Benmore Botanic Garden , Dunoon PA23 8QU | |
01369706261 | |
Benmore Botanic Garden Website | |
For true drama visit Benmore Botanic Garden, renowned for its fine collections of rhododendrons and conifers grown to immense stature in a mountain landscape.
Benmore's 120 acres are home to a world-famous collection of plants from regions ranging from the Himalaya, China and Japan to North and South America. Other Garden features include:
Giants of Benmore
You will be welcomed through the 150 year old Redwood Avenue, one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden. The towering giant redwoods are awe-inspiring as are many other trees at Benmore including the Douglas fir, Scots pines and Monkey puzzles.
A Riot of Rhododendrons
In the spring and early summer months, Benmore's slopes are alive with brilliant reds, shocking pinks and papery whites as its unique and world-leading rhododendron collection blooms. This spectacular display comprises over 300 species arranged by botanical grouping and geographic origin.
Spectacular Views
Energetic visitors can enjoy an ascent to a spectacular viewpoint at 137 metres (450 ft) to enjoy views of Holy Loch and the neighbouring mountains. See the traditional Bhutanese and Chilean pavilions along the way. On lower ground, accessible to all, enjoy the splendour of the Golden Gates dating back to 1878 and the serenity of the Pond.
Wildlife
A walk through Benmore can bring close encounters with red squirrels, sparrowhawks and the occasional Golden Eagle. The Wildlife Hide is the ideal spot to watch out for wildlife.
Victorian Fernery
On the hillside, a winding path leads to the Fernery. Amidst rocky cliffs, this beautiful Victorian structure provides a dazzle of light, space and lush greenery. Ferns sprout from rocks in delicate feathery fountains, creep along the ground and cascade down walls.
Why is taking time to be quiet in nature helpful for us and how can it help our relationship with the natural world?
READ MORELevengrove Park, in Dumbarton, is located on a dramatic stretch of land where the River Leven meets the estuary of the River Clyde.
READ MOREHayburn Park is set in the busy and popular west end of Glasgow’s Hyndland area.This local park is surrounded by narrow streets and lanes that are typical...
READ MOREKelvingrove Park is a public park located on the River Kelvin in the West End of Glasgow.This Sir Joseph Paxton designed park is a 34 hectares/85 acres...
READ MOREInveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and an iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland.
READ MOREBringing together 20 sq km of lochs, parks, nature reserves and woodlands between Glasgow and Coatbridge, Seven Lochs Wetland Park offers an exciting range of things to see and do!
READ MOREThis tranquil woodland, with its majestic ancient oaks and old hawthorn hedges, has been growing on this hillside on the edge of Glasgow for hundreds of years.
READ MOREBellahouston Park has many features and facilities to tempt visitors and local residents to its grounds. It boasts formal gardens and open parkland in...
READ MOREElder Park is a beautiful green space in Govan Conservation Area, located just south of the River Clyde.
READ MOREThe woodlands of Castlemilk Park run through the heart of Castlemilk and are a great place to visit; it’s a place that is rich in history and a home to many creatures.
READ MOREWoodlands Community Garden opened in 2010, occupying a site in West Prince's Street. Since then it has become an important local space where people make new friends and feel part of the community!
READ MOREGeilston Garden is a magical 200-year-old walled garden by the River Clyde with adventure playground and floral mini-maze!
READ MOREHogganfield Park Local Nature Reserve is an excellent place to see wetland birds with the main attraction being Whooper Swan in winter!
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"