Ascog Hall Fernery and Garden
Ascog Hall Fernery and Garden
Ascog Hall Fernery and Garden
4.5
This location was reported permanently closed
About
A well stocked garden with many architectural features, including a sunken Victorian Fernery (1875) and large stable's ruin all located in the grounds of a baronial style house from 1844. A plant hunter trail, many water features and Britain's oldest exotic fern (more than 1000 years) add interest to this distinctly old fashioned and rather magical experience. Open from 10am to 5pm 1st April to 30th October.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
92 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
7
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
1
ElizabethHarman
1 contribution
Apr 2015 • Friends
This is my second time at the lovely Ascog Hall and Fernery.
Since coming back 2 years later and under the new ownership, the owners have carefully restored the garden to its former glory and added wonderful new features. Karin and Michael are very welcoming and happy to share their knowledge of the garden and Fernery to visitors. I would recommend everyone to take the time to stop by when on the island. I will be back next year to see the new Zen garden!!
Since coming back 2 years later and under the new ownership, the owners have carefully restored the garden to its former glory and added wonderful new features. Karin and Michael are very welcoming and happy to share their knowledge of the garden and Fernery to visitors. I would recommend everyone to take the time to stop by when on the island. I will be back next year to see the new Zen garden!!
Written 19 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsten B
39 contributions
We were staying nearby and visited the fernery on our way home.
There was no one there when we arrived - just an honesty box.
The gardens were beautiful full of stunning flowers. The Victorian fernery is so full of history and had been restored wonderfully.
If you enjoy wandering gardens then this is a place that you should visit.
There was no one there when we arrived - just an honesty box.
The gardens were beautiful full of stunning flowers. The Victorian fernery is so full of history and had been restored wonderfully.
If you enjoy wandering gardens then this is a place that you should visit.
Written 8 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alastair
Maidenhead, UK25 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
We visited the fernery on a lovely spring day and were completely enchanted by this place.
Beautiful gardens, with unusual, exotic plants and atmospheric Victorian buildings that give a glimpse into an age of discovery and exploration. The signs telling the stories of the site and the plants are all highly informative and witty.
We met one of the owners and her dog as they were working on a garden that must be a huge labour of love. Both of them charming.
Highly recommended.
Beautiful gardens, with unusual, exotic plants and atmospheric Victorian buildings that give a glimpse into an age of discovery and exploration. The signs telling the stories of the site and the plants are all highly informative and witty.
We met one of the owners and her dog as they were working on a garden that must be a huge labour of love. Both of them charming.
Highly recommended.
Written 11 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie-Ann B
Isle of Bute, UK4 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
I visited last year with my cousin and our children. I recommended we go as I had not been is some years. The fernery and grounds did not disappoint they were as beautiful as I remembered and we had a picnic on the lawn as I had before with the old owners. Our boys were well behaved and for being so young (22 months and 2 year's 10 months) they were careful to stay on the paths and not pull or pick the flowers. But at the end of our picnic one of the boys strayed on to an area that we did not know was out of bounds and was told by the new owners to " Control your children and you shouldn't have had a picnic on our lawn this is our garden you know!!!!". As we prepared to leave another visiting couple even commented to us that they thought it rude. I still believe it is a beautiful site and worth a visit but be warned to be on your very best behaviour and don't stop for a sandwich.
Written 30 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belated apologies if you found my manner rude, but our main garden really isn't big enough to have a picnic area on the lawn. We now advise visitors that the area close to the ticket office at Mount Stuart has children's activity equipment, a safe running area and nice seating; it has been very well thought through and is a much better place for a picnic with children. For visitors not requiring tables and chairs we have tidied up the lawn area by the beach in front of our garden, where seals might sometimes be viewed while picnicking, and have cleaned out the old stables ruin - making a stunning setting for anyone wishing to picnic there.
Written 4 July 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lyndsay B
Edinburgh21 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
Not sure I want to share this as it was SO peaceful and beautiful and Idyllic. It was lovely to be there on our own without the chatter of other people but that would be selfish!
So I would encourage anyone to make the trip!
So I would encourage anyone to make the trip!
Written 16 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DizzyFishes
West Lothian46 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
In a word, breathtaking. We visited mid-afternoon and were warmly welcomed by the proprietor who had a wealth of knowledge on the history of Ascog Hall itself (ambitiously restored at back-breaking expense and enormous financial risk by in-laws with a vision) and then some when it came to the gardens. We also enjoyed watching two of their chickens having a dust bath under a tree and the cockerel trying to eat newly pot-planted bedding while our man attempted to chase him off. Too funny.
