Achamore Gardens

Achamore Gardens sits on the island of Gigha, a short ferry ride from Tarbert on the Kintyre Peninsula. Once you're across the water, this 50-acre woodland garden feels properly removed from the mainland - which is rather the point. What you'll find is a collection of exotic and tender plants that somehow thrive in this windswept spot thanks to the Gulf Stream's influence. The rhododendrons are exceptional, especially if you time it right in spring, and there's a genuine sense of discovery wandering between the different planted areas.

It's not a manicured showground. The paths wind through genuine woodland with mature trees, and you get real views across to Kintyre and Islay. Bring proper shoes - it can be muddy, and there's genuine walking involved. Families will manage fine, though very young children might tire; it's the sort of place where you can spend two hours or half a day depending on your pace. If the gardens themselves don't grab you, the island walks and beaches make it worth the ferry fare anyway.

Admission details aren't widely published online, so check before you go. The nearest base would be Muasdale Holiday Park, about 5.5 miles away on the mainland - close enough for a day trip without being on your doorstep. Gigha itself has a handful of holiday lets if you fancy staying put. Spring and early summer are best; autumn can be grim weatherwise, though the light's often lovely.