Benmore Botanic Garden
Benmore Botanic Garden, Benmore, near Dunoon, Argyll and Bute, PA23
A mountainside garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on the Cowal peninsula, famous for its avenue of giant sequoias planted in 1863 and its Victorian fernery.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit Benmore Botanic Garden?
Benmore is a garden on a grand scale, climbing the lower slopes of Beinn Mhor in Strath Eachaig on the Cowal peninsula. It is one of the four gardens of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the high rainfall and mild west coast climate suit the trees and shrubs that made its name. The garden lies inside Argyll Forest Park and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Most visitors start with the Redwood Avenue, a line of giant sequoias planted in 1863, which makes a memorable entrance. From there you can explore the large square walled garden, ponds and a waterfall, and cross footbridges over the River Eachaig. Look for the Victorian Fernery, built in the early 1870s, left to fall into ruin and then restored and reopened in 2009. Paths lead up the hillside to viewpoints looking out over the Holy Loch, a rewarding climb on a clear day.
Gardeners will find inspiration among the collections brought from China and other mountain regions, which show what grows well in a wet, mild climate. The steep paths are part of the experience, so allow time and bring waterproofs. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, which live in the garden. Puck's Glen, a scenic wooded gorge just to the south, makes a good extra walk if you still have energy after the garden.
What to see
- Walk the Redwood Avenue of giant sequoias planted in 1863.
- Visit the restored Victorian Fernery, reopened in 2009.
- Climb to the hillside viewpoints over the Holy Loch.
- Explore the large walled garden, ponds and waterfall.
- Watch for red squirrels in the woodland.
Benmore Botanic Garden through the year
- spring
- Spring brings flowering shrubs from the Chinese collections, including rhododendrons, out across the hillside.
- summer
- Summer suits long walks to the viewpoints and a cool visit to the Fernery.
- autumn
- Autumn colour spreads across the hillside and the conifers make a strong backdrop.
- winter
- Winter opening may be limited, so check the RBGE site for season dates before you travel.
The story behind the garden
The Benmore estate was planted with trees from about 1820. In 1862 it was bought by James Piers Patrick, an American, who developed the garden and planted the Redwood Avenue of giant sequoias in 1863. James Duncan, a Greenock sugar refiner, bought it in 1870, planted millions of trees, built the fernery and opened up Puck's Glen.
In 1889 the estate passed to Henry Younger of the Edinburgh brewing family, who with his son Harry George Younger introduced many exotic trees and shrubs. In 1924 Harry Younger gave the estate to the nation. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh needed somewhere wet enough for George Forrest's plants from China, and in 1929 the Younger Botanic Garden opened as its first outstation. The fernery was restored and reopened in 2009.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Tree lovers, rhododendron enthusiasts and walkers who enjoy dramatic west Highland scenery.
- Getting there
- Benmore is on the west side of the A815 north of Dunoon, between the Holy Loch and Loch Eck on the Cowal peninsula.
- Before you go
- Paths climb steeply up the hillside and the weather can change quickly, so bring good shoes and waterproofs. Check the RBGE site for current opening times and tickets.
Questions about visiting Benmore Botanic Garden
Who runs Benmore Botanic Garden?
Benmore is one of the gardens of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, alongside its sister gardens at Logan and Dawyck. It opened as the RBGE's first outstation in 1929.
What is Benmore Botanic Garden famous for?
Benmore is best known for its Redwood Avenue of giant sequoias planted in 1863, its restored Victorian Fernery and its collections of trees and shrubs from China and other mountain regions.
How long do you need at Benmore Botanic Garden?
Allow at least two to three hours. The garden is large and hilly, and the walk up to the viewpoints over the Holy Loch takes time, especially if you stop at the Fernery.
Are there red squirrels at Benmore?
Yes. Native red squirrels can be found in the garden, so it is worth walking quietly through the woodland and keeping an eye on the trees.
Garden features
Location
Benmore Botanic Garden, Benmore, near Dunoon, Argyll and Bute, PA23
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