Benmore Botanic Garden

The drive down to Benmore from Dunoon takes you through proper Scottish woodland - all towering conifers and damp air - before the gardens suddenly open up around you. It's a botanical collection on a seriously grand scale, with over 7,000 plant species spread across 120 acres of valley ground. The avenue of giant redwoods is the showstopper, genuinely cathedral-like in its proportions, though the sheer variety keeps you wandering for hours if you're that way inclined.

Walkers will appreciate the network of trails threading through the grounds - some steep enough to work your legs without demanding full hillwalking kit. There's a proper fernery, glasshouses, and seasonal displays that shift the whole character of a visit depending on when you come. Spring through autumn you'll see something worth photographing. Winter is quieter and honestly rather atmospheric if you don't mind the drizzle.

Botany enthusiasts will be in their element here - the collection is genuinely world-class, with rare species and serious horticulture on display. Families with younger kids might find the initial novelty wears thin after an hour or so unless they're already interested in plants. Older children and teenagers doing school projects will get proper value.

If you're camping at Stratheck or The Secret Glen just down the road, this makes an excellent half-day addition to a broader Argyll exploration. It's not a quick postcard stop - give yourself at least two hours, ideally three. Check opening times and admission prices before you head out, as these do vary seasonally.