Name: Benmore Botanic Garden
Rating: 5.0

Benmore Botanic Garden

Benmore Botanic Garden, Uig, Benmore, Dunoon, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Benmore Botanic Garden is a world-class mountainside garden near Dunoon that offers a dramatic escape for young explorers. As one of the best things to do with kids in Argyll, this 120-acre site is famous for its towering trees and exotic plant collections from the Himalayas to South America. Families can wander through atmospheric forests and discover unique structures like the Victorian Fernery, making it a perfect spot for a scenic and educational day out.

A visit to this "inspirational" garden is excellent value for families on a budget, as children under 15 can enter for free. For adults, the standard entry for the 2026 season is approximately £10.80 to £12.00, with concession rates available for seniors and students. While the garden is set on a slope, there is a dedicated Easy Access Route for pushchairs and those with mobility needs, ensuring the lower levels remain accessible to all.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fresh air with Hollywood-scale natural wonders, Benmore is a top choice. The garden features several themed trails, including the iconic Redwood Avenue where kids can feel tiny standing beneath 150-year-old giants. It is an essential destination for anyone visiting the Cowal Peninsula who wants to see Scotland’s most majestic conifers up close.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Features

Redwood Avenue: A world-famous entrance featuring 50 massive Giant Redwoods planted in 1863.
Victorian Fernery: A unique, restored hillside structure housing a rare collection of exotic and native ferns.
Plant Explorers Worksheets: Interactive downloadable resources designed to help children learn about the garden's global collections.
Benmore Explorer: A people carrier that provides guided tours to higher levels on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Courtyard Gallery: An indoor space featuring rotating exhibitions of art, photography, and nature-inspired crafts.
The Chilean Viewpoint: A themed pavilion offering spectacular views across the Holy Loch and nearby mountains.

Top 5 Highlights

The Big Tree Trail: Kids can walk among (and even under) colossal Douglas firs and cypresses. Keep an eye out for red squirrels and roe deer along the way.
Redwood Avenue: Standing at the base of these 150-year-old giants is a "must-do" experience. It’s one of the best spots for family photos in the garden.
The Victorian Fernery: Explore this "sunken" style building where exotic ferns grow in a deliciously atmospheric and damp environment.
Golden Gates: Look out for these ornate gates that originally stood at the entrance to the garden and now serve as a historic landmark within the grounds.
Puck’s Glen (Adjacent): While technically a separate trail, the "Black Gates" lead toward this world-famous gorge filled with waterfalls and bridges—perfect for a fantasy-style adventure.

Detailed Inventory

Giant Redwood Avenue: 50 towering Sierra Redwoods lining the main entrance path.
Victorian Fernery: A large, historic glass-roofed structure built into the hillside.
The Benmore Explorer: A 5-seater people carrier for mobility-assisted garden tours.
Redwood Coffee: An on-site café serving locally roasted coffee, snacks, and home baking.
Pond and Formal Garden: Traditional landscaped areas located near the visitor centre.
Bhutanese and Chilean Pavilions: Themed rest stops that celebrate the garden's international plant hunting history.
Easy Access Route: A safety-surfaced path designed for wheelchair and pushchair users.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets are available at the Visitor Centre and near the Formal Garden.
Food: The Redwood Coffee shop serves light bites, cakes, and refreshments on the ground level.
Shop: A small gift shop at the entrance sells plants, books, and local souvenirs.
Accessibility: Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow, and the lower level features an easy-access route.

What to see

What Visitors Love

The "stunning" and "majestic" feel of the giant trees, which captivates both adults and kids.
The educational value, with many noting it is "far more than just a garden".
The fact that children go free, making it one of the most affordable high-quality days out in the region.
The variety of paths, ranging from easy strolls to harder hikes.

What Visitors Don't Like

The midges can be out in force during the summer months, so bug spray is an absolute necessity.
Some of the higher viewpoints require a significant climb, which may be too much for very small children to walk.
The Fernery has specific opening hours (opening at 11 am and closing early), so plan your route accordingly.

Targeted FAQ

Are dogs allowed in Benmore Botanic Garden?: Yes, dogs are welcome in the garden but they must be kept on a short lead at all times to protect the rare plant collections and local wildlife.
How long should we spend at Benmore?: Most families spend between 2 and 4 hours. This allows time for a good walk through the Redwood Avenue, a visit to the Fernery, and a stop at the café or play area.
Is there a playground for kids?: While the garden doesn't have a traditional "swing and slide" playground, it offers vast open spaces, forest trails, and interactive "Plant Explorer" activities that act as a natural playground.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Gift Aid price

Adult: £12.00
Concession: £10
Child (15 and under): Free
Young Scot card holders: £1.00
Universal Credit/Pension Credit: £1.00

Without donation

Adult: £10.80
Concession: £9.00
Child (15 & under) Free

Pricing URL: https://www.rbge.org.uk/visit/benmore-botanic-garden/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open daily from 1 March - 31 October, 10am - 5pm.

Address: Benmore Botanic Garden, Uig, Benmore, Dunoon, UK

Post Code: PA23 8QU

Council: Argyll

County: Argyll and Bute

By Car: Use postcode PA23 8QU. Follow the A815 north from Dunoon (approx. 7 miles). Free on-site parking is available.
By Bus: Take the 489 service (West Coast Motors) from Dunoon Ferry Terminal directly to the garden gates.
By Ferry: Take the ferry from Gourock to Dunoon (approx. 20 minutes) and then continue by bus or car.