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Castle Kennedy & Gardens
Stair Estates, Rephad, Stranraer, Wigtowshire. DG9 8BX
 Opening Times / Dates:
Additional Facilities:
- Tearoom with home baking and light lunches
- Gift shop and Plant Centre
- Free car and coach parking
- Wheelchair access to the Gardens
- All dogs on leads welcome
- Guided walks by appointment
- Facilities for children and babies
- Designated picnic area
Castle Kennedy & Gardens is one of Scotland's finest gardens ...
The
inspiration of the 2nd Earl of Stair in the 1730's, the gardens are a magical
landscape created on an isthmus between two large lochs. They extend to 75
acres of carefully landscaped terraces and avenues and contain the romantic
ruined 16th century Castle Kennedy at one end and the 19th century Lochinch
Castle at the other.
There is always something new to experience in the garden's unique
landscapes and settings. The warming influence of the Gulf Stream allows a
remarkable collection of plants from the world's warmer climes to flourish
outdoors.
Thousands of flowers are on view throughout the year including the
colourful displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and embothriums early in the
year and the stunning herbaceous borders in the Walled Garden later in the
summer. There is also a two acre lily pond, a pinetum and a 100 year old
Monkey Puzzle Avenue to enjoy. New for visitors is a Snowdrop Trail open at
weekends in February and March, offering visitors the opportunity to walk or
drive along 2 miles of snowdrop banks by the loch shore.
Perfect for exploring, four carefully designed walks of different lengths
and interests have been designed for visitors. These reveal the full garden
experience throughout the seasons as well as the permanently enchanting
woodland and loch side views.
For a quick coffee, a light lunch or a delicious cream tea, eating in the
tearoom is a delightful experience. Charmingly situated, it offers
unparalleled views of Castle Kennedy throughout the year. Choose from an
ever changing selection of soups, jacket potatoes, toasted sandwiches, cakes
and drinks. Using locally sourced fresh ingredients in traditional recipes
from Lochinch Castle, delicious home made food is available for all the
family.
 The gardens offer a number of seasonal activities for children, including
quizzes and family trails. In additional there are baby changing facilities
and high-chairs available both at the tea room and new picnic area.
The Gift Shop sells original gifts, accessories, crafts, books and
souvenirs including a detailed souvenir guidebook and postcards of the
garden.
Near the entrance to the grounds is a Plant Centre with a wide selection of
rhododendrons and other plants available to purchase many of which are home
grown.
We welcome all groups to the garden and do all we can to make your visit as
easy and enjoyable as possible. If you would like to find out more about
group bookings and discounts, please call 01776 702024.
Castle Kennedy & Gardens is for everyone, so we strive to be accessible.
There is a wheelchair friendly route limited only by the grassy banks as
well as a wheelchair available at the main entrance and reserved parking
spaces in the car park.
Castle Kennedy & Gardens
Summer Competitions & Events
Chapterhouse Open Air Theatre Production of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
Friday the 15th of August 2008
7.30pm, Grounds Open at 6.45pm for picnics
 Don't miss this acclaimed production of one of the best loved stories in literature, which is full of action, drama and romance for the whole family to enjoy. - Tickets: Adults £12.00, Students and children £8.00, Families (2 adults & 2 children) £35.00. Available from Stranraer Tourist Office (01776 702595) or Castle Kennedy Gardens (01776 702024).
- There will be light refreshments available, free parking, toilets and baby changing facilities.
- Please come suitably dressed for the weather and bring insect repellent.
The Summer Art & Photography Competition 2008
 This year's theme is "Pick a Tree". Participants are invited to paint, draw or photograph any one of the thousands of magnificent trees found in the Gardens, including the six Champion Trees which are the largest of their type in the UK.
- Entrants can draw, sketch, paint or photograph their chosen tree in whichever medium they choose. Judging will take into consideration the composition chosen and the skill of the artist.
- The competition will run until the 24th of October and the competition will be split into four age categories: Age 4 -7 / Age 8-11 / Age 12-18 / Age 18+ (Adult)
- Entrants to the competition must complete an entry form which is available from the Gardens.
- All entrants will receive a 50% discount for one adult and one child to create their artwork. Thereafter, entrants can enter the Gardens for free to complete their work.
- Sponsors in 2008 are: JM Trains, Moodies, Daisy Chain at Reids, McKenzies, Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press and Stena Line.
If you would like any further information regarding the Summer Art & Photography Competition, please contact info@castlekennedygardens.co.uk or visit the Gardens website www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk.
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