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Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
The Scottish garden with beach that was named 'best seaside garden' in the country
Just a short walk from the attraction is a stunning bay. Scotland is home to countless idyllic and colourful gardens. If you are looking for a day out in picturesque surroundings, you can't go wrong with any of them. However, for something that extra bit special, the country also features many gardens nestled along the coast. A seaside garden is perfect for those looking to enjoy some spectacular coastal scenery. As reported by the Daily Record, the best seaside gardens in Scotland were recently named by Discover Scottish Gardens. Among the gardens that were singled out by the experts is Arbigland House and Gardens in Dumfries and Galloway. Arbigland House is an 18th century mansion located just outside of the village of Kirkbean. It is surrounded by 24 acres of woodland gardens. The house was constructed in the Classical Adams-style by William Craik, who introduced the Agricultural Revolution to Scotland. Those visiting the estate's lovely gardens can book a tour of the house's incredible and historic principal rooms. According to the Arbigland House and Gardens website, a lot of the trees that line the Broad Walk from the main house are more than 200 years old. At the end of the walk, there is a picturesque viewpoint across to the Lake District fells. While the gardens are primarily made up of woodland, there are a few formal sections. These include a Sunken Garden with roses and a Pavilion that was built by Italian Prisoners of War. Elsewhere, there is a Sundial Garden. Here visitors can find a sundial that dates back to 1815 and commemorates the Battle of Waterloo. Other scenic spots in the grounds are the Well Head Garden and the Japanese Garden. The former is home to unusual plants and trees, while the Japanese Garden features a variety of acers and cherries. The gardens run all the way down from the mansion to a beach that offers panoramic views across the Solway Firth to the Cumbrian Hills. As well as being recognised by Discover Scottish Gardens, the House and Gardens won a Travellers' Choice Award in 2024. According to the travel guidance platform, it is also one of the best days out around Dumfries. Arbigland House and Gardens has also received very positive feedback from day trippers. On Google, the attraction has a rating of 4.8 out of five based on 49 reviews. One tourist posted: "Lovely peaceful gardens and walks. Staff very helpful and friendly, especially Wayne." Another wrote: "Beautiful garden and a must to visit if you are in the area. There is seating by the beach carved out of logs so it's a great place to sit and have your lunch."
Daily Record
20-07-2025
- Daily Record
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
