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Branklyn Garden Perth Scotland

4.7
·857 reviews·, United Kingdom

A 2-acre horticultural gem on a hillside overlooking Perth, famed for its rare plant collections and stunning floral displays.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Spring to Early Summer

Peak bloom for blue poppies & rhododendrons

CrowdMedium
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Nts shelter

Branklyn Garden Perth Scotland

Best Time

Late Spring to Early Summer

Peak bloom for blue poppies & rhododendrons

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 2-acre horticultural gem on a hillside overlooking Perth, famed for its rare plant collections and stunning floral displays.

4.7
(857 reviews)

"This small but perfect garden is a true gem, offering a peaceful escape with breathtaking floral beauty."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Access

Access can be limited; check carpark location beforehand. :car:

☕ Scone Delight

Don't miss the excellent homemade scones in the tearoom! :scone:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Blue Poppies

Vibrant Blue Poppies

Various sections

Iconic Meconopsis blooms create a breathtaking sea of blue, a must-see for any garden enthusiast.

Rhododendron Collection

Rhododendron Collection

Throughout the garden

An extensive and colorful display of rhododendrons, showcasing a wide variety of species and hybrids.

Panoramic Perth Views

Panoramic Perth Views

Upper garden areas

Enjoy stunning vistas of Perth city and the surrounding landscape from various vantage points.

Charming Tearoom

Charming Tearoom

Near the entrance

Savor delicious homemade scones and refreshments in a delightful setting with garden views.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Peak Blooms

Branklyn Garden is renowned for its stunning floral displays, especially its rhododendrons and blue poppies. Visiting during spring and early summer offers the most vibrant colors, but the garden provides beauty year-round. Check the National Trust for Scotland website for seasonal highlights.

A Peaceful Escape Near Perth

This 2-acre gem offers a tranquil retreat with spectacular views over Perth. It's a perfect spot for a relaxed stroll, enjoying the diverse plant collections and the charming Arts and Crafts house. Allow at least an hour to fully appreciate its beauty.

Best Times

When
Late Spring to Early Summer
Why
Peak bloom for blue poppies & rhododendrons
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn
Why
Beautiful fall foliage colors
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Quieter atmosphere for peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Why are the coins in these trees in Scotland's forests a bad thing? I went to get answers from the National Trust for Scotland Rangers. In natural forest ecosystems, dead wood is an incredibly important part of the natural balance of the ecosystem. Urbanisation and modern forestry practices have resulted in a sharp decrease in the availability of deadwood habitat, causing many forest species depen...
@myveggietravels
73.5K likes • 1.3M views

🚗 Parking Access

Access can be limited; check carpark location beforehand. :car:

☕ Scone Delight

Don't miss the excellent homemade scones in the tearoom! :scone:

The enchanting hillside Branklyn Garden is a place of pilgrimage for plant lovers . This attractive garden, a peaceful haven within walking distance of Perth city centre, was developed by John and Dorothy Renton in the early 1920s after they built their Arts & Crafts-inspired house. It’s set on the side of Kinnoull Hill, overlooking Perth. . The couple were keen to have a garden that featured rare...
nationaltrustforscotland
544 likes • 9.1K views
If you like scones and plants, then we have the place for you! Branklyn Garden in Perth is worth a stop for the tearoom alone, with fresh, handmade scones served with fine china and a side of garden views. This enchanting hillside spot is just a short walk from the city centre. It's a peaceful haven that smells as divine as it looks. It was all started by John and Dorothy Renton in 1922. The c...
nationaltrustforscotland
561 likes • 6.4K views

🌸 Plant Lover's Paradise

Ideal for plant enthusiasts, especially for rhododendrons and blue poppies. :seedling:

🚶‍♀️ Gentle Slopes

The garden is on a hillside, so be prepared for gentle inclines. :athletic_shoe:

This enchanting hillside garden is a place of pilgrimage for plant lovers, a peaceful haven that's within walking distance of the city centre. Branklyn Garden in Perth began in 1922, developed by John and Dorothy Renton. The couple built their arts and crafts-inspired house on the side of Kinnoull Hill, overlooking Perth. The couple were keen to have a garden that featured rare and unusual ...
nationaltrustforscotland
451 likes • 7.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Access

