Threave Garden & Estate

There are plenty of features to explore in Threave Garden, including the glasshouses, cascades and rock gardens, ponds, a walled garden and the bird hide in Kelton Hill Wood, where red squirrels are often seen too.

Make time to visit the impressive ruins of Threave Castle (managed by Historic Environment Scotland). Situated on a small island in the middle of the river, it’s only accessible by a short ferry ride, which you can summon by ringing a bell on the jetty.

We’ve created a new Garden of Contemplation, supported by our NTS USA Foundation members. This beautiful space has been specially designed for quiet reflection. Rest awhile in this tranquil place and feel refreshed by its peaceful atmosphere.

A guided tour of Threave House (maximum of 12 people per group) provides a fascinating insight into the story of the Gordon family – booking in advance is advisable. Please call 01556 502575.

We welcome school visits at Threave Garden & Estate. For more information, please see our Learning pages.

There’s a children’s play area in the Discovery Garden.

The wider estate has trails and woodland walks to enjoy, leading to viewpoints, the nature reserve and the River Dee. The nature reserve includes four wildlife hides and an osprey viewing platform. Peregrine falcons, red squirrels, waders, kingfishers and otters make their home here. At dusk, see if you can spot some of our beautiful bats in their natural habitat – Threave is Scotland’s first Bat Reserve and is home to up to seven different species.

A day may not be long enough to see everything at Threave! Come and stay in one of the three holiday cottages on the estate.

Threave’s world-famous gardens, beautifully restored Victorian house and Terrace café combine to make a spectacular venue for weddings, corporate events and private parties – please see our venue hire pages for more information.