The 10 Best Gardens in Argyll and Bute, Scotland

In a magnificent mountainside setting on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll lies Benmore, an enchanting Garden steeped in history and surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Inveraray Castle is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll and their young family. Ancestral home of Clan Campbell. Iconic visitor attraction on the West coast of Scotland.

Eight champion trees and magnicient rhododendrons are the undisputed kings of this historic plant collection on the shores of Loch Fyne near Cairndow. Come and see the "mightiest conifer in Europe". Something interesting in all seasons Children will love to explore The Gruffalo Trail - follow the Mouse and find the Gruffalo

Arduaine is a wonderfully moist and mossy coastal garden, influenced beneficially by the North Atlantic Drift and enjoyed by enthusiasts from all over the world. Twenty acres of outstanding woodland plants include not only a major rhododendron species collection with a leaning towards the more tender, but also all the usual spring-flowering favourites such as camellia, pieris, azalea and magnolia. Other trees and shrubs take the flowering season on into the autumn along with an inspiring miscellany of bulbs, perennials, climbers, water plants and ferns, many rare and unusual, many down to earth and familiar, all interesting and beautiful in their diverse ways. A spectacular coastal and island panorama can be enjoyed from the easily accessible cliff top viewpoint. Visitors are welcome every day and will find something of interest throughout the year, come rain or shine.

A well stocked garden with many architectural features, including a sunken Victorian Fernery (1875) and large stable's ruin all located in the grounds of a baronial style house from 1844. A plant hunter trail, many water features and Britain's oldest exotic fern (more than 1000 years) add interest to this distinctly old fashioned and rather magical experience. Open from 10am to 5pm 1st April to 30th October.

Nursery Plant Garden Centre, with Gardens- amazing selection of plants for sale, within an rare Octagonal Walled Garden. Bluebell Woodland Walk, Spring garden, Veg and Fruit gardens, and a small formal garden. Many rare and unsusual plants growing.