Glorious Gardens of Scotland 2026

This morning, we visit Dumfries House, part of the King’s Foundation. Set in 2,000 acres, this stunning Estate and 18th-century house with its unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture has something for everyone. Your visit will include a guided tour of the house and the Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden, the flagship of the estate – the 5 acre walled garden is one of the biggest in Scotland and feature a unique 12 metre drop from north to south.

Lunch will be included at Dumfries House- menu is Afternoon Tea (sandwiches, scones, teat, etc)

Next we will visit, Luckie Harg’s, a rock and spring herbaceous garden of around an acre, with a wide range of alpines, Himalayan and New Zealand plants, shrubs and small trees. New boulder, scree and stumpery beds, a pond and a woodland area are being develop. Small productive vegetable and fruit garden, plus a bluebell bank in May.

Return back to your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Overnight in Edinburgh. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Malmaison Edinburgh City Hotel or similar 

After checking out of your Edinburgh hotel, we travel to Drummond Castle Gardens, one of Europe’s and Scotland’s most important and impressive formal gardens, dating back to the 17th century. The formal gardens were redesigned and terraced in the 19th century. The formal gardens that you see today were replanted in the 1950s but preserve many of the original features, the ancient yew hedges and the remaining beech tree planted by Queen Victoria, commemorating her visit in 1842.

Free time for lunch at leisure in Perth.

Next Stop is Branklyn Garden, a 2 acre hillside garden which started in 1922 by seed collected by plant hunters. Enjoy the apline flowers, dog’s tooth violet and Himalayan poppies to name a few of the scented delights you will encounter on this visit.

Transfer to the hotel in Aberdeen and check in. 

Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel with the group.

Overnight in Aberdeen. (B, D)

Accommodation: Copthorne Aberdeen Hotel or similar

After a leisurely breakfast, we visit Crathes Castle. Wander through the historic walled garden and admire the iconic yew hedges, planted as early as 1702, and spot a rich variety of wildlife along the six waymarked trails, including roe deer, red squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards and herons.

Next, we stop at Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle. During this visit we will have a tour with Grace, who established Aberdeenshire Cattle in March 2012 when she had the vision to farm one of Scotland’s most iconic native breeds of cattle, the Highlander. With sole purpose was to acquire purebred pedigree Highland Cattle for breeding and the production of Highland Beef to sell customers locally, across Scotland and eventually UK and worldwide. Meet the the cattle and learn about the farming way of life.

Lunch is included as a Highland beefburger with salad.

Last stop of the day is Pitmedden Garden. With almost 6 miles of clipped box hedging, colourful parterres, over 200 fruit trees, and the sweet scents of honeysuckle and jasmine, Pitmedden really is a delight for the senses. The heart of the property is the formal walled parterre garden, There are also extensive herbaceous borders with abundance of colour and scent. Fountains, topiary, sundials and a fascinating herb garden add to the sense of discovery.

Return to Aberdeen and dinner will be a your own leisure.

Overnight in Aberdeen. (B, L)

Accommodation: Copthorne Aberdeen Hotel or similar

This morning after checking out of the hotel, we meet the Aberdeenshire Sheepdogs and watch a demonstration of them at work, gaining firsthand what its like to work with these highly intelligent dogs, showing off their party tricks!

Continuing on our journey towards Inverness, we stop at Gordon Castle & Walled Garden, a hidden gem situated between the River Spey and the Moray Coast, the Walled Garden is one of the oldest and largest kitchen gardens in Britain at almost 8 acres in size. An oasis of peace and tranquility, the garden is also a hive of activity. Constantly tended by a team of dedicated gardeners, a myriad of herbs, cut flowers, fruit and vegetables are grown within its ancient walls making the garden as beautiful as it is productive.

A lunch is included at Gordon Castle & Walled Garden.

The last visit of the day is Glenkyllachy. In a magnificent Highland glen, 1200 feet above sea level. Glenkyllachy is a beautiful garden of shrubs, herbaceous plants, rhododendrons, trees, and spectacular views down the Findhorn River. There are some race specimens and a recently planted arboretum. During this visit, we will have the chance to talk with the owner.

