Why visit
The redwood avenue, fernery, and hillside setting make this feel more adventurous than a flat ornamental garden.
Before you go
At a glance
Opening times, tickets, address, parking, and the main practical details for planning your visit.
Opening times
Open daily from 1 March - 31 October, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Tickets
Adult £10.80 without donation / £12 Gift Aid, Concession £9 / £10 Gift Aid, Child (15 and under) free.
Address
Benmore, Dunoon, Argyll PA23 8QU
Postcode
PA23 8QU
Parking
Free car and coach parking is available at the garden, with cycle racks on site too.
Last entry
The garden closes at 5:00 PM, and the official visitor page does not publish a separate last-entry cutoff.
Visit length
2-4 hours
Entry type
Standard garden admission with no pre-booking required
Official source
Official website
Planning shortcut
Plan this visit faster
The key trip-planning answers families usually want before committing to the day.
Best for
Families who enjoy walking, scenery, and a slower outdoor day rather than an indoor attraction or high-energy play stop.
How long to spend
Most families should allow 2 to 4 hours depending on how much of the garden and woodland they want to cover.
Trip overview
About this location
The main reasons families add this stop to a Scotland itinerary.
Benmore Botanic Garden is one of the better Argyll outdoor picks when you want a scenic family walk rather than a short formal garden stop. The giant redwoods and hillside setting make it feel memorable, but it is best used on a dry day when you can make proper use of the woodland paths and views.
Spectacular hillside garden featuring giant redwoods, rhododendrons, and plants from around the world. The formal garden, woodland walks, and children's trail provide diverse experiences while the Victorian fernery and viewpoints offer educational and scenic highlights perfect for nature-loving families.
On-site practicals
Facilities and amenities
Useful facilities families often check before visiting.
Café
Gift shop
Parking
Toilets
Wheelchair access
Family planning
Parent tips
Extra context to make the visit smoother.
The Redwood Avenue is the instant headline, but the garden is hillier than many family botanic stops. Free parking and no booking make it easy to plan, although buggy use becomes trickier once you move beyond the flatter main areas. It is best on a dry enough day that you will actually use the woodland walks and viewpoints.
Visual preview
Photos
A quick look at the setting before you visit.
Community notes
Reviews
What families are saying.