Autumn spectacular at Dawyck

With the arrival of autumn, be sure to visit one of the finest and most colourful gardens in the country during this stunning season. The 5-star Dawyck Botanic Gardens in Tweeddale is spectacular all year round but is truly unmissable in Autumn. 

Located in the hills near Stobo in the western Scottish Borders, 65-acre Dawyck enjoys an almost continental climate comprising warm dry summers followed by cold, snowy winters.  Plants from the mountainous regions of Europe, China, Nepal, Japan and North America thrive here.

But it is the tree collection which makes Dawyck a world class arboretum. Dawyck has one of Scotland’s finest tree collections including some of Britain’s oldest and tallest trees, dating back to 1680.  Look out for Douglas fir, European Silver fir and Giant Sierra redwoods.

So, it goes without saying that Autumn is a truly glorious season at Dawyck. The garden is bathed in a rich tapestry of reds, golds and rich browns from the maples, rowans, beech spindle trees, the stunning Japanese katsura, or candyfloss tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) and North American golden birch (Betula alleghaniensis). The ground is bedecked with autumn crocuses, spectacular fungi and fruits galore; prickly beech nut husks, fir cones, maple keys and shiny conkers.

Dawyck offers woodland and burnside walks, themed tree trails and visitors can follow the adventures of plant explorers such as David Douglas, after whom the Douglas fir is named.

There is also a beautiful café which is part of the award winning visitor centre, offering stunning views of the garden and outdoor seating.

Open daily in October 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.15pm) and 10am to 4pm in November (last entry 3.15pm).

Dawyck Botanic Gardens Website

Thank you to The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for the use of these Dawyck Botanic Gardens images