Explore Benmore

For true drama visit Benmore Botanic Garden, renowned for its fine collections of rhododendrons and conifers grown to immense stature in a mountain landscape. 

Benmore's 120 acres are home to a world-famous collection of plants from regions ranging from the Himalaya, China and Japan to North and South America. Other Garden features include:

Giants of Benmore

You will be welcomed through the 150 year old Redwood Avenue, one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden. The towering giant redwoods are awe-inspiring as are many other trees at Benmore including the Douglas fir, Scots pines and Monkey puzzles. 

A Riot of Rhododendrons

In the spring and early summer months, Benmore's slopes are alive with brilliant reds, shocking pinks and papery whites as its unique and world-leading rhododendron collection blooms.  This spectacular display comprises over 300 species arranged by botanical grouping and geographic origin.

Spectacular Views

Energetic visitors can enjoy an ascent to a spectacular viewpoint at 137 metres (450 ft) to enjoy views of Holy Loch and the neighbouring mountains.  See the traditional Bhutanese and Chilean pavilions along the way.  On lower ground, accessible to all, enjoy the splendour of the Golden Gates dating back to 1878 and the serenity of the Pond.

 

Wildlife

A walk through Benmore can bring close encounters with red squirrels, sparrowhawks and the occasional Golden Eagle. The Wildlife Hide is the ideal spot to watch out for wildlife.

Victorian Fernery

On the hillside, a winding path leads to the Fernery. Amidst rocky cliffs, this beautiful Victorian structure provides a dazzle of light, space and lush greenery. Ferns sprout from rocks in delicate feathery fountains, creep along the ground and cascade down walls.

Discover more about Benmore's globally important plant collection.

Plan your visit

Explore the Garden

Seasonal highlights

Getting there

Benmore Botanic Garden is set within the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and the Argyll Forest Park, on the A815 seven miles north of Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula.

Free car and coach parking is available as well as bicycle racks.

Caledonian MacBrayne (for passengers) and Western Ferries (for cars and passengers) both sail from Gourock to Dunoon. The journey time is approximately 20 minutes. Western Ferries offer a discount on ferry tickets purchased in advance of travel, their most popular range of tickets for passengers and vehicles up to 5m in length can be purchased at the following:

  • Greenock - The Co-operative Food, 21 Eldon Street PA16 7UG.  Tel 01475 727762
  • Gourock - Paul's Food & Wine, 94 Shore Street PA19 1RB. Tel 01475 630997.

West Coast Motors operates a regular bus service to the Garden from Dunoon (01586 559 139).

A Sunday shuttle service runs between Dunoon and Benmore Botanic Garden, call 07913 601442 for details.

Address: Dunoon, Argyll PA23 8QU

More Information

Contact the Visitor Welcome Team at Benmore

If you have any queries relating to visitor facilities, please call us on +44 (0) 1369 706 261 or get in touch by using the enquiry form.

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