Grounds
Blairquhan estate offers an exceptional setting for private stays, special celebrations, and memorable gatherings. Whether arriving through the tree-lined drive, exploring the grounds, or simply enjoying the stillness of the countryside, guests are invited to slow down and feel part of something timeless
The Arboretum and Tree Trail
Blairquhan Estate offers a rich experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts, with its well-maintained grounds and notable tree collection. The arboretum is part of a designed landscape that includes a 19th-century pinetum, a walled garden, and an avenue of 18th-century lime trees.
The estate boasts numerous mature and veteran trees, including notable species planted and preserved by past lairds. Most famously is the “Dule Tree” of Blairquhan, an ancient sycamore historically used as natural gallows for public executions by the laird, reflecting a dark chapter of baronial justice and sorrow. Located between the Castle kitchen courtyard and the stable building, this large, hollow tree, potentially planted in the 16th century, served as a grim symbol of power, with bodies sometimes left hanging for public display.
The arboretum and tree trail are open to both Castle and cottage guests, please feel free to explore this beautiful area on the estate during your stay with us.
Garden Pond
Situated north of the arboretum, the garden pond is part of the extensive Blairquhan gardens originally laid out around 1816–1820. The garden pond is a popular spot for our estate guests, often noted for its tranquil setting and nearby jetty. The area around the pond is known for nature, with visitors reporting sightings of frogs, otters, herons and other local wildlife. The pond is also very popular for our wedding couples, often used as a focal point for wedding photography.
The garden pond is open to both Castle and cottage guests, please feel free to explore this beautiful area on the estate during your stay with us.
Walled Garden
The walled garden of Blairquhan is situated to the south side of the estate and was designed around 1816. The rising ground to the south allowed the landscapers to create a unique structure with the distinctive three-walled perimeter designed to maximize shelter and warmth for delicate plants. The main garden wall incorporated flues, a sophisticated design to provide heat for tender fruit trees during the colder Scottish months, a symbol of wealth and horticultural ambition.
The walled garden is open to both our Castle and cottage guests, feel free to explore it anytime during your stay at Blairquhan estate.
Flower Garden
The flower garden of Blairquhan is a beautifully manicured garden area right next to the main Castle building, with stunning views to the rolling Ayrshire countryside and beyond. It features a small fishpond with a working fountain, beautiful seasonal flowers in the spring and summer months, as well as a unique sundial at the entrance.
The flower garden forms part of the Castle exclusive hire, therefore is exclusively reserved for only Castle guests to use during Castle events. It’s an ideal outdoor space for wedding ceremonies, alfresco dining, and drinks receptions.
Castle Front Lawn
The massive front lawn area in front of Blairquhan Castle is a well-manicured outdoor space which is an important part of the estate’s expansive landscape. The front lawn forms part of the Castle exclusive hire, providing endless opportunities for our Castle guests to enjoy many outdoor activities/pursuits – for details of activities on offer please visit our Activities page.
For larger weddings or events that exceeds the Castle’s maximum indoor capacity a marquee can be set up on the front lawn to accommodate much larger guest numbers. Additional exclusive hire fee applies for hiring the front lawn for marquee events, also the marquee and its contents hire is the responsibility of events organisers.
'The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway'
Michael Pollan
A refined rural escape at Blairquhan Cottages
Blairquhan estate offers a collection of eight self-catering holiday cottages in the tranquil Ayrshire countryside. Ranging from cosy two-bedroom to larger four-bedroom cottages, each individually named and equipped with fully fitted kitchens, cosy heating, linens and modern amenities, making them ideal for peaceful breaks, family stays or a base for local golf and outdoor activities.