforms with former Head Gardner John… https://t.co/Ra9b3B8u2Y 01:07 PM Jul 7th
  • We've just had a cancellation at our stunning holiday cottage from this Saturday, 28 August. The weather is set to… https://t.co/dAf3XWSRqc 01:37 PM Aug 24th
  • We love the rain, and so do our plants... but it's also pretty great to see the sun back again! #ScottishGardens https://t.co/DdHbLfV2ir 03:25 PM Aug 13th
  • RT @TheGinClan: Roadtrip in Galloway - stay tuned for colour. #onlyinscotland #gloriousGalloway @LoganBotanicGdn #Whithorn @craftydistills… 08:45 AM Jun 30th
  • We've got lots of fun Garden Ranger activities planned in the gardens this summer, starting with a campfire breakfa… https://t.co/85IIzOEBrc 03:04 PM Jun 29th
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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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