Welcome to the homepage for Castle Kennedy Gardens, a part of Stair Estates, located in the South West corner of Scotland.

This part of Scotland is surrounded on three sides by the sea, and the influence of the Gulf Stream provides a micro climate not found in many other parts of the United Kingdom.

The gardens are extensively landscaped with terraces, mounds and avenues, all of which were created by men and horses, and extend to more than 30 hectares. I hope you will enjoy using this site, and that you will find the gardens interesting. You may even wish to plan a visit to the gardens when you are next in the South West of Scotland.

Please visit our shop where you will find a selection of plants that we would like to recommend with guidance for planting. Many of the plants on offer have been grown by us from seed collected in the garden, and possibly from stock brought to this country over one hundred years ago.

 

Join us as a Friend
Volunteer at the Gardens

Media Articles

‘The historic grounds at Castle Kennedy in Dumfries are yielding up their secrets to a new generation of garden enthusiasts.’
The Scotsman, 5th April, 2008

‘Riches and Ruins. The gardens at Castle Kennedy – laid out dramatically on an isthmus between the remains of the original castle and its nineteenth century replacement – have a rich history of horticultural development, continued to this day by the family which lives there’. House and Gardens July, 2008
Click here to read the article.


 
     
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Special Events in 2012

Picture of Rhodedendrons to advertise Lochinch Garden and Country Show

Lochinch Castle Summer Art Festival
Lochinch Castle

20th - 29th July - 10.00am - 4.00pm
Celebrate the creativity that abounds within our area and take the opportunity to own a piece of local art. Visit this Exhibition of extraordainary local talent and view an exciting range of paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, ceramics and jewellery. A programme of art and pottery demonstrations and workshops will also be on offer as well as a tearoom with home baking.

Evening viewing
Thursday 26th July
5.00pm until 8.00pm.

Forthcoming events

Include the Guided Walks:
the Rhododendrons and Azaleas on 9th May, 2pm. 
Champion Trees on 23rd May, 2pm

Also don’t forget to visit our new Bird Hide and see the variety of bird life on the White Loch.

Garden Walks | Family Events
Theatre | Lochinch Events

May & June
• Rhododendrons & Azaleas Guided Walk 9th May
• Champion Trees - Guided Walk - 23rd May
• Guide in the Hide - 16th May
• Guide in the Hide - 25th May
• Summer Sights - Guided Walk - 6th June
• Guide in the Hide - 13th June
• Scotland's Garden Scheme Open Day - 17th June
• Wonders of the Walled Garden - Guided Walk - 20th June
• Guide in the Hide - 29th June

Click here for more information & events.

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