Argyll's Glorious Gardens: Fifty Shades of May

Whether you're thinking about an Easter break or a May getaway, spring is a lovely time to visit Argyll.  The landscape is ablaze with colour, from carpets of bluebells to rhododendrons and azaleas, and the lengthening days gives you more daylight for exploring.  

Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute has organised the first Scottish Festival of Rhododendrons from 1st April to 31st May, where you can bask in the beauty of spring flowers as well as make the most of events such as guided garden walks, talks, demonstrations and Open Days.

Here are just some of the beautiful gardens in the area you could visit during your stay at Airdeny Chalets that are part of the Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute scheme - perfect for enjoying fifty shades of May...

Barguillean's Angus Garden 
Not far from Airdeny Chalets on the Glen Lonan road, you'll find Barguillean's Angus Garden - a nine acre woodland garden on the shores of Loch Angus which is well known for its many rhododendrons and azaleas.  It is a peaceful place to soak up the spring scenery, with three colour-coded walks around the gardens and a waterfowl sanctuary.

Ardchattan Priory Gardens
Nestled into the edge of Loch Etive and a short drive from Taynuilt via the Connel Bridge, Ardchattan Priory Gardens are well worth a visit.  As well as the beautiful garden to admire, you can take in the stunning views of Loch Etive and explore the 13th century priory ruins.  The loch-side setting and the colourful backdrop of azaleas, rhododendrons, shrubs and plants make it a tranquil place in which to wander.  There is a guided walk of the garden on 15th May.

An Cala 
The garden at An Cala, just outside the village of Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil, was established in 1930 and is another gorgeous garden with lovely displays of azaleas and rhododendrons, as well as Japanese ornamental cherry trees.  The An Cala Open Day is on 15th May, from 2pm - 5pm.

Armaddy Castle Gardens
A visit to Armaddy Castle Gardens could be tied in with a trip to An Cala, as you also follow the B844 to the Isle of Seil but four miles after the turning you then continue on the Armaddy road.  Highlights include its Walled Garden (with unusual plants and shrubs), Clock Garden, woodland walk (complete with a huge hydrangea) and water gardens.  Join the owner for a guided walk on 1st May.

Arduaine
Run by the National Trust of Scotland, Arduaine is set in an idyllic coastal location about 20 miles south of Oban.  Explore the twenty acres of garden from its woodland to its water garden.  As well as its variety of rhododendrons, there are a wide number of trees and shrubs, bamboo and plants from around the world, such as Blue Tibetan poppies and giant Himalayn lillies.   The Open Day for the Rhododendron Festival is on 10th May and there are guided walks on 26th April and 17th May.

Inveraray Castle
As well as drinking in the impressive sight of Inveraray Castle, you can enjoy the spring colours in the the sixteen acres of Inveraray Castle Gardens - a lovely place to walk at any time of year.  Spring highlights include the rhododendrons and azaleas, as well as the daffodils at Easter and the bluebells in May.  Tour the castle itself or head to the tearoom before or after your garden walk.  As part of the Rhododendron Festival, you can join a walk with the Head Gardener on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th May.


And did you know that you can also enjoy the beauty of rhodendrons and azaleas in bloom, as well as a bluebell wood, here at the chalet park?  Take a look at our availability to book your spring getaway.