Access can be limited; check carpark location beforehand. :car:

☕ Scone Delight

Don't miss the excellent homemade scones in the tearoom! :scone:

🌸 Plant Lover's Paradise

Ideal for plant enthusiasts, especially for rhododendrons and blue poppies. :seedling:

🚶‍♀️ Gentle Slopes

The garden is on a hillside, so be prepared for gentle inclines. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photo Opportunities

Plenty of scenic benches and beautiful floral displays for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(857 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Branklyn Garden for its beauty, tranquility, and the stunning floral displays, especially the blue poppies and rhododendrons. The friendly staff and the delightful tearoom, known for its excellent scones, are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. While small, it's considered a perfect gem offering a peaceful escape with lovely views over Perth.

"Very lovely garden with some amazing views over Perth. Definitely worth it. Very friendly stuff and a nice tea room as well. Definitely worth a visit."

Hanna Hüttl

"Opens around 10am to 5pm. The tea room open at 11am. 7£ admission fee. Beautiful garden with water feature. Collection of rhododendrons, maples, heather.. etc.
have a relaxed walk in the morning and listening to birds and could have a hot tea or coffee there’s tables and chairs outside the tea room as well.
Friendly and helpful staff."

A.M. Capuyan

"Small but perfect.
Branklyn Garden is so beautiful, with friendly staff at the gate and lovely volunteers in the cafe. There is an extensive collection of plants and flowers, water, and garden features. Something for everyone, and it smells wonderful too. We love it here, highly recommend."

Hayley Fowler

What People Like

Stunning floral displays
Peaceful atmosphere
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Limited parking access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Branklyn Garden is conveniently located within walking distance of Perth city centre, making it easily accessible for visitors. For those driving, it's advisable to check the specific carpark location beforehand as access can be limited. Instagram+1

Yes, there is parking available, but visitors are advised to confirm the carpark location and access details prior to arrival, as it can be somewhat limited. Reddit

As it's close to the city centre, public transport options to Perth are plentiful. From Perth, it's a pleasant walk to the garden. Instagram

Branklyn Garden typically opens around 10 am and closes at 5 pm, with the tearoom opening at 11 am. It's always a good idea to check the National Trust for Scotland website for the most up-to-date hours. Reddit

Yes, Branklyn Garden makes an excellent day trip destination. Perth is easily reachable by train or car from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the garden itself is a compact yet rewarding visit. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission fee for Branklyn Garden is approximately £7. This provides access to the beautiful grounds and their extensive plant collections. Reddit

While advance booking is not always mandatory, it's recommended during peak seasons or if you're part of a group to ensure entry. Check the National Trust for Scotland website for any specific booking requirements. Instagram

Members of the National Trust for Scotland typically receive free entry. Information on other potential discounts or concessions can usually be found on their official website. Instagram

Yes, as Branklyn Garden is managed by the National Trust for Scotland, members can usually enjoy free admission. Instagram

Tickets can typically be purchased at the garden entrance upon arrival. For the most convenient experience, especially during busy periods, checking the National Trust for Scotland website for online booking options is advisable. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The garden offers numerous picturesque spots, from the vibrant blue poppies and rhododendrons to the charming benches and the panoramic views over Perth. The water features also provide lovely photographic opportunities. Instagram+2

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged in Branklyn Garden for personal use. Capturing the stunning floral displays and scenic views is a popular activity for visitors. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden glow. This also tends to be when the garden is less crowded. Instagram

While personal photography is welcome, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permission. It's always best to check with the garden staff if you have specific photography needs. Instagram

A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a prime lens like a 50mm, is great for capturing both wide garden vistas and detailed floral shots. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of smaller blooms. Instagram

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, Branklyn Garden features a lovely tearoom that serves fresh, handmade scones, soup, cakes, and hot drinks. It's a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy refreshments with garden views. InstagramReddit

The tearoom is known for its excellent scones, often served with jam and cream. They also offer soup, cakes, tea, and coffee, making it a delightful place for a light meal or snack. InstagramReddit+1

