Crarae Garden: A Himalayan-Style Woodland Paradise in Argyll
Discover Crarae Garden’s tranquil Himalayan-style woodland with waterfalls, champion trees, and vibrant seasonal blooms in scenic Argyll.
Crarae Garden, near Inveraray in Argyll, Scotland, is a tranquil woodland garden renowned for its exotic Himalayan-style glen, spectacular rhododendrons, azaleas, and waterfalls. Spanning around 25 hectares, it features a diverse collection of champion trees and a National Collection of southern beech. Visitors enjoy peaceful walks through rocky gorges, alongside the sparkling Crarae Burn, with abundant wildlife and seasonal blooms. Facilities include a visitor centre, café, and shop, with wheelchair access to the lower garden.
A brief summary to Crarae Garden
- Inveraray, GB
- +441546886614
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least 2½ hours to explore the entire garden and enjoy the varied walking paths.
- The lower garden and visitor centre facilities are wheelchair accessible; some trails have steep terrain and steps.
- Visit in May for the peak rhododendron and azalea blooms or in autumn for spectacular foliage colors.
- Check for any path closures or weather-related advisories, especially after storms, as some areas may be under repair.
- Members of the National Trust for Scotland enjoy free entry; consider joining for access to this and other sites.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Citylink bus service towards Inveraray and inform the driver to stop at Garden’s Road End on the A83. The bus stop is directly outside Crarae Garden. Services run several times daily, with travel times from nearby towns ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £5-£10 one way.
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Car
Drive along the A83 between the villages of Furnace and Minard. Free parking is available at the garden entrance. The journey from Inveraray takes about 20 minutes. Note that some rural roads may be narrow and winding.
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Train and Bus Combination
Travel by ScotRail train to the nearest station at Arrochar & Tarbet, then connect with a local bus or taxi to Crarae Garden. The National Trust for Scotland offers a 2-for-1 entry promotion when presenting a valid rail ticket and voucher. Total travel time is approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on connections.
Crarae Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Crarae Garden
A Unique Himalayan-Style Woodland Garden in Scotland
Nestled in the gentle hills of Argyll, Crarae Garden offers an exotic splash of wilderness with its Himalayan-style landscape, created in 1912 by Lady Grace Campbell. Inspired by her nephew Reginald Farrer, an intrepid plant hunter, the garden features trees and shrubs sourced from China, Nepal, and Tibet. This woodland wonderland stretches over approximately 25 hectares, showcasing a magical blend of rocky gorges, wooden bridges, tumbling waterfalls, and the sparkling Crarae Burn as its centerpiece.Rich Botanical Diversity and Champion Trees
Crarae Garden is famed for its spectacular displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, and magnolias, which bloom vibrantly in spring and give way to rich autumnal tints later in the year. The garden hosts an impressive variety of trees, including several champion species and a National Collection of southern beech. The diverse plantings create a tapestry of textures and colors year-round, making every visit unique and visually captivating.Wildlife and Natural Ambience
The garden is alive with wildlife, including red squirrels, dippers feeding in the burn, crossbills, woodpeckers, and birds of prey such as buzzards and peregrine falcons nesting nearby. Deer with fawns can occasionally be spotted, adding to the peaceful and natural atmosphere. The interplay of water, woodland, and wildlife makes Crarae a serene escape into nature.Visitor Experience and Facilities
Visitors can explore a network of paths ranging from 15 minutes to an hour, with a full garden tour recommended to last about two and a half hours. The lower garden is wheelchair accessible, while some trails involve steep terrain and steps. The visitor centre, open seasonally, includes a café serving soups, sandwiches, and home baking, a gift shop, and plant sales offering a superb range of garden plants. Facilities such as toilets and seating areas are conveniently located at the visitor centre.Seasonal Highlights and Garden Care
Crarae Garden is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm during the main season, with an honesty box system in the off-season. The garden has undergone restoration following storm damage in October 2023, with many paths now repaired but visitors advised to take care. Each season brings new blooms and changing foliage, with May being a particularly vibrant month for rhododendrons and azaleas, while autumn offers stunning foliage colors.Historical and Cultural Significance
The garden’s origins link closely to the legacy of plant hunting in the early 20th century, reflecting a rich cultural heritage of botanical exploration. The use of Rhododendron hodgsonii wood for yak saddles highlights the garden’s connection to Himalayan traditions. Crarae Garden remains a cherished National Trust for Scotland site, blending natural beauty with historical depth.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
About Argyll Walking Holidays
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Kilmartin Museum
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Nether Largie Mid Cairn
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The Argyll Papers, Inveraray Castle
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The Tinkers Heart
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McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill
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St John's Scottish Episcopal Cathedral : Oban
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Lyle Fountain
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Argyll Walks
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Loch Lomond National Park Memorial
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Loch Lomond Faerie Trail
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Ganavan Sands
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Unmissable attractions to see
New Castle Lachlan
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Auchindrain Historic Township
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Step back into Scotland’s last surviving Highland township and experience rural life preserved from the medieval era to the 1960s.
