Why Argyll’s glorious gardens are well worth a visit in winter

Written by Lara Ehmler | November 2025

Argyll and the Isles is home to over 20 glorious gardens, many set amidst spectacular coastal landscapes or majestic mountain scenery. There’s a huge variety of gardens, from the woodland to the walled varieties. During the spring and summer, the gardens are, unsurprisingly, a riot of colour as the plants are in full bloom.

But the winter months have much to offer too and many of the gardens stay open all year round. Here are five Argyll gardens that you should visit this winter.

1. Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens

Sitting on the shore at the head of Loch Fyne, Ardkinglas Woodland Garden is a brilliant place for a winter walk and is open all year round. Set against a spectacular background of mountains and forest, it’s famous for the mature champion trees (including the "mightiest conifer in Europe"). A woodland lochan, an ancient mill, a scriptorium and a thriving population of red squirrels add to the attraction of the garden. There’s also the Gruffalo Trail and Fairy Trail to keep children entertained. Just along the road you’ll find The Treeshop, which has a wonderful café serving coffee, cake and lunches.

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2. Crarae Garden

near Inveraray

A beautiful woodland garden with Himalayan plants and tumbling waterfalls. Wander among thickets of maple, birch and evergreens, listen to the sounds of the forest and enjoy the sparkling waters of the Crarae Burn. In the winter months look out for the winter flowering shrubs. You might even spot natural icy sculptures in and around the Crarae burn and there are usually some early rhododendrons in flower too.

Just 10 miles south of Inveraray, this is the perfect place to bring the whole family for a walk. So, when you’ve finished your winter Himalayan adventure, head to Inveraray and refuel in one of the town’s lovely cafés.

During the winter months, the garden remains open from 10am to 4pm and operates with an honesty box.

3. Achamore Garden

Isle of Gigha

Hop on the ferry to the beautiful island of Gigha to visit Achamore Gardens. Created by Colonel Sir James Horlick in 1944, the 54-acre garden is open all year round and makes for a lovely winter walk. As well as rare plants, the gardens are home to several champion trees.

Follow the woodland walks to see a wonderful array of trees and shrubs. Walk to the garden viewpoint for views over to the islands of Islay and Jura. For post-walk refreshments, pop along to the welcoming Gigha Hotel.

Achamore is open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year.
Tickets: £7.50/ £5.00 for children under 16 /£20.00 for a family of four.

4. Ardmaddy Castle Gardens

near Oban

Ardmaddy Castle gardens are a truly special place to visit during the winter months. Sheltered by mature woodlands to the North and protected from the Atlantic winds by the elevated Castle, these gardens make the perfect backdrop for a winter stroll. From the Walled Garden is full of magnificent rhododendrons, to the 'Clock Garden' with its cutting flowers, fruit and vegetables and a woodland walk, with its amazing hydrangea climbing to 60 feet, there is plenty to discover!

Afterwards, why not head 2 miles further down the road, crossing 'the bridge over the Atlantic, for a meal at Tigh an Truish Pub on the Isle of Seil?

5. Kinlochlaich Walled Garden and Woodland Walk

near Oban

The gardens are set in and around Kinlochlaich Walled Garden, having been laid out about 1790 by John Campbell of Lochend. The fine octagonal walled garden incorporates formal and informal plantings, Spring garden, Bluebell Woodland walk and vegetable and fruit gardens.

It is also home to the well-known Garden Plant Centre, which commenced in 1976 and has developed over the years to offer one of the largest range of plants in Scotland for sale. We trial many plants and visitors can see plants habits, colour and growth in maturity.

On-site self-catering accommodations available.