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A path between azaleas and rhododendrons in flower.
Argyll and Bute

Arduaine Garden

An exotic garden on a promontory over the Sound of Jura, begun in 1898, famous for its rhododendrons and Himalayan lilies.

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Welcome

Arduaine Garden lies on a rocky promontory at the head of the Sound of Jura, south of Oban, and thanks to the warmth of the North Atlantic Drift it grows plants you would never expect this far north.

It was begun in 1898 by James Arthur Campbell, who is said to have had his first rhododendron seed sent home hidden in a chest of tea.

Today it is a world tour in twenty acres: rhododendrons and azaleas, magnolias, giant Himalayan lilies taller than a person, irises and primulas, ferns in shady corners, red hot pokers, camellias, tree ferns and ponds thick with water lilies. A level path circles the ponds, and another climbs through the woods to a coastal viewpoint looking out over the islands of the Sound of Jura. The National Trust for Scotland looks after it; the garden and kiosk open from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.

A little further outKilmartin GlenOne of Scotland's richest prehistoric landscapes, with more than 800 monuments within six miles of Kilmartin and a museum to explain them.16 min by roadSee itStanding stones in a frosted field in Kilmartin Glen.
Before you go

The garden and kiosk open 10am to 5pm, last entry 4pm.

Adults £10, children £5, families £25; free for members of the Trust.

Hours
10:00 to 17:00; last entry 16:00.
Prices
Adult £10, child £5, family £25.
Where
Arduaine, by Kilmelford, PA34 4XQ.

Opening hours

Their website
Monday
10am–5pm
Tuesday
10am–5pm
Wednesday
10am–5pm
Thursday
10am–5pm
Friday
10am–5pm
Saturday
10am–5pm
Sunday
10am–5pm
Where it is

Arduaine, on the coast south of Oban.

Close byNearby.
  1. Carnasserie CastleCarnasserie CastleThe Renaissance tower house of John Carswell, first Protestant Bishop of the Isles, at the head of Kilmartin Glen.9 miles14 min by road
  2. Kilmartin church and its churchyard.Kilmartin StonesMedieval West Highland grave slabs of warriors, swords and interlace in the churchyard at Kilmartin.10 miles16 min by road
  3. Nether Largie Standing StonesNether Largie Standing StonesFive tall stones in Kilmartin Glen raised some 3,200 years ago, thought to mark the rising and setting of the moon.11 miles17 min by road
  4. Dunadd FortDunadd FortThe rock of the Gaelic kings of Dál Riata in Kilmartin Glen, with footprints carved for the making of kings.14 miles23 min by road
  5. The bridge and Clachan Sound from above.Bridge over the AtlanticThe single stone arch of 1792 that carries the road to Seil over a strait of the Atlantic, south of Oban.15 miles22 min by road
Directions
Clachan Bridge, Argyll and ButeAttractionsClachan Bridge5.8 miles over the water
Tigh An Truish, Argyll and ButeRestaurantsTigh an Truish, Seil5.8 miles over the water
Standing stones in a frosted field in Kilmartin Glen.AttractionsKilmartin Glen10 miles
The castle on its knoll above Loch Crinan.AttractionsDuntrune Castle15 miles
Glencruitten House, Argyll and ButeArgyll and ButeGlencruitten HousePlace to stay · 19 miles
The Drury from the lawn below: a grey granite Victorian villa with sandstone bay windows, dormers in the slate roof and tall chimneys.ObanThe DrurySleeps 22 · 20 miles
Timber cabin with copper roof beside a loch, shaded by oak treesObanUisge BothySleeps 2 · 21 miles
Black timber-clad cabin with corrugated roof and stove flue, set among trees and long grassObanBeathaSleeps 2 · 21 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the garden, and when each is next free.

A landscape view of the whitewashed cottage in low evening sun, its blue doors, lit lamps and teak chairs, smoke rising from the chimney.Fern Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Croggan
  • 12 miles from Arduaine
Check datesThe Drury from the lawn below: a grey granite Victorian villa with sandstone bay windows, dormers in the slate roof and tall chimneys.The Drury
  • Sleeps 22
  • In Oban
  • 13 miles from Arduaine
Free 18–20 OctGlencruitten House, Argyll and ButeGlencruitten House
  • To stay
  • In Argyll and Bute
  • 13 miles from Arduaine
Check datesTimber cabin with copper roof beside a loch, shaded by oak treesUisge Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Oban
  • 14 miles from Arduaine
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in Argyll and ButeAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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