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Scotland: The Best Rhododendron Gardens in the World? 5190
Scotland: The Best Rhododendron Gardens in the World? 5190
4 Days Starting in Kirkcudbright, Scotland and ending in Corsock, Scotland
Visiting: Kirkcudbright, Portpatrick, Glenwhan Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Port Logan, Logan Botanic Garden, Logan House, Threave Estate, Corsock House
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BRHO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland's most exquisite rhododendron gardens. This tour invites you to explore the lush Logan Botanic Gardens, renowned for its global plant collection, and the serene Glenwhan Gardens, with its tranquil pond and stunning sculptures. Discover the botanical treasures of Castle Kennedy, nestled between historic castles, and the private garden at Millhill, home to over 200 rhododendron species. Stay at the charming Fernhill Hotel in Portpatrick, offering breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. Enjoy comfortable coach travel, professional guidance, and entry to all sites. This tour promises a botanical adventure like no other, showcasing the vibrant beauty of Scotland's gardens.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Kirkcudbright, Portpatrick
Accommodation Name: Fernhill Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from our local pick-up points and head for the private garden at Millhall, Kirkcudbright. This impressive five-acre garden has a large collection of mature shrubs, including over 200 rhododendron species which hopefully will be in full bloom. There are also camellias, hydrangeas and many rare Southern Hemisphere plants. The garden has several interesting paths and is on a hillside running along the rocky shore of the Dee Estuary in Kirkcudbright Bay.
After our visit, we will continue to our accommodation at the 3* Fernhill Hotel in Portpatrick, with its own gardens and stunning views over the village, harbour and the Irish Sea.
Day 2
Location: Glenwhan Gardens, Castle Kennedy
Accommodation Name: Fernhill Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today after breakfast we visit Glenwhan Gardens, spread out over a windy hilltop with marvellous views of Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway. Since 1979 a very large, interesting and individual garden has been created that is filled with good plants. At its heart is an extensive pool, divided by a grassy causeway and fed by a tumbling stream. The slopes above are lavishly planted with trees and shrubs and at this time of year we can expect the rhododendrons to be at their peak. The garden is also dotted with interesting sculptures and statuary – look out for the fearsome boar next to a frothy azalea! Lunch is available here (not included).
In the afternoon we travel a short distance to the spectacular garden at Castle Kennedy. This is a vast and historic piece of landscaping with the garden lying between two castles – the 15th century Castle Kennedy and the 19th century Lochinch Castle, which make splendid eye-catchers to vistas through woods and up hills. North of the old castle are the remains of the early 18th century formal gardens, while the woodland is embellished with an immense collection of distinguished trees (including Scottish Champions) – and exceptional rhododendrons. There is also a very impressive avenue of eucryphias and embothriums.
We return to our hotel.
Day 3
Location: Port Logan, Logan Botanic Garden, Logan House
Accommodation Name: Fernhill Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we visit the world-famous Logan Botanic Gardens at Port Logan. Port Logan lies in the Mull of Galloway, which juts out into the sea in the extreme south-west of Scotland. The garden was started by the McDougall family who lived here for 800 years, and since 1969 it has been in the care of the Royal Botanic Garden at Edinburgh. Logan Botanic Garden is beautifully laid out, particularly in the walled garden with its fine terraces and well-planned borders under an avenue of cabbage palms. The climate here is exceptionally mild due to the Gulf Stream and several different habitats provide conditions for a huge range of plants, including rhododendrons.
Next door are the gardens of Logan House, which were originally part of Logan Botanic Garden. This Victorian woodland garden features champion trees, sweeping lawns and ancient shrubberies, meandering pathways and a majestic monkey puzzle avenue. It also features seven United Kingdom and fourteen Scottish champion trees. Opened to the public in 2002 Logan House has benefited from a programme of replanting and renovation and the results have been very successful.
Day 4
Location: Threave Estate, Corsock House
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we check out of our hotel and visit the gardens of the Threave Estate. The gardens have been largely created by students at the School of Horticulture which started here in 1960. Mature woodland of beech, conifers and oaks form the background to a large collection of shrub roses, sweeping mixed borders, dwarf heathers, peat and rock gardens, a walled kitchen garden and superbly maintained glasshouses
For our final visit we visit the gardens at Corsock House, where a large variety of acid-loving trees and shrubs, including many varieties of rhododendron, enhance the natural glades which run down from the loch to the ornamental water garden. Here pools, statues, temples and other adornments have appeared over the years and now it presents an Arcadian scene, all the more remarkable for being situated on the edge of wild moorland.
Following our visit we return to our original departure points.
What's Included
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Services of a professional tour manager
The tour includes the services of a professional tour manager to guide you throughout the trip.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
The tour provides comfortable coach travel for all transportation needs during the trip.
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Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
Entry fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
Lunch at Glenwhan Gardens
Lunch at Glenwhan Gardens is not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy comfortable coach travel throughout the tour, ensuring a relaxing journey between the beautiful garden destinations.Accommodation
Stay at the 3-star Fernhill Hotel in Portpatrick, offering its own gardens and stunning views over the village, harbour, and the Irish Sea.Check out our Q&As
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What types of plants can be found at the Millhall garden?
The Millhall garden features a large collection of mature shrubs, including over 200 rhododendron species, camellias, hydrangeas, and many rare Southern Hemisphere plants.
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What unique features does Glenwhan Gardens offer?
Glenwhan Gardens is spread over a windy hilltop with marvellous views of Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway. It features an extensive pool divided by a grassy causeway, a tumbling stream, and slopes planted with trees and shrubs. The garden also includes interesting sculptures and statuary, such as a fearsome boar next to a frothy azalea.
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What can visitors expect to see at Castle Kennedy?
Visitors to Castle Kennedy can expect to see a vast and historic piece of landscaping with gardens lying between two castles. The garden features the remains of early 18th-century formal gardens, an immense collection of distinguished trees, exceptional rhododendrons, and a very impressive avenue of eucryphias and embothriums.
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What makes Logan Botanic Gardens unique?
Logan Botanic Gardens is unique due to its exceptionally mild climate influenced by the Gulf Stream, which allows for a huge range of plants, including rhododendrons. The garden is beautifully laid out with fine terraces, well-planned borders, and an avenue of cabbage palms.
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What is special about the gardens at Corsock House?
The gardens at Corsock House feature a large variety of acid-loving trees and shrubs, including many varieties of rhododendron. The natural glades run down from the loch to the ornamental water garden, which includes pools, statues, temples, and other adornments, creating an Arcadian scene.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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