Argyll and Isles gardens are blooming great
Argyl and Isles’ botanical gardens and woodland trails can help extend the season of the visitor economy into autumn, says VisitScotland.
Connecting with nature or to be outdoors is the joint most popular reason for people taking a holiday, representing more than of a third of those responding to the latest Scotland Visitor Survey (38%), commissioned by the national tourism organisation.
The insights also reveal most visitors coming to Argyll and Isles said scenery and landscape (89%) were the main reason for choosing Scotland and around a quarter of people (26%) said they went on a hill walk, mountaineering, hike or ramble while in Argyll and Isles.
Landscaped gardens and wooded trails offer a space to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquillity of plant life, with themed displays, and educational conservation programmes. These findings present an opportunity to encourage visitors to plan a trip to Argyll and Isles where they can enjoy these attractions up and down the region.
More than half of visitors said a trip to Scotland enhanced their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing (59%).
Most of the gardens are open until September or October, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the autumn colours.
For UK visitors intending on taking a trip to Scotland in autumn and winter this year, connecting with nature remains a key motivation for all Scottish destinations with most intended activities having a nature focus, according to VisitScotland’s insights.
The National Trust for Scotland’s Arduaine Garden near Oban, Crarae Garden by Inveraray and Geilston Garden near Cardross, along with Benmore Botanic Garden by Dunoon, operated by The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, combined attracted 74,665 visitors in 2023, according to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions.
Other gardens include The Ardchattan Priory, North Connel, under the care of Historic Scotland, Inveraray Castle Gardens, Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, Cairndow, Achamore Garden on Gigha and Glenarn Gardens, Rhu, near Helensburgh.
VisitScotland’s Regional Director David Adams McGlip said: “We know increasing numbers of visitors are looking for those experiences to allow them to get closer to nature. Gardens and woodland trails can be enjoyed all year round as the colours change with the season. We’re using our marketing activity and working with the local tourism industry partners to influence potential visitors at the early planning stages. Attracting visitors to Argyll and Isles’s gardens benefits the many hospitality businesses and shops near the attractions, supports local supply chains and conservation programmes, provides employment and grows the wider economy.”
Secretary of the Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute, and garden owner/ gardener, Sue Thornley said: “A walk in the garden is a therapeutic treatment to recharge our batteries and boost wellbeing. The Glorious Gardens are well worth a visit, changing every day and alive with birds and wildlife.”
Ian McLelland, the National Trust for Scotland’s Regional Director for the South & West said: “Scotland’s beautiful gardens are ideal places to connect with plants and nature and to enjoy the wellbeing benefits they bring, like the exotic plants of Arduaine and Crarae in Argyll. There’s a rich diversity of gardens for people of all ages for people to enjoy and make memories. We look forward to welcoming them.”
Dougal Philip, Discover Scottish Gardens Board of Directors said: “Visiting gardens seems to be a national pastime in Scotland, whether as a day out with family or friends in the most wonderful setting of a garden or as an exploration of different plants and gardens by very keen gardeners.
“Scottish gardens offer the perfect place to unwind your mind from the busyness of everyday life. These spaces can do wonders for our mental health and well-being, whether it’s quiet space to reflect and rest, or a playground for all ages to explore and experience the beauty within Scotland’s gardens. Many Scottish gardens and their unique plant collections are world renown, playing vital roles in the conservation and protection of some of the world’s most precious plants.”
Ends
Argyll & the Isles - Tourism Statistics & Research
Domestic consumer sentiment tracker UK Residents Holiday Sentiment Tracker
Argyll & Isles gardens are blooming great
Argyl & Isles’ botanical gardens and woodland trails can help extend the season of the visitor economy into autumn, says VisitScotland.