Benmore Botanic Garden in Argyll
Arguably One of The Most Impressive Entrances of Any Botanic Garden
Sep 1, 2009
Visitors are greeted by a breathtaking avenue of Giant Redwoods. These trees were established in 1863 and have now grown to more than 50 metres in height. However, they are just a foretaste of the scenic and horticultural delights to come.
Benmore Botanic Garden Covers an Area of 120 Acres
Benmore which covers an area of 120 acres is home to a world famous collection of flowering trees and shrubs. These include
- More than 300 species of rhododendron
- Examples of more than one third of the world's hardy conifer species
- Collections of plants from North and South America
- Species from the Orient and Himalayas
Keen horticulturalists will find the garden fascinating but it is also an ideal destination for anyone who simply enjoys walking through beautiful scenery.
Located in the mountainside setting of the Eachaig Valley Benmore is surrounded by dramatic and stunning vistas. It offers a range of walking trails which lead to many of its most beautiful features including the pond area and the Formal Garden where visitors will find its renowned 'Puck's Hut'.
Benmore's Scenic Highlight is its Famous Mountain View
However, the piece de resistance must be the walk which leads through the garden's hillside woodlands to a viewpoint which is 450 feet above sea level. This affords dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby Holy Loch.
Benmore is open daily from March 1 to October 31 and is a wonderful place to visit at any stage in this eight month period. In early Spring visitors can enjoy the rhododendrons and azaleas. A late Summer highlight is the Eucryphias and Autumn brings a spectacular display of fruit and foliage.
Guided tours are available on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 2.00pm but visitors who prefer to take things at their own pace can use the self led audio tour facility.
The garden's Courtyard Gallery is the venue for a diverse range of exhibitions throughout the year and the Benmore Cafe offers tea, coffee, soft drinks and food including delicious home baking.
The shop has a wide selection of books, gifts and plants. Many of these species can be seen growing in the garden.
Benmore Botanic Garden Opening Hours
Benmore opens every day at 10.00am between March 1 and October 31. The gates close at 5.00pm in March and October but remain open until 6.00pm during the period April 1 to September 31. The cafe and shop are open all year but between November 1 and February 28 do not trade on Monday and Tuesday. Business hours on other days are 10.00am to 4.00pm.
The garden is seven miles north of Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula. Caledonian MacBrayne and Western Ferries both provide sailings from Gourock in Strathclyde to Dunoon with a crossing time of approximately 20 minutes.
Benmore Botanic Garden Can be Accessed by Public Transport
Tickets to travel to Benmore by public transport can be purchased from any First Scotrail station in Strathclyde. These include return rail to Gourock, the crossing to Dunoon, bus travel to the garden and admission. West Coast Motors also offer an inclusive ticket and operate bus services to Benmore every day.
Like Logan Botanic Garden on the Mull of Galloway Benmore is part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh along with Dawyck in the Scottish Borders.
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