Rickwood B&B

The many gardens in and around Portpatrick hold a host of activities each year. Many of our guests at Rickwood enjoy visiting these gardens – The Gardens of Galloway, when they are on holiday in Portpatrick.

We have listed some of these events which we hope will help you plan your holiday.

We at Rickwood – the wee hotel by Portpatrick Golf Course, hope that you will enjoy your visit to the Gardens of Galloway.

Logan Botanic Garden near Port Logan are hosting a Jazz Evening on 25 July. Mike Daly`s Rhythm Kings will be playing for you in the Walled Garden at Logan Botanic Garden.

Castle Kennedy Gardens are hosting an open air theatre production of The Sorcerer`s Apprentice on 21 July at 5pm. Grounds will be open for picnics from 4pm. Apparently the show features copious amounts of water and you are dared to sit in the Splash Zone – sounds like a lot of fun! A marquee will be provided if weather is wet. This promises to be an unforgettable early evening of a great theatre production with the dramatic ruins of Castle Kennedy as a backdrop. Tea room will be open and picnics are welcome.

Castle Kennedy Gardens are holding two events on 22 July. In the morning at 11am is a garden ranger event – Bug and Mini Beast Adventures where you can explore the fascinating bug life at Castle Kennedy Gardens and learn about these wonderful creatures.

In the afternoon at 2pm is another Garden Ranger event – Pond Dipping. Discover the many weird and wonderful creatures living in and around the two lochs within Castle Kennedy Gardens.

The gardens are only about 10 miles from Rickwood Hotel, Portpatrick.

Also on 22 July, Castle Kennedy Gardens are holding an introduction to plant propagation with their Head Gardener doing the honours. The price of £2 in addition to the normal entry price includes coffee/tea and cake so excellent value!

Glenwhan Gardens in Dunragit near Stranraer have a special event on 26 July. In collaboration with Scottish Wildlife Trust, Galloway Group, when you can explore the wildlife of Glenwhan Gardens.

Booking is essential – contact swtgalloway@gmail.com

Activities include a guided tour of Glenwhan Gardens, pond dipping, moth trapping, bat walk and more…

Castle Kennedy Gardens have a Family event called Painting with Earth on 5 August from 11am to 12.30

Also at Castle Kennedy at 2pm is another ranger led family event called “Mud Faces” Use mud and other natural materials to create faces on tree trucks and rocks – sounds fun!

Castle Kennedy Gardens – on 6 August, The Casebook of Sherlock Homes, an open air theatre production by Chapterhouse Productions.

Homes and Watson search for the most elusive treasure known to mankind! Grounds open 6pm – performance starts 7pm

Castle Kennedy Gardens – Tepee Shelters and Den Building with the Head Ranger – 12 August @ 11.00. Make your own shelter out of materials provided. Learn about knots. Make your own tepee.

Also on 12 August @ 2pm Land Sculptures Guided Walk. Admission £2 includes got drink and cake! Learn about the history and design of the  intriguing landforms in the gardens.

Castle Kennedy Gardens – Land Sculptures Guided Walk. On 12 August at 2pm. Join the Head Gardener. Learn about the history and design of the landforms within the gardens.

Castle Kennedy Gardens – We`re Going on a Bear Hunt! Based around Michael Rosen`s book, you will be looking for bears in Castle Kennedy Gardens!  19 August 2pm.

Logan Botanic Gardens – Mull of Galloway Exhibition. 20 August – 31 October 2015  An exhibition showcasing an illustrated history of the Mull of Galloway, Scotland`s most southerly point.

Castle Kennedy Gardens – “Brilliant Borders” – Guided Walk 26 August 2pm  See the delights of the walled garden at Castle Kennedy which is at its best at this time of year.

 Logan Botanic Garden – Plant Fair. On 30 August, Logan Botanic Gardens presents an ideal opportunity to buy less usual plants that are rarely available to buy. Plants are sourced from the finest gardens and nurseries in Dumfries & Galloway.

Castle Kennedy Gardens – Can you Light a Fire? and Can you Cook on a Fire? at 11am and 2pm respectively. The ranger will show you how to light and extinguish a small fire, then in the afternoon you will be shown how to cook some treats on a fire!

Logan Botanic Garden – A Festival of Colour! On 8 September join a guided walk with one of the gardeners and see the early autumnal sights on offer. See many plants including Agapanthus, Fascicularia and Eucryphia.

Castle Kennedy Gardens – “Autumn Glory” Guided Walk – 14 October   2pm  Experience the beautiful colours of the trees  – the beeches and acers during a walk led by their head gardener.