DAWYCK

The World's trees in the Scottish Borders.

Set amidst a picturesque glen, Dawyck Botanic Garden is one of the world's finest arboreta and renowned for its seasonal diplays.

Thanks to its continental climate, an abundance of plants from around the world thrive, including rare and remarkable species from Nepal, China, and Chile.

Wander through 65 acres of enchanting woodland and burnside walks, where each season brings something new to discover. From carpets of snowdrops and drifts of bluebells to vibrant displays of rhododendrons and azaleas, and the spectacular colours of autumn, Dawyck offers year-round beauty.

Follow themed tree trails and paths that trace the adventures of pioneering plant hunters like David Douglas, namesake of the Douglas fir, and immerse yourself in Dawyck’s rich botanical heritage.

Many of the plants at Dawyck were among the first to be collected and introduced to Scotland. Today, the Garden serves as a sanctuary for endangered species — a living collection carefully nurtured for conservation, research, and the enjoyment of visitors seeking extraordinary natural beauty.

Garden highlights

Tree treasures

Stroll among some of Britain's oldest and tallest trees, including the iconic Dawyck Beech, towering Douglas firs, Scots pines and majestic giant redwoods.

Azalea Terrace

Visit this historic terrace, ablaze with vibrant azalea blooms in May and June.

Meconopsis

Marvel at swathes of Himalayan blue poppies in early summer—a truly magical sight.

Cryptogamic Sanctuary

Explore the world’s first reserve dedicated to mosses, liverworts, lichens, and fungi.

Snowdrops

In February, delicate Galanthus blanket the banks of Scrape Burn.

Planning your visit

Explore the Garden

Read video transcript

Time

Description

[captions]

A world renowned arboretum, home to some of Britain's oldest and tallest trees.

Silver fir, Abies alba, Dawyck's oldest tree, nearly 350 years old

Dawyck beech, Fagus sylvatica, over 170 years old

Multi-stemmed Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, over 180 years old

Dawyck's continental climate enables plants from as far afield as Nepal, China and Chile to thrive

Azaleas, Meconopsis the Himalyan blue popy, Rhododendrons, many threatened in their native habitats

The Garden is alive with lichens

Sicilian fir, Abies nebrodensis, critically endangered in the wild, conserved at Dawyck

New plantings are creating future generations of trees.

Dawyck Botanic Garden, plant conservation in Scotland for the world.

Seasonal Highlights

More Information

Photography Garden Regulations

Dawyck Botanic Garden is a precious museum of living plants. The Garden's team has a duty to protect the Collection. Therefore, please note our regulations:

We do not allow bicycles, scooters, frisbee, kites, footballs, mechanically-operated toys and models or drone cameras for personal use into the Garden
No jogging or running is permitted inside the grounds
Assistance animals that are highly trained are welcome at the Garden. However all other pet animals will not be able to access the grounds
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult

Also as part of our rules and regulations, visitors are not permitted to:

pick, cut or destroy any flower or part tree, shrub or plant
bring into the Garden any flowers or plant life
bring any package or other article or container after being requested by the staff not to do so
climb any tree, railing, fence or structure
enter any part of the Garden after having been requested by Garden staff not to do so or in contravention of any notice or sign displayed at any part of the grounds or remain in any part of the Garden after having been requested by staff to leave it
behave or be clothed, whilst in any part of the Garden, in a manner reasonably likely to offend against public decency
fish, bathe or swim in any part of the Garden
collect or solicit money in the Garden

Acts for which written permission is required:

Undertake any trade or business in the Garden
Sell or distribute anything or offer anything for sale or hire
Exhibit or affix any notice, advertisement or other written or pictorial matter or give any display, performance or representation
Play or cause to be played any musical instrument in any part of the Garden
Make or give any public speech or address
Take, in any part of the Garden, photographs for commercial purposes
Play any game or engage in any form of sport of physical exercise in the Garden
Light a fire or discharge any firearm, firework or other weapon or missile

Silent Space Scheme

Getting there

Dawyck Botanic Garden is 28 miles south of Edinburgh on the B712, eight miles from Peebles near Stobo village in the Scottish Borders.

By Car: The Garden entrance is clearly signposted. There is a large car park and designated parking for coaches and minibuses.

By Bus: Border Buses service x62 runs between Edinburgh and Peebles (journey time 1.25 hrs). Scottish Borders Council bus service 91 runs between Peebles, Stobo and Biggar and stops outside the Garden on request.

By Taxi: There is a taxi rank at Eastgate, Peebles outside the Post Office, near the bus stop.

By Bike: There are bicycle stands in the car park. Find a National Cycle Network route

Coach operators, please note access restrictions. The entrance drive from the B712 to Dawyck Botanic Garden is narrow and due to stone pillars, there is absolutely no left turn from the east, (Peebles side) instead approach from the west (Broughton side) which will allow a safe right turn.