Castle Kennedy Gardens

Description:

• The main attraction here is the ruins of Castle Kennedy, a medieval monument whose glory days ended in 1716, when it was sacked and burned during a border raid by forces of James IV. The ruins are near the White Loch (named because of its clear waters) and the Black Loch (named because of its peat-impregnated dark waters). Surrounding the ruins are gardens containing one of the finest pinetums (pine groves) in Scotland. In early spring, you can wander among blossoming rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias. The estate's main building is Lochinch Castle, built in the neo-feudal baronial style in 1864 and today the home of Lord Stair (his mother is a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II). You can't go inside Lochinch Castle, except to visit the tearoom.

• © Frommer's 2012