Dawyck Botanic Gardens
Renowned for its seasonal displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and bluebells, visitors can wander around the beautiful 65-acre garden at Dawyck Botanic Gardens throughout most of the year. Take the Border Buses servicex62 from Edinburgh to Peebles and then the Borders Buses service 91 from Peebles to Biggar requesting to stop outside the garden.
Attadale Gardens
The award-winning Attadale Gardens may require a 2-hour train journey, but with a railway stop just on its doorstep, visitors will find this trip adds to the magical experience of visiting this special place. With an average of four services a day, you can take the ScotRail Kyle of Lochalsh train from Inverness to Attadale and enjoy a truly wonderful day out.
Inverness Botanic Gardens
Affordable and accessible by public transport, Inverness Botanic Garden welcomes visitors Monday-Sunday for free, or by donation where possible. Visitors will feel as though they’ve been transported to somewhere far beyond Scotland with the Tropical and Cactus Houses. If you’re looking to get your steps in, then you can enjoy a 30-minute walk from Inverness City Centre or pop on your bike for a 12-minute ride. There are also a number of buses that can be taken from the City Centre/Inverness Rail Station including the 919 to Fort William or the 2 to Leachkin followed by short walks to the garden entrance.
Blair Castle & Gardens
From the stunning castle, which will transport you back in time, to the awe-inspiring walled garden, visitors will not be disappointed when venturing to the mighty Blair Castle & Gardens. Rain or shine, this enchanting castle and garden plays a great host for all kinds of days out. Take the ScotRail train to Blair Atholl where it’s a short 5-minute stroll to the gates of Blair Castle.
Abbotsford home of Sir Walter Scott
Escape to the Scottish Borders for a fantastic day at Abbotsford -the home of Sit Walter Scott. Take the train operated by ScotRail from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank, which is roughly a mile from Abbotsford. After the 1-hour train journey you can either walk along on foot or take the Abbotsford minibus service, which runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but always check the service is running as it is delivered by volunteers.
Mount Stuart, Bute
Those looking for a full day out can make the most of the journey from Wemyss Bay to Bute for a visit to Mount Stuart. Board the CalMac Rothesay Ferry to Bute and once on the island you can take the 490/90 bus service with West Coast Motors from Guildford Square to Mount Stuart. The bus drops off and picks up directly at Mount Stuart House from 29th March until 23rd October, thereafter the bus will stop and pick-up from Kerrycroy which is a 19-minute walk to Mount Stuart House. Be sure to check opening days prior to travel.
Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park Isle of Arran
If it’s an island garden you’re looking to explore, then why not head to Arran. Take the train to Ardrossan South Beach with ScotRail, then a short walk to Ardrossan Harbour where you can board the CalMac Ferry to Brodick. Once on shore, you can board the 324 Blackwaterfoot bus operated by Stagecoach West of Scotland for a short 10-minute journey to Brodick Castle Entrance.
