Barnharrow Holiday Pods

Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan

Who would think that this garden located in the Rhins of Galloway, the southernmost point of Scotland, enjoys a subtropical climate – almost! Courtesy of the Gulf Stream, the relative warmth allows plants from other hotter southern hemisphere countries to thrive and create a stunning garden. Logan Botanic Garden dates back to 1869 and includes stunning avenues of trees, a walled garden and the UK’s first all-green glasshouse. And why not take advantage of the silent space located in the Tasmanian Creek, an area in which visitors are asked to switch off their phones, be quiet and simply enjoy the experience of being present in a peaceful and secluded green haven – well worth the half-hour drive from Barnharrow.

Gardener's Cottage, Logan Botanic Gardens, courtesy of Sandy Gemmill; Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0

Threave Garden, Castle Douglas

Less than an hour’s drive away, Threave Gardens are a must see! Home to the School of Heritage Gardening, it’s not hard to imagine just how beautiful the garden is. Different styles and planting schemes have been used to create garden ‘rooms’, so there’s much to explore and take inspiration from. Beyond the garden, you can enjoy a walk around the estate and discover the nature reserve which includes wetlands and marshes. It provides a fantastic habitat for a large variety of wildfowl, but you might also spot bats and birds of prey, including ospreys, kites and peregrine falcons. There is also a thriving population of red squirrels. Make sure you visit the café, it’s well known for its home-baked cakes!

Threave Walled Garden, courtesy of the National Trust for Scotland

Glenwhan Gardens, Dunragit

Just like Logan Botanic Garden, Glenwhan Gardens benefit from the warming Gulf Stream. Developed and cultivated from moorland over thirty years, Glenwhan has quickly established itself as one of Scotland’s best gardens. During the spring months, the garden is a shock of vibrant colour with rhododendrons and azaleas in full bloom. There are lakes and sculptures to discover and a moorland walk that covers 17 acres planted with wildflowers, ferns and grasses. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit the tearoom and enjoy a snack or a meal made with locally sourced ingredients. Glenwhan Gardens overlook Luce Bay, so the views are absolutely breathtaking – don’t forget to look beyond the garden itself and soak up the scenery.

View from Glenwhan Gardens over Luce Bay, courtesy of visitsouthwestscotland.com

Castle Kennedy Gardens

This garden’s history stretches all the way back to the 1730s when they were created by the 2nd Earl of Stair. Using the man (and horse) power of the Royal Scots Greys and the Inniskilling Fusiliers, he landscaped over 75 acres with terraces, mounds and avenues. Today, the garden boasts a plethora of plants, flowers and trees throughout the year and there are various guided routes to ensure you make the most of your visit. Needless to say, the garden attracts lots of wildlife and there are two bird hides available to use. Visit on a Wednesday afternoon and the walled garden becomes a silent space – a special initiative that encourages people to turn off their phones and enjoy their surroundings in absolute silence. Castle Kennedy Gardens are just 18 miles from us.

The Walled Garden in Colour, courtesy of castlekennedygardens.com

Aldouran Wetland Garden, Leswalt, nr Stranraer

A few miles past Castle Kennedy is Aldouran Wetland Garden which has a quite different feel to its neighbour. This is a lovely community garden with raised dry-walled flower beds – enjoy the flowers and then take to the boardwalk to explore the wetland and ancient woodland. It’s a very different experience, more humble than a formal garden, but full of natural beauty and a haven for wildlife. There's no café here, so remember to pack a picnic.

Image courtesy of Aldouran Wetland Garden