Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and a large part of this is down to its stunning landscapes.
Did you know that trees make up around 17% of Scotland’s total land area? Discover Scottish Gardens
, alongside Visit Scotland
are bringing back the Scottish Tree Festival for its second year to celebrate the importance of trees and the wonderful variety we have in Scotland. The Festival runs from 28 September until 1 December all over the country.
Forests, woodlands, gardens and parks are all taking part and there are a good few within easy walking distance of our train stations. Why not get outside and enjoy all the fantastic autumn colours on the trees?
Some of the gardens taking part in the Festival are offering 2 for 1 admission to rail passengers – simply show your valid train ticket when you arrive at the garden.
Some gardens change their opening hours into November and some do partially close so please check the garden’s website for the most up-to-date information before you travel.
Armadale Castle Gardens
How to get there: Take the West Highland Line to Mallaig, then hop on the ferry to Armadale
Ticket type: Rail & Sail to Armadale, Skye
Special event: Family activities during half term & guided tree tours on 31 October.
Attadale Gardens
How to get there: Take the train to Attadale on the Kyle of Lochalsh Line. It’s then a 4-minute walk from the station to the Gardens.
Special event: Tree Tour of the Gardens on 24 Oct, 7, 21 November at 14:00 - 16:00.
Blair Castle Gardens
How to get there: Take the train to Blair Atholl on the Highland Main Line. It’s then a 5-minute walk to the Gardens.
Branklyn Gardens
How to get there: Take the train to Perth then enjoy a picturesque 20-minute walk through the town and over the railway bridge that crosses the River Tay.
Greenbank Garden
How to get there: Take the train to Clarkston, a suburb of Glasgow. It’s then a 25 minute walk to the Garden.
Pollok House Garden
How to get there: Take the train to Pollokshaws West. Then enjoy the 18-minute walk through the beautiful surroundings of Pollok Country Park.
Hill of Tarvit, Cupar
How to get there: Take the train to either Cupar or Springfield and then walk which takes around an hour, or hop on a bus.
Other gardens taking part in the festival that are close to train stations:
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – closest station: Edinburgh Waverley (25 min walk)
- Explorers Garden, Pitlochry – closest station: Pitlochry (20 min walk)
- University of Dundee Botanic Garden – closest station: Invergowrie (35 min walk) or Dundee (50 min walk)
- Aberdour Castle – closest station: Aberdour (5 min walk)
- Abbotsford House – closest station: Tweedbank (25 min walk)
- Stirling Castle – closest station: Stirling (10 min walk)
- Dunrobin Castle – closest station: Dunrobin Castle (please note it’s a seasonal station and no services stop here after 26th October 2019. The Castle closes for the season on the 31st October).
- The Hill House, Helensburgh – closest station: Helensburgh Central (25 min walk)
If you get the chance to visit any of these stunning gardens by train this autumn, we would love to see your photos. For more information on the festival, give @discoverscottishgardens a follow on Facebook and Instagram.