Transfer to the Inverness for check in and dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Inverness. (B, L)

Accommodation: Glen-Mhor Hotel & Apartments or similar

Our day starts with Inverewe Garden. Rare species thrive in this heritage garden as the effects of the Gulf Stream meet the Highlands. Discover the story of a father and daughter who created a lochside garden amid a barren wilderness on the Atlantic coast in the North West Highlands. Wonder at the calendar of colour and scents, cultivated with care, and spot Scotland’s Big 5 in wildlife: red squirrel, red deer, otter, seal and golden eagle.

Free time for lunch in the cafe.

Next up is Dundonnel House. Camellias, magnolias and bulbs in spring, rhododendrons and laburnum walk in this ancient walled garden. Exciting planting gives all year round interest, centered around one of the oldest yew trees in Scotland. A water sculpture, unique Victorian glass house, riverside walk, arboretum – all in the valley below the peaks of An Teallach. During this visit, we will have a talk with the head gardener.

Return back to Inverness and dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Inverness. (B)

Accommodation: Glen-Mhor Hotel & Apartments or similar

This morning, we go see the Falls of Shin, known for being one of the best places in the UK to spot salmon in their natural habitat. A popular waterfall and great location to see the salmon leaping up the falls.

Our journey continues to Dunrobin Castle, the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. Explore the castle, resembling a French chateau, wander the garden and watch the falconry display.

Free time for lunch in the cafe.

We finish the day off with a tour and tasting at Uile-bheist Brewery and Distillery. Scotland’s first and only ‘Brewstillery’ embraces the spirit of innovation and sustainability, and are proud to be one of the lowest carbon distilleries in the country. Served by their own energy centre, harnessing the power of the River Ness to fuel the machinery, while using its fresh water in the whisky and beer. During this visit, we will have a guided tour of the brewery and distillery, and learn about the folklore and mythology behind the drinks.

Return back to Inverness and the rest of the evening is at your own leisure.

Overnight in Inverness. (B)

Accommodation: Glen-Mhor Hotel & Apartments or similar

Today we leave Inverness and continue south to Oban.

Our first stop is Abriachan Nurseries, a beautiful woodland gardens by Loch Ness, with their fantastic mix of native and exotic plantings. Walk the winding woodland paths edged by mossy stone walls leading up the hillside to stunning views over the loch.

Next, we cruise along the Loch Ness then delve deeper into ancient Scottish myths, legends and scientific research at the Loch Ness Centre.

Free time for lunch.

We continue our journey along the banks of Loch Ness, past Ben Nevis and through Fort William until we reach the fishing village of Oban.

After you check in to the Oban hotel, join the group for dinner.

Overnight in Oban. (B, D)

Accommodation: Columba Hotel Oban or similar

This morning, we head over to the ferry terminal to ferry across to the Isle of Mull as foot passengers. On arrival, board the local coach for a full day.

Our first visit of the day is Lip na Cloiche Gardens, a small, densely-planted garden on the Isle of Mull, and has stunning views of Loch Tuath and the Isle of Ulva. It is well worth seeing, especially if you are interested in finding out which plants are likely to thrive in the mild local climate. During this visit, we will have a talk with the owner or head gardener.

In the afternoon, you will have free time for lunch and for exploring the colourful fishing of Tobermory, known for its brightly painted buildings.

Return ferry crossing to Oban and dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Oban. (B, D)

Accommodation: Columba Hotel Oban or similar

Our morning begins with the garden at An Cala, established in 1930 by Colonel Arthur Murray who had inherited a cottage outside the village of Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil in Argyll. After the paths, beds, steps and terraces were in place, the Murrays planted a range of azaleas, rhododendrons, Japanese ornamental cherry tress and their great love, roses. During this visit, we will have the chance to talk to the owner or head gardener.

Next, we visit Crarae Gardens, a tranquil woodland garden with Himalayan plants and tumbling waterfalls. Try some ‘forest bathing’ as you immerse yourself in this woodland wonderland. The sparkling waters of the Crarae Burn form the centrepiece for a woody paradise of rocky gorges, wooden bridges and thickets of maple, birch and evergreens, blending with sprays of flowers.

We continue to Edinburgh then check in the hotel.

This evening, we’ll share stories and memories of our tour over a farewell dinner at a Edinburgh pub/restaurant. (B, D)

Accommodation: Malmaison Edinburgh City Hotel or similar 

After breakfast we will transfer to Edinburgh  airport for your return flight home. (B)