While there are tables and chairs outside the tearoom for enjoying refreshments, specific picnic areas might not be designated. It's best to enjoy the food and drinks offered by the tearoom. Reddit

As Branklyn Garden is close to Perth city centre, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs available in the city for a wider range of dining experiences. Instagram

The tearoom's opening hours typically align with the garden's seasonal opening times. It's advisable to check the National Trust for Scotland website for current operating hours, especially outside of peak season. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Branklyn Garden offers a delightful experience for families, providing a safe and engaging environment for children to explore nature. The winding paths and diverse plant life can spark curiosity, and the garden's manageable size makes it easy to navigate with little ones. The tearoom is also a great spot for a family treat, with kid-friendly options like scones and cakes. Instagram

Encourage children to discover different flower shapes and colors, listen to the birdsong, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. While it's a place for quiet appreciation, the visual stimulation of the garden can be very captivating for younger visitors. Remember to supervise children closely to ensure they respect the delicate plants. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, Branklyn Garden is an ideal destination for a peaceful and romantic outing. The intimate scale of the garden allows for quiet contemplation and shared moments amidst stunning floral displays. Find a secluded bench to relax, read, or simply soak in the serene ambiance and the beautiful views over Perth. Instagram+1

The tearoom provides a perfect opportunity for a leisurely coffee or a delightful scone, making it a wonderful stop for a break. Whether you're seeking a moment of solitude or a charming escape with a loved one, Branklyn Garden offers a tranquil and visually rewarding experience. Instagram

🌿 Garden Enthusiasts

Branklyn Garden is a pilgrimage site for serious garden enthusiasts. Its renowned collection of rhododendrons and blue poppies, alongside rare and exotic species sourced from international plant collectors, makes it a horticultural treasure trove. The garden's design, layout, and plant diversity are a masterclass in landscape gardening. Instagram+2

Take your time to study the plant labels, appreciate the naturalistic planting style, and perhaps draw inspiration for your own garden. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers are often happy to share insights, making it an enriching experience for anyone passionate about plants. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of John and Dorothy Renton

Branklyn Garden was established in 1922 by John and Dorothy Renton, who built their Arts and Crafts-inspired home on the hillside overlooking Perth. The couple were passionate horticulturists and keen plant collectors, actively sourcing seeds from renowned international plant collectors. Their dedication transformed the 2-acre site into a unique and beautiful garden, reflecting their personal vision and love for diverse flora. Instagram+2

Their meticulous planning and planting created a garden that is celebrated for its intimate scale and impressive collection of plants. The garden's design emphasizes naturalistic planting, with winding paths leading visitors through a series of distinct areas, each offering a different sensory experience. The Rentons' legacy continues to inspire visitors, showcasing how a small space can be transformed into a horticultural masterpiece. Instagram

The garden is now managed by the National Trust for Scotland, ensuring its preservation and continued enjoyment for future generations. It remains a testament to the Rentons' passion and their significant contribution to Scottish horticulture, attracting plant lovers from far and wide. Instagram

A Horticultural Haven: Plant Collections

Branklyn Garden is a paradise for plant enthusiasts, boasting an exceptional collection of species gathered from around the globe. It is particularly famous for its stunning displays of rhododendrons and Meconopsis (blue poppies), which create a breathtaking spectacle during their blooming seasons. The garden's hillside location and varied microclimates allow for the successful cultivation of a wide array of plants, from delicate alpines to striking maples. Instagram+2

Visitors can explore sections dedicated to alpine plants, heathers, and ferns, each meticulously curated to showcase their unique beauty and characteristics. The garden's design encourages exploration, with winding paths revealing hidden corners and unexpected floral treasures. The presence of water features adds to the tranquil atmosphere and provides habitats for various plant and animal life. Reddit

The Rentons' commitment to collecting seeds from expeditions meant that Branklyn Garden became a repository for rare and exotic species. This dedication to horticultural diversity ensures that the garden offers something of interest throughout the year, with different plants coming into their own during each season. It's a living testament to the art and science of gardening. Instagram

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