Gardens in The Highlands and Isle of Skye

The Highland region is diverse with woodland estates, nurseries and castle gardens. The highlight is Inverewe Garden with its special collections warmed by the Gulf Stream.

Lochaber & Wester Ross

Balmacara Estate

Near Kyle of Lochalsh - a National Trust for Scotland estate. Lots of walks through ancient woodland and wild countryside. Abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery.

B&Bs near Balmacara Estate - Strathgorm

Lochalsh Woodland Gardens

Balmacara - Rhododendron, fuchsias, hydrangeas and ferns. Open all year 9am to sunset. Admission charge.

B&Bs near Lochalsh Woodland Gardens - Strathgorm

Attadale Gardens

Strathcarron, Wester Ross, on A890 road between Strathcarron and South Strome - Privately owned garden and house, near the shores of Loch Carron, cradled by mountains. A style that allows the garden to blend seamlessly from the planned planted areas into the wilderness that surrounds it. Open 10am - 5.30pm April - October (closed Sundays). Admission charge.

Inverewe Garden

Famous National Trust for Scotland Garden between Ullapool and Gairloch. Spectacular garden with fabulous rhododendrons and azaleas in May, plus tree ferns, Himalayan poppies, herbaceous borders, eucalyptus, gunnera, primulas, walled garden and rockeries. Admission charge. Free guided garden walks in the summer. Café and shop. Open April - October.

Leckmelm Shrubbery and Arboretum

Little Leckmelm, Lochbroom, near Ullapool . A woodland garden planted in 1870 and restored in 1984. Open April to September. Daily 10am to 6pm.

Isle of Skye

Armadale Castle Gardens

Isle of Skye - 40 acre woodland garden set around the ruins of Armadale Castle. Museum, restaurant and gift shop. Open daily April to October. Admission charge.

B&Bs near Armadale Castle Gardens - Strathgorm, Cuil Lodge B&B,

North-West Highlands

Achiltibuie Garden

See plants growing without soil. Open Monday to Friday from 11am - 1pm, and 2pm - 4pm. Small admission charge.

North-East Highlands

Castle of Mey

Located between Thurso and John O'Groats, this is the Queen Mother's former holiday home in Caithness. The Castle, Walled Gardens and small Animal Centre are open to visitors from May to September (but closed during the last week in July and first week in August when Prince Charles the Duke of Rothesay is in residence for his annual visit to Caithness). Opening times are from 10.30am until 4pm. Visitor centre with tearoom, toilets and gift shop. Admission charges apply.

B&Bs near Castle of Mey - Auld Post Office B&B, Sharvedda, White Rose Tower, near Invergordon

Dunrobin Castle, Golspie

Formal parterre gardens laid out in 1850 below the castle. The gardens are open all year round and entry is free of charge when the castle is closed during the winter.

B&Bs near Dunrobin Castle - Home Farm near Muir of ord, White Rose Tower, near Invergordon, Auld Post Office B&B near Thurso

Inverness, Loch Ness and Nairn

Abriachan Nursery and Gardens

A82 Loch Ness side. Open: February - November 9am - 7pm or dusk if earlier. Admission: Nursery free, gardens small donation for charity.

B&Bs near Abriachan Gardens - Ardmeanach House in Inverness, Inverness House, Home Farm, White Rose Tower, near Invergordon, Binnilidh Mhor B&B, Glenmoriston

Inverness Botanic Gardens

Inverness - Mixed floral displays including greenhouses, tropical plants and cactus house. Cafe and plant sales. Open daily). Free admission.

B&Bs near Inverness Botanic Gardens - Inverness House, Ardmeanach House in Inverness, Home Farm near Muir of Ord, White Rose Tower, near Invergordon

Cawdor Castle Gardens and grounds

Between Inverness and Nairn. Mixture of formal gardens and parkland, including maze. Riverside walks on the estate. Open daily from late April to early October. Gift shop and tearoom. Golf course. Admission charge

B&Bs near Cawdor Castle - Inverness House, Ardmeanach House in Inverness, White Rose Tower, near Invergordon, Home Farm near Muir of Ord

Brodie Castle

East of Nairn - The castle was the home of the Brodie family until the late 20th century and is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. During the spring, the famous collection of daffodils is in full bloom. Grounds open all year. 71 hectare estate including walled garden, large pond, picnic area, adventure playground, woodland walks. The castle (admission charge) is open April to October. Tearoom and Shop.

B&Bs near Brodie Castle - Ardmeanach House in Inverness, Inverness House