Kintail Birds of Prey Argyll - Falconry Experiences
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Argyll Adventure
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Cairn from Auchoish
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Explore the ancient chambered cairn of Auchoish near Lochgilphead, a serene window into Scotland’s Neolithic past.
Glas Eilean
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Historic lighthouse on Scalpay Island, a beacon of Scotland’s maritime heritage with striking red bands and rugged coastal charm.
Dunchraigaig Cairn
15.2 km
Explore Scotland’s ancient Dunchraigaig Cairn, home to the earliest known prehistoric animal carvings and a unique Bronze Age burial site.
Dunadd Fort
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Explore Dunadd Fort, ancient royal seat of Dál Riata, where history, legend, and panoramic views converge in the heart of Argyll’s Kilmartin Glen.
Heart of Argyll Tourism Alliance
15.4 km
Your essential gateway to exploring the rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant community of the Heart of Argyll region.
The Inveraray Bell Tower
15.5 km
A soaring Gothic Revival memorial tower with Scotland’s second heaviest bells and panoramic views over Loch Fyne and Inveraray.
Inveraray Jail and Escape Room
15.6 km
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Nether Largie South Cairn
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Nether Largie Standing Stones
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The Garden Bar - Inveraray
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The Courtyard
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Essential places to dine
Inver Restaurant & Rooms
3.1 km
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The Oystercatcher
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The Smiddy Bistro
15.4 km
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Samphire
15.6 km
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Cottage Restaurant
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Ocho Inveraray
15.7 km
Unpretentious, flavorful dining in the heart of historic Inveraray with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The View Bar & Restaurant
21.0 km
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The Ardentinny
22.6 km
Historic pub and bistro on Loch Long’s shore, blending centuries of heritage with stunning views and local Scottish flavors.
Restaurant at Loch Melfort Hotel
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Loch Fyne Restaurant & Oyster Bar
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The Tayvallich Inn
26.0 km
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Kilchrenan Inn
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The Lorne Dunoon
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Tigh An Truish
30.1 km
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The Anchorage Bistro
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bluestone Gift Shop
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Argyll Gift Co
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The Square Peg Gift Shops
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Sid’s Vintage
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Bonnie Argyll - Bespoke gifts and crafts from Scotland
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The House Of Scotland
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Ardfern Village Store
19.2 km
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Kames Village Store
25.9 km
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Tayvallich Village Shop
26.4 km
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Wright's Clothing & Footwear
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Once Upon a Christmas, Gift Shop Dunoon, Scotland
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Highland Stores
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Doon The Watter
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Allsortz
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The Argyll Gift Co
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Clachan Bar
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The Argyll Inn
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The Anderson Lounge
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Argyll’s Social Club
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The Burgh Bar
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The Clansman Bar
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Sinbad's
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The Victoria Bar
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Ingrams Bar
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Tryst
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The Corner House
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The Anchor Tavern & Hub
31.2 km
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The Royal Bar
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The Oyster Bar
31.4 km
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Ben Arthur Bothy
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Word Up
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Red
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Desire Nightclub
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Isle of Mull Rugby Club
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Jura Brewery
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The Jura Community Shop
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Isle of Jura Distillery Co
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Club 69 Paisley
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Colonsay Pub
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The Wineport Restaurant
59.6 km
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Fantoosh
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Vienna's Nightclub
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Arran Botanical Drinks @Cladach Beach House
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Edgewater
61.2 km
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Cruize Bar Brasserie
61.3 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
