Geilston Garden

The basics

While the house itself isn’t open to the public, the 18th-century gardens are open for everyone to enjoy. You can admire vegetable patches home to giant rhubarb leaves and a 130-foot (40-meter) herbaceous border. There's more rugged terrain down by the Geliston Burn woodland, which is carpeted by bluebells in spring. There’s also a floral mini-maze and a playground to keep young travelers entertained.

Things to know before you go

• At the reception hut, you'll find a self-service kiosk selling hot drinks.

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

• You’re welcome to bring your dog to the gardens every day except Tuesdays. Dogs need to be leashed at all times.

• There’s an admission fee to enter the gardens, and contactless payment is preferred though cash is accepted.

How to get there

Geilston Garden is in the village of Cardross, around 18 miles (30 kilometers) from Glasgow. From the city center, it takes around 50 minutes to drive via the M8 road. You can also take the train from Glasgow Central to Cardross station, which is a 20-minute walk from the gardens.

When to get there

Between March and October, the gardens are open from mid-morning until early evening, with the last entry an hour before closing time. Geilston Garden closes for winter from November through February. It’s best explored in spring and summer when the flowers and plants are at their most vibrant.

Living among the lochs

The village of Cardross serves as the gateway to Loch Lomond, part of the spectacular Trossachs National Park. It's famous for its lush green highlands, which are shrouded in legends and stories of fairies and folklore. You can take a boat to some of the small islands inside the loch and explore the picture-perfect village of Luss, perched on the loch’s western shore.