Highlights
- Garden rooms in different styles, including a rose garden, rockery and walled garden
- Threave House, built in 1871, with rooms shown as they were in the 1930s
- The Diamond Trail of 60 trees planted for the school's 60th anniversary
- The nature reserve, with an osprey platform and Scotland's only bat reserve
- A well-stocked plant centre
About Threave Garden
Threave Garden lies a mile west of Castle Douglas, with views over the Galloway Hills and the valley of the Ken and Dee. Since 1960 it has been home to the National Trust for Scotland's School of Heritage Gardening, and much of the garden has been shaped over the decades by its students.
At its centre is Threave House, built in the Scottish Baronial style in 1871 for the Gordon family. Many of its rooms are presented as they were in the 1930s. Around the house, the garden is divided into a series of smaller spaces, each showing a different style of planting.
What to see
- Garden rooms: including a rose garden, rockery and walled garden.
- Diamond Trail: 60 new trees planted to mark the 60th anniversary of the School of Heritage Gardening.
- Threave House: open on selected days in the main season, run by volunteers.
- Nature reserve: wetlands with an osprey platform, red kites and peregrines, wintering geese and a bat reserve with eight species. Guided bat walks run at times.
- Plant centre: stocking plants from specialist suppliers and Threave's own training nurseries.
Planning your visit
Threave is just off the A75: turn onto the B736 at the roundabout and follow the brown signs. The road to the nature reserve and osprey platform leaves the same roundabout opposite the B736. Facilities include a café, shop, accessible parking and toilets, baby changing and bike facilities. Threave House opens Friday to Monday, 11am to 3pm, from late March to 1 November, but as it is run by volunteers it is worth checking before you travel. The nature reserve is open daily from dawn to dusk and is free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Threave Garden?
In 2026 garden entry is £10 for adults, £8 for concessions, £5 for children and £25 for a family, or slightly more including a Gift Aid donation. House and garden tickets are £13 for adults. The nature reserve is free, and National Trust for Scotland members go free.
Can I bring my dog to Threave?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the garden but must be kept on a lead at all times. They are not allowed in the play area, and there is grazing livestock on the estate.
Is Threave Garden open in winter?
Yes. The garden, café, visitor centre and shop open daily from 10am to 4pm in winter, closing from 24 December to 7 January. Threave House closes from November to late March.