20-07-2025
Scotland's 'best seaside gardens' named as nine coastal beauty spots singled out
July is the perfect time to head to a colourful garden.
Scotland's "best seaside gardens" have been crowned. Beauty spots in Dumfries and Galloway, South Ayrshire, and the Scottish Highlands are among those that were singled out.
Visiting a garden is a classic summertime activity, with Scotland having no shortage of pretty estates. With summer halfway over, there is no time like the present to get out and walk around a vibrant garden.
On Tuesday, July 15, Discover Scottish Gardens published a list of the top coastal gardens around the country. A total of nine seaside gardens are featured on the roundup.
One of the gardens named among the best coastal spots in the country by Discover Scottish Gardens is Arbigland House and Gardens in Dumfries and Galloway. The 18th century mansion is situated within 24 acres of woodland gardens, which extend down to a beach along the Solway Firth.
The formal gardens at Arbigland House are separated into different areas such as a Sunken Garden, a Japanese Garden, and a Sundial Garden. The former features roses and a Pavilion constructed by Italian Prisoners of War, while the Sundial Garden includes a sundial from 1815 that commemorates the battle of Waterloo.
Discover Scottish Gardens stated: "From the 18th century mansion house, a long walk, lined by beech trees, stretches from Arbigland House to the beaches of the Solway Firth.
The 24 acres of gardens here, which include an Italianate sunken garden, steep terraces and streamside gardens shaded by Giant gunnera, are undergoing restoration but there's no denying the salty credentials of this historic spot on the Dumfries & Galloway coastline.
"The Vikings washed up here and the estate itself was the birthplace of John Paul Jones, father of the American navy."
Elsewhere, the experts also selected Culzean Castle in South Ayrshire as one of Scotland's best seaside gardens. The castle sits in a 260-hectare estate featuring beaches, woods, trails, and more.
Highlights of the estate include its colourful formal gardens and glasshouses. Culzean Castle itself sits atop a dramatic cliff, below which there is a picturesque sandy coastline home to various caves.
The experts wrote: "From the battlements of Culzean there are spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde towards the jagged peaks of Arran. Beneath the castle lie rock pools and caves just begging to be explored, while the Fountain Court on the leeward side is filled with tender plants that relish the coastal conditions.
"There are hundreds of acres of woodland paths to be enjoyed, along with a double walled garden full of decorative and edible plants."
Another seaside garden featured on Discover Scottish Gardens' list is Ardencraig Gardens on the Isle of Bute. The garden, which is located near the island's principal town of Rothesay and is managed by Argyll and Bute Council, is home to a variety of exotic plants in its glasshouses.
Other gardens singled out by the experts include Ardmaddy Estate in Argyll and Inverewe Garden in Scottish Highlands. Ardmaddy Estate is situated near the popular coastal resort of of Oban and features a restored and improved 18th century walled garden, while Inverewe Garden is located in Wester Ross and is known for its rare plants that can only grow thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream.
Meanwhile, Discover Scottish Gardens also praised Castle of Mey and Dunrobin Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Rounding out the list are House of Dun in Angus and Cambo Gardens in Fife.
The full list of the best seaside gardens around Scotland can be found below. For more information about each one, visit the Discover Scottish Gardens website.
The best seaside gardens around Scotland
