Scotland: The Best Rhododendron Gardens in the World? 5190

Scotland: The Best Rhododendron Gardens in the World? 5190

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4 Days From

$1325

Scotland: The Best Rhododendron Gardens in the World? 5190

4 Days Starting in Kirkcudbright, Scotland and ending in Corsock, Scotland

Visiting: Kirkcudbright, Stranraer, Mull of Galloway, Corsock

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BRHO

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Challenging

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1325

NB: Prices correct on 18-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

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 views. Discover the botanical treasures of Castle Kennedy and the outstanding private garden at Millhill, each offering a unique horticultural experience. Delight in the vibrant blooms of rhododendrons and other rare plants as you wander through these enchanting landscapes. Enjoy comfortable coach travel, professional guidance, and charming accommodations at the Fernhill Hotel in Portpatrick, with its own picturesque gardens. This tour promises a botanical adventure filled with natural beauty and serene moments, perfect for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Highlights

  • Plants from around the world in the lush surroundings of Logan Botanic Gardens

  • The tranquil pond at the heart of Glenwhan Gardens

  • The treasure trove of plants at Castle Kennedy

  • An outstanding private garden at Millhill

  • Explore the historic landscaping between two castles at Castle Kennedy

  • Discover the Victorian woodland garden at Logan House

  • Visit the gardens at Corsock House with its ornamental water garden

  • Experience Colin Crosbie’s plantsman’s garden at Dalswinton Mill

Places You'll See

Scotland: The Best Rhododendron Gardens In The World? 5190

Scotland: The Best Rhododendron Gardens In The World? 5190

Scotland: The Best Rhododendron Gardens In The World? 5190

Scotland: The Best Rhododendron Gardens In The World? 5190

Itinerary

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Day 1

Location: Kirkcudbright

Accommodation Name: Fernhill Hotel, Portpatrick

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: Stranraer

Accommodation Name: Fernhill Hotel, Portpatrick

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: Mull of Galloway

Accommodation Name: Fernhill Hotel, Portpatrick

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: Corsock

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we check out of our hotel and 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.

For our final visit we will be privileged to see Colin Crosbie’s own garden, Dalswinton Mill with Colin guiding us round. As one would expect, this is very much a plantsman’s garden, set around an 18th-century watermill with the Pennyland Burn running through it. The garden contains a wide range of perennials, trees and shrubs that favour the local climate and have been planted during the last few years, including a good collection of deciduous azaleas, a relative of the rhododendron. A variety of statuary can be found throughout the garden and Colin’s wife Pamela will provide a light lunch, the perfect way to round off our tour.

Following our visit we return to our original departure points.

What's Included

  • Services of a professional tour manager

    The tour includes the services of a professional tour manager to guide and assist throughout the journey.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided as part of the tour package.

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

    The tour includes comfortable coach travel for all transportation needs during the trip.

  • Meals - as per itinerary

    Meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

  • 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 is not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach transportation, ensuring a relaxed 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

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes accommodation at the 3-star Fernhill Hotel in Portpatrick, which features its own gardens and offers stunning views over the village, harbour, and the Irish Sea.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Meals are included as per the itinerary, although lunch on Day 2 at Glenwhan Gardens is not included.

  • What kind of transport is used during the tour?

    Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, the services of a professional tour manager are included in the tour.

  • What can I expect to see at Glenwhan Gardens?

    Glenwhan Gardens features a large, interesting garden with a central pool, grassy causeway, and a tumbling stream. The garden is lavishly planted with trees and shrubs, and is dotted with sculptures and statuary, including a fearsome boar next to a frothy azalea.

  • What is special about the Logan Botanic Gardens?

    Logan Botanic Gardens are known for their beautiful layout, particularly in the walled garden with fine terraces and well-planned borders. The climate is exceptionally mild due to the Gulf Stream, allowing for a huge range of plants, including rhododendrons.

  • What unique features does the garden at Castle Kennedy offer?

    Castle Kennedy's garden is a vast and historic landscape lying between two castles. It 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.

  • What can I expect to see at Corsock House?

    Corsock House features a large variety of acid-loving trees and shrubs, including many varieties of rhododendron. The garden includes natural glades, ornamental water gardens, pools, statues, temples, and other adornments, creating an Arcadian scene.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • 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.

  • 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 .

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
David MacLennan (Google Reviewer)  

Noted a comment on taking...

23-Aug-2023

Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.

Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

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Wednesday - Saturday

May 07, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$1325
Prices last published on 17-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    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.

  • 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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