Castle Kennedy Gardens is one of the garden highlights of Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland with beautiful landscaped gardens, the ruins of a castle and the grounds of a newer castle on the edge of lakes. Castle Kennedy (the castle) dates from the 1607 and was a mansion house built on the site of a 14th century castle. It is located between the white loch and the black loch. The newer castle, known as "castle of the inch" (Lochinch) was built in the 1860s. The gardens are inspired by Versailles.
Castle Kennedy burnt down in the early 1700s, and the ruins were used as a focal point for the new formal gardens that were created in the 1730s. No photographs of Castle Kennedy before the fire exist today. In the 1860s, Lochinch Castle was built as a Scottish-style castle. The family still own the estate, but the gardens are open to the public. The location of the gardens from the sea means that the temperature is mild all year, so rhododendrons and other plants that normally do not like the Scottish weather thrive here.
During my visit in late July, the Tin Van Pizza was selling fresh pizzas. I enjoyed a pizza, and it was very delicious. Afterwards, I had a slice of blueberry cake from the little cafe and tea room on site. I actually had to take this one away with me because the pizza was so filling.
One of the best parts of the garden to explore in July and August is the walled garden, which is located next to the ruins of Castle Kennedy. The castle ruins cannot be entered.
On the other side of the gardens, with views spanning down a hill toward the lake, are avenues of mature trees of different varieties.
The gardens are landscaped with various focal points in different directions.
In the valley is a round pond filled with lilies.
The grounds expand off toward the direction of Lochinch Castle, and Monkeypuzzle Avenue is one of the highlights of the garden with mature monkypuzzle trees on both sides. I'm personally not fond of these types of trees (or pine trees generally), but they are unique.
At the end of the tree avenue are stretching views of Lochinch Castle, built in the mid-1800s and currently lived in by the estate owner. This castle is not open for visits, but visitors can walk closer to the castle and in some of the grounds, but the majority of the grounds is off limits to visitors.
From the viewpoint is also lovely views of the lake, and a little further along reveals the other lake. Belted Galloway cattle graze in the distance.
I had a wander around the castle grounds in the area permitted.
After seeing Lochinch Castle, I walked back along the top of the landscaped gardens, which are really beautiful with lake views. The sun was attempting to shine, and I can imagine the gardens looking more spectacular in the sunshine.
There are so many vantage points and areas of interest.
The little bridge crosses a small vallley with rhododendrons underneath it and views over the round pond.
An expansive view of landscaped garden brings the focal point back to the castle ruins. A swing is located here to sit on. Unfortunately, there were a few wasps hanging out at the swing, so I did not stay around there for long.
After the afternoon at Castle Kennedy Gardens, I went along the coast to have a meal in the pub, Cock Inn, which has tasty and filling pies. The beach was filled with shells, sea glass, and polished rocks, and I enjoyed having a quick look around where a family was looking for miniature shells called cowry.
Castle Kennedy Gardens looks like it is worth exploring in the spring when the daffodils and rhododenrons are in bloom too, and I've read that the walled garden also looked wonderful in September.
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