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Perthshire Gardens & Grounds

Q: Are there free gardens to visit in Perthshire?

Yes, several gardens and green spaces in Perthshire can be visited free of charge, including Rodney Gardens and the nearby Riverside Park gardens in Perth city centre. Many woodland walks and public gardens across Perthshire are also accessible without an entry fee.

Q: Which Perthshire gardens are best for families?

Families visiting Perthshire often enjoy Scone Palace Arboretum thanks to its wildlife, open grounds and butterfly garden. While Explorers Garden offers educational exhibits and themed plant collections inspired by Scottish plant hunts.

Q: What gardens are near Perth city centre?

Gardens close to Perth city centre include Rodney Gardens, Branklyn Garden and PKAVS Walled Garden, all located within a short distance of central Perth.

Q: Which Perthshire Gardens are good for wildlife spotting?

Wildlife enthusiasts should visit Scone Palace Arboretum for red squirrels, birds and butterflies, while Hercules Garden and Cluny House Gardens are popular for spotting red squirrels and native bird species.

Q: Where can I see rare plants and trees in Perthshire?

Rare plants and unusual tree species can be found at Branklyn Garden, Cluny House Gardens and Explorers Garden. These gardens feature Himalayan plants, alpine flowers, rare rhododendrons and exotic species collected by famous Scottish plant hunters.

20 May 2026

There has always been something quite magical about gardens. From a young age, children are intrigued by the idea of a secret garden and that aura of mystery that enchants them doesn't have to leave you as you grow older.

Perthshire boasts some of Scotland's most rare and wonderful horticultural jewels. From the stunningly tended grounds of Drummond Castle to the ancient trees of Scone Palace's arboretum there are so many beautiful gardens to enjoy.

Visitors and locals alike marvel at the exquisite topiary, native blooms and towering conifers that adorn the gardens from Perth city centre up to the Highlands of our beautiful county.

See All See All

Forest path, with sunshine filtering through trees and a sculpture of a woman with a bow and arrow and a deer.

Diana's Grove at Blair Castle

Pitlochry

Green grass, with hanging green tree, wooden bench in front of a large pond, with shrubs and tress in distance.

The South Inch

Perth

Glenericht House

Blairgowrie

Gravel pathway under cover of white hanging flowers leading to a cobalt blue painted door.

The Bield at Blackruthven

Perth

Large formal gardens with an old stone building in the distance

Drummond Castle Gardens

Crieff

Cluny House Gardens

Aberfeldy

Blue poppy in foreground on a sunny day with more blue poppies behind

Explorers Garden at Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Pitlochry

Two stone cupid sculptures overlooking a large pond with a red and green decorative bridge, surrounded by bright flowers and lush green trees.

Hercules Garden at Blair Castle

Pitlochry

Scone Palace Arboretum

Perth

Smiling group of people holding plants in a garden in front of a greenhouse with a sign saying plant sale

PKAVS The Walled Garden & Wisecraft

Perth

Lots of brightly coloured shrubs and flowers beside stone steps

Branklyn Gardens

Perth

Rodney Gardens and Riverside Park

Perth

Rodney Gardens & Riverside Park

Escape the bustle of the city and discover peace and tranquillity at these award-winning gardens that are lovingly maintained by volunteers from local charity "Beautiful Perth". Just a short walk from the city centre, over Queens bridge, you will find a choice of three beautiful gardens which are perfect for a relaxing stroll and a moment of reflection in nature.

The gardens comprise:
Rodney Gardens – A formal garden setting acclaimed for the stunning mix of formal flower beds, ornamental trees, and sculptures. Recently the garden has been enhanced by the formation of the Butterfly & Moth Garden – designed and planted to attract endangered species.
Heather Garden – Awarded the coveted Green Flag status and home to Scotland’s largest variety of heathers. Since 2011 the volunteers have planted over 20,000 plants, with over 500 different cultivars. In 2022 Plant Heritage granted National Collection status to our collection of Erica Carnea Cultivars.
Compassionate Friends Garden – Another holder of the coveted Green Flag, this garden we developed in conjunction with the group Compassionate Friends, provides a serene memorial space for bereaved families.

Rodney Gardens and Riverside Park