Benmore Botanic Garden
A 120-acre botanical paradise on Scotland's Cowal Peninsula, featuring towering redwoods, vibrant rhododendrons, and enchanting woodland walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Benmore Botanic Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 120-acre botanical paradise on Scotland's Cowal Peninsula, featuring towering redwoods, vibrant rhododendrons, and enchanting woodland walks.
"Absolutely stunning! So much variety around every corner. We had an amazing day here."
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Lots of walking, some steep paths. You'll want to explore every corner!
Allow ample time :clock1:
You could easily spend 4+ hours here to see everything.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Redwoods
Redwood Avenue
Stand in awe beneath these towering giants, some of the tallest trees in Britain.
Victorian Fernery
Fern House
Explore a lush, humid paradise filled with an impressive collection of ferns.
Mountain Views
Upper Garden Paths
Hike to higher ground for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Cowal Peninsula.
Puck's Glen
Adjacent woodland
Discover a magical woodland gorge with waterfalls and a fairytale atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Lots of walking, some steep paths. You'll want to explore every corner!
Allow ample time :clock1:
You could easily spend 4+ hours here to see everything.
Dog-friendly walks :dog:
Dogs are welcome on most outdoor paths, but not in the Fern House.
Pack a picnic :sandwich:
While there's a cafe, bringing your own food is a great option for longer visits.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Lots of walking, some steep paths. You'll want to explore every corner!
Allow ample time :clock1:
You could easily spend 4+ hours here to see everything.
Dog-friendly walks :dog:
Dogs are welcome on most outdoor paths, but not in the Fern House.
Pack a picnic :sandwich:
While there's a cafe, bringing your own food is a great option for longer visits.
Check the food van :coffee:
A food van offers breakfast and lunch at reasonable prices near the ticket office.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Benmore Botanic Garden for its stunning beauty, diverse plant collections, and magnificent trees, especially the redwoods. The garden's accessibility and the enchanting nearby Puck's Glen are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the natural beauty is universally loved, some find the cafe offerings basic.
"We visited on a weekday just before end of season in October so the gardens were very quiet. The benefit of visiting at this time is the autumnal beauty of the place and the red and yellow hues. Several clearly signed walks through the gardens are available themed by the plants growing there, for example Asia and South America. There are some truly majestic giant redwood trees and some large bromeliads growing in the open air and a Fern House. We walked around with our dogs (who can walk anywhere outside but are not allowed to enter the Fern House). A very worthwhile and enjoyable visit."
Andy Pegg
"This garden has some very impressive plants, clearly over 100 years, and the layout with different areas was special. Ferns house should be much better listed as its quite a decent and on par with Kew in my view, drinks are basic and lunches are a bit unwelling"
Jamie Barron
"Absolutely stunning! So much variety around every corner. Whether a short or long walk, easy to harder, it's all available. We had an amazing day here, so highly recommend it. Lots of people out with kids and wheelchairs and mobility scooters."
Michelle Dickson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Benmore Botanic Garden is located on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It's about 6 miles from Dunoon. You can drive and there's plenty of free parking available.
Yes, it's accessible by public transport from Dunoon. You can take a bus that stops near the gardens.
Driving is convenient and offers free parking. The journey from Dunoon takes about 15-20 minutes.
Yes, Puck's Glen, a magical woodland gorge, is very close by and worth a visit.
Absolutely! It makes for a perfect day trip, especially if you drive and take the ferry.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is around £9, with an option to add a £1 donation.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, consider checking their official website for any seasonal offers or group rates.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Benmore Botanic Garden website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check their website, especially during peak seasons or for special events.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the outdoor paths, making it a great place for a walk with your pet. However, they are not permitted inside the Fern House.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the towering Redwood Avenue, the Victorian Fernery, and the various themed garden areas representing different continents. The views from the higher paths are also spectacular.
Most visitors recommend at least 4 hours to fully explore the gardens, and some could easily spend a full day.
There are many walking trails, some of which can be steep. However, the gardens are generally accessible for people with mobility scooters and wheelchairs, and families with children.
The garden boasts a vast collection, including rhododendrons, giant redwoods, and a diverse range of temperate plants from around the world.
Visitors have spotted alpacas at the garden, which can be a delightful surprise!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe offering basic drinks and lunches. Additionally, a food van near the ticket office serves breakfast and lunch at reasonable prices.
Bringing a picnic is a great idea, especially if you plan to spend a full day exploring. There are many scenic spots to enjoy your meal.
The Holy Loch Coffee Shop is mentioned in relation to the gardens, suggesting local cafes are available in the wider Dunoon area.
The food van is noted for reasonable prices, while the cafe's lunches are described as 'a bit unwelling' by one reviewer, suggesting variety in quality and price.
The food van typically offers breakfast and lunch options, catering to visitors looking for a convenient meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The Redwood Avenue offers dramatic shots, the Fernery provides lush, atmospheric scenes, and the higher paths offer stunning landscape photography opportunities.
Yes, you might spot red squirrels in the gardens, making it a potential spot for wildlife photography.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for capturing the beauty of the gardens. Weekdays offer fewer people in your shots.
Focus on the scale of the redwoods, the intricate details of the ferns, the vibrant colors of the rhododendrons (in season), and the sweeping views of the surrounding hills.
Drone usage is typically restricted in botanical gardens and national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's best to check the garden's specific regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery, or take advantage of the food van for a convenient meal. The garden's accessibility means most family members, regardless of age or mobility, can enjoy the experience. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, which are often spotted here and can be a highlight for kids!
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
The adjacent Puck's Glen provides an additional, highly recommended woodland walk with its own unique charm and natural beauty. Combining a visit to both offers a comprehensive nature experience, showcasing both cultivated botanical wonders and wild Scottish landscapes.
📸 Photographers
+1Explore the higher paths for breathtaking landscape shots of the surrounding Argyll hills. For wildlife photographers, keep an eye out for the resident red squirrels.
Visiting on a weekday during the softer light of morning or late afternoon can help you capture stunning images with fewer people in the frame. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Plant Collections
The garden's location on a mountainside influences its planting, with species chosen to thrive in the local climate. This includes impressive collections of conifers, with the Redwood Avenue being a standout feature. These towering trees offer a sense of scale and grandeur, making you feel small in the best possible way.
Beyond the larger trees and shrubs, Benmore also excels in showcasing smaller, more delicate plants. The Victorian Fernery is a must-visit, housing a humid, tropical environment filled with a wide variety of ferns. This enclosed space offers a stark contrast to the open landscapes outside and is a testament to the garden's horticultural expertise.
The Magic of Puck's Glen
The trail through Puck's Glen is approximately an hour long and offers a magical walking experience. The path winds alongside the River Eachaig, leading you deeper into the gorge. The sound of rushing water and the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees create a serene and captivating environment.
Many visitors combine a trip to Benmore Botanic Garden with a walk through Puck's Glen, as they are conveniently located near each other. It's a perfect way to experience both the cultivated beauty of the botanic garden and the wild, natural charm of the Scottish landscape.
Accessibility and Family-Friendliness
This makes it an excellent destination for a diverse range of visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty. The presence of a food van offering breakfast and lunch adds to the convenience for families or those planning a longer stay.
With its varied landscapes, from towering trees to delicate ferns, and the nearby magical Puck's Glen, Benmore offers engaging experiences for all ages. The opportunity to see wildlife like red squirrels also adds an element of excitement for younger visitors.
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