Ardchattan Priory Gardens
The site of a Valliscaulian monastic community founded in 1230 by Duncan MacDougal, Lord of Argyll, on the shores of Loch Etive.
Connel, Argyll, PA37 1RQ
Facilities
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Easily accessible without car
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Pet friendly
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Guide dogs welcome
- Hearing loops
- Accessible toilets
The paths are suitable for wheelchairs, although they can become soft in very wet weather.
A garden has existed at Ardchattan for over 700 years, since Valliscaulian monks, from a little know order in Burgundy, first settled here, on the north shore of Loch Etive.
Facing south, with spectacular views over Loch Etive, one can look east to Ben Cruachan and west to the hills of Mull, the monks chose their site well.
The garden has a natural tranquility, today, the garden you see has been largely developed over the last 110 years by my father and grandmother, both keen gardeners; there are herbaceous borders, roses, a rockery, ornamental trees and a wild flower garden, to mention just some of the highlights.
The monastic origins can be traced in the ruins of the monk’s chapel, accessed from the garden. These ruins, in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, are also open to visitors, however the main house and the various cottages around the garden are private family homes.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Ardchattan Priory Garden is a historic garden located in Oban, Argyll, PA37 1RQ. The garden has a rich history, having been established over 700 years ago by Valliscaulian monks. Today, it features herbaceous borders, roses, a rockery, ornamental trees, and a wildflower garden. Visitors can also explore the ruins of the monk’s chapel, which are maintained by Historic Scotland.
Opening Times:
- The gardens are currently closed and will reopen on 1st April 2026.
- From 1st April to 31st October 2026, the gardens will be open on Wednesdays only from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Admission:
- Entrance fee is £5.00 per person, payable by cash at an honesty box on entry. Children under 16 can enter for free.
- Groups must book and pay in advance via email. Other days may be available for groups at an additional cost.
Facilities:
- Parking is available for cars and minibuses inside the front gates. Buses can park on the verge outside the gates.
- The paths are wheelchair accessible, though they may become soft in wet weather.
- Dogs are welcome on a lead.
- There are no catering facilities, but groups can arrange to use the hall for refreshments at a cost of £35 per group.
Special Events:
- The Ardchattan Garden Fete will be held on Sunday, 7th June 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Entry is £5 per adult, with various activities, games, and refreshments available. Proceeds will support local Scout and Guide groups.
We look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Ardchattan Priory Garden.
Historic Houses members visit for free and no booking is required. The gardens operate with an honesty box, so Historic Houses members should put a slip of paper showing their membership numbers into the box.
The price is £5.00 per person, payable by cash at an honesty box on entry. Children up to 16 are free.
We do not have a booking system.
Group payments may be made in advance, enquiries by email ([email protected]).
If you wish to pay online please contact the admin email.
Group payments may be made in advance.
Booking required via Jocelyn Miller: [email protected]
Schools are welcome to visit the gardens.
Wednesday only unless by prior arrangements with Jocelyn Miller: [email protected]
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Guide dogs welcome
- Hearing loops
- Accessible toilets
The paths are suitable for wheelchairs, although they can become soft in very wet weather.
Getting here
Connel, Argyll, PA37 1RQ
What3words: Main visitor entrance is at ///game.delighted.going.
Ardchattan is situated 10 miles north east of Oban, on the north shore of Loch Etive.
There are about 3 buses a day from Oban and trains to Oban from Glasgow.
The car park is suitable for cars and minibuses, it is situated just inside the front gates at the start of the garden. Buses can park on the verge outside the gates, as the garden starts immediately inside the gate, this does not involve any extra walking for visitors. Buses can turn by following the road on for 300m where there is a pier and turning space.
Dogs are welcome in the gardens on the lead.
There are no catering facilities, however for groups that would like to provide their own refreshments, we can by prior arrangement open up the hall for a cost of £30 per group. A picture of the hall, with its interesting collection of stuffed fish and deer can be seen below.
We regret there is no garden guiding facility available.
There is no cafe, shop or plant sales.
Visit houses nearby
Inveraray Castle & Gardens
Inveraray, Argyll, PA32 8XE
Cardross
Port of Menteith, by Stirling, FK8 3JY
Duart Castle
Isle of Mull, Argyll, PA64 6AP
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