Be inspired with a day out to some of our special gardens, from grand landscapes to secluded spaces.
Forres is famous for its gardens and a great place to begin your landscape journey. Winner of the prestigious Britain in Bloom numerous times, the summer months see the town bedecked with flower baskets and Grant Park in full floral splendour. Take some time to all that Forres has to offer with our ‘Family Friendly’ itinerary suggestions.
Logie Gardens https://logie.co.uk/steading-logie-house-garden/ is part of Logie Estate, seven miles south of Forres. This lovely woodland garden with lawns and herbaceous borders is open all year. Combine a visit to the gardens with a full day out exploring the boutiques, bookshop, gallery, café and Farm & Garden Shop at Logie Steading. Enjoy beautiful riverside walks on waymarked paths with spectacular views along the River Findhorn.
Brodie Castle https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodie-castle/planning-your-visit Many of the historic castles that dot the local landscape have beautiful gardens you can explore as part of a day out. Brodie Castle is just a short 10 minute car jaunt west from Forres. See the gardens bloom at their best in April with its carpet of world famous daffodils.
Cawdor Castle and Gardens https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/see-brodie-blooming Cawdor Castle and Gardens is a half hour drive west from Forres https://www.cawdorcastle.com/ . The fifteenth century castle has its own special story with its literary connection Shakespeare’s Macbeth, but also boasts three beautiful gardens, each with their own unique history and appearance. The Castle and Gardens are open seasonally.
Ballindalloch Castle https://www.ballindallochcastle.co.uk/ is one of Scotland’s finest baronial castles, known as the ‘Pearl of the North’. The manicured lawns and herbaceous borders are at their best in high summer when you can combine your visit with a guided tour of the Castle. Open seasonally, a visit to Ballindalloch is a short drive from Forres and an ideal southerly stop on a day trip looping either west or east from Forres.
Gordon Castle https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/garden/ sits on the banks of the River Spey in the village of Fochabers. The spectacular walled garden is one of the country’s oldest and largest kitchen gardens, lovingly restored over the past decade. Open all year, the café, children’s play area and shops selling plants, produce and homewares make it a great visit for all ages.
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