I stumbled upon the gardens of Castle Kennedy in Scotland completely by chance. A roadside sign pointed toward the castle and its gardens. When I arrived, I was in for a lovely surprise: the original Castle Kennedy may be in ruins, but the beautifully maintained gardens are open to visitors, and absolutely worth it.
Even though I’ve lived in both Glasgow and Aberdeen, I had never explored this part of Scotland before. It was only recently that I got the chance to discover this beautiful region. Castle Kennedy is located in Ayrshire, in the southwest of Scotland. Fun fact: Ayr is pronounced “air” in English, or “ire” in Scottish, something to keep in mind, especially when you’re on the train and need to pay attention to the stop where you’re supposed to get off!
The estate is home to the gardens, the ruined Castle Kennedy, and Lochinch Castle, which is still privately lived in. When I visited in May, it was pure rhododendron heaven, blooms everywhere in every shade imaginable!
Entrance to the Gardens of Castle Kennedy
Just beyond the gate, a wide avenue lined with trees and rhododendrons stretches out ahead. On the other side of the loch, you can spot Lochinch Castle in the distance, its towers rising above the trees like something out of a fairytale. Access to the gardens is through a little gatehouse, with a small visitor centre and ticket office.
Instead of heading straight to the Castle Kennedy gardens, I took a little detour into the woodland trail just to the left of the entrance. What caught my eye were the bluebells, those delicate, bell-shaped flowers that blanket the shaded forest floor in spring. It was a magical, peaceful moment, with the soft purple-blue hues glowing in the dappled light.
Following that path, I stumbled upon some hidden ruins, partially reclaimed by nature. Moss-covered stones and crumbling walls peeked through the undergrowth, sparking my curiosity. I couldn’t help but wonder what this place once was, perhaps an old garden structure, a forgotten outbuilding, or even part of a long-lost pathway. There’s something so intriguing about these quiet, mysterious corners that history seems to have left behind.
Castle Kennedy
Castle Kennedy is a ruined castle dating back to the early 17th century. For anyone hoping to do a bit of urbex, note that entry isn’t allowed, as the site is protected by barriers. Built in 1607 by the Kennedy clan, the castle was later passed on to the Dalrymples of Stair around 1677. Sadly, a devastating fire destroyed much of the structure in 1716. Instead of rebuilding, the Dalrymples chose to construct Lochinch Castle in 1864 as a new family residence. Today, only the striking ruins remain, giving the place a dramatic, almost romantic atmosphere.
Lochinch Castle
Lochinch Castle dates back to the mid-19th century and was built in the Scottish Baronial style. If that term doesn’t ring a bell, think of it as a kind of romantic, castle-like architecture, often asymmetrical, with towers, turrets, and battlements that give it a grand, fairy-tale look.
You’ll spot Lochinch Castle from a distance just after entering the estate. While the castle is still a private residence and not open to visitors, it sits just above the gardens, so you can walk fairly close and admire it from the outside. It’s a stunning backdrop to an already beautiful setting.
Castle Kennedy Gardens
The beautiful gardens of Castle Kennedy stretch across more than 30 hectares. They were first laid out in the 1730s, featuring grand avenues and elegant terraces that still shape the landscape today.
Below is the Chilean Fire Tree (Embothrium), with its striking scarlet-red flowers that are impossible to miss, even among the showy rhododendrons!
Circuits:
Visitors are free to wander at their own pace or follow one of the marked walking routes. These trails are signposted throughout the gardens, and estimated walking times are provided as a guide. Of course, if the rain’s pouring down, chances are your visit might be a bit shorter than planned!
Violet: short walk – about 45 minutes
Blue: leisurely stroll – around 1 hour 30 minutes
Red: approximately 1 hour
Green: full garden tour – allow about 2 hours 30 minutes
Originally, Castle Kennedy stood on an island. Today, the gardens are bordered by Black Loch and White Loch. The word loch refers to Scottish lakes, pronounced “lok” in English, but more like “lorre” in Scottish.
Spring is the best time to visit Castle Kennedy Gardens if you’re hoping to catch the rhododendrons in full bloom. The central pond is surrounded by vibrant azaleas and rhododendrons, creating a burst of colour. You’ll also notice water lilies floating on the surface, some of which date back to the Victorian era (1837–1901).
Practical Information
Tickets
Adult: £6
Concession: £4.50
Opening Dates
From 31 March to 3 November
Opening Hours
10am to 5pm
For more details, visit the official website
