Dumfries House Gardens Celebrated as a Beacon of Inspiration After National Win

Dumfries House has been hailed as one of the most inspiring green spaces in the country after being named the Overall and Scotland Winner in a major national gardening competition.

The prestigious honour, awarded through the Royal Horticultural Society’s Partner Garden of the Year initiative, shines a spotlight on the remarkable work taking place across the estate.

Set within more than 600 acres, the Dumfries House estate, home to the charitable work of The King’s Foundation, has steadily grown into one of Britain’s most admired landscapes.

Its expansive mix of formal gardens, woodlands, orchards and education areas is supported by a committed team who maintain the grounds with a strong focus on sustainability. Thousands of trees, shrubs and plants are nurtured with long-term environmental stewardship at the heart of daily operations.

What makes the award especially meaningful is that it comes directly from public votes. Regular visitors, families, school groups and walkers have all played a part in recognising the gardens as a place of calm, creativity and everyday inspiration.

Many speak of Dumfries House as somewhere they come to reconnect, whether through a quiet walk by the walled garden, exploring the arboretum with children, or simply enjoying the changing seasons.

The estate remains open throughout the year, with several of its most popular garden areas free for the public to explore. This accessibility, paired with the commitment of The King’s Foundation to education, nature and community wellbeing, has helped the site grow into a cherished asset for Ayrshire and beyond.

The award reflects not just horticultural excellence, but a shared belief in the power of green spaces to uplift, heal and bring people together.