The fernery itself is a magical and peaceful place, with a beautiful pebbled walkway, discreet statues and pond rocks, a pretty iron bridge near which - most impressively - resides the Fortingall Yew of the fern world, which is estimated to be over 1000 years old. The many and varied ferns from around the world are awesome to be amongst, and the award-winning restoration project was assisted by the Edinburgh Royal Botanical gardens. We spotted two frogs nearby the frog pond ornaments, which added to our joy.
On further investigation of the gardens, which cover around 3 acres, we were amazed at the variety and layout of the flowers, shrubs and other worldly looking things growing there. The colours and mix of the foliage and textures would have kept us there exploring for hours if we'd got there earlier. Next time...
We also visited and loved Mount Stuart gardens, but if we had limited time the fernery would be higher up our list at any time of year. This is a very special place and the entrance fee is more than value for money.
The fernery itself is a magical and peaceful place, with a beautiful pebbled walkway, discreet statues and pond rocks, a pretty iron bridge near which - most impressively - resides the Fortingall Yew of the fern world, which is estimated to be over 1000 years old. The many and varied ferns from around the world are awesome to be amongst, and the award-winning restoration project was assisted by the Edinburgh Royal Botanical gardens. We spotted two frogs nearby the frog pond ornaments, which added to our joy.
On further investigation of the gardens, which cover around 3 acres, we were amazed at the variety and layout of the flowers, shrubs and other worldly looking things growing there. The colours and mix of the foliage and textures would have kept us there exploring for hours if we'd got there earlier. Next time...
We also visited and loved Mount Stuart gardens, but if we had limited time the fernery would be higher up our list at any time of year. This is a very special place and the entrance fee is more than value for money.
Written 2 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EllieSELondon
London, UK26 contributions
Sept 2019
Have visited several times. There is always something different even in the space of a few weeks. Lovely pieces of artwork that suddenly surprise you. I notice different plants/shrubs etc at different times. Just beautiful to wander round the gardens, and of course not forgetting the glassed fernery - containing ancient ferns etc.
Written 20 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. We try to add something different to the garden each year, so we very very much appreciate those who notice the difference.
Written 21 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zeo007
n/a433 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
I had not planned to visit (well not on that day) but I hopped on the 490 bus and within 10 mins I was at the gates.
The gardens which have a £5 donation fee (pop it in the little green post box by the house after the driveway) are a collection of themed spaces.
I only spent 30 mins there but one could easily wander around for an hour.
If you are feeling fit you can cycle or walk from Rothesay (allow 2 hours there and 2 hours back).
Ascog is also between Rothesay and Mount Stuart so the more adventurous might like to combine the two activities.
Overall a lovely place to stroll around.
The gardens which have a £5 donation fee (pop it in the little green post box by the house after the driveway) are a collection of themed spaces.
I only spent 30 mins there but one could easily wander around for an hour.
If you are feeling fit you can cycle or walk from Rothesay (allow 2 hours there and 2 hours back).
Ascog is also between Rothesay and Mount Stuart so the more adventurous might like to combine the two activities.
Overall a lovely place to stroll around.
Written 25 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phemiemac
Glasgow, UK100 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
Having been several times to Bute this was our first visit. I loved it. The owners openly admit some of the areas are undermaintained but that's what makes it so special. I am not a uniform border kinda person so the almost forest like areas are just amazing and the majority of the plants were so new to me. Hope the owners found the money I spent on plants in the green box as I brought a bit of Ascog Hall home!
Written 21 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evelyn L
Edinburgh, UK62 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Just go - the gardens are beautiful,and the Victorian fernery is wonderful.These are gardens whose owners are passionate gardeners.They rely on the donations made by visitors to help meet the costs of keeping the gardens.If you like gardens then you won't be disappointedl.
Written 19 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for enquiry. Unfortunately we are unable to comply with the COVID 19 isolation regulations and therefore, in common with Mount Stuart, have no option other than to keep our Heritage Attraction closed. Due to the lateness of the season the garden will now remain closed for 2020. At the present time we are unsure if or when when the garden will re-open. Best regards, Michael.
Written 11 August 2020
Is it possible to visit Ascog Hall Gardens and Fernery during our stay at Ascog House between 16 - 20 Feb. I have just come across your website and it looks too fabulous to miss?
Written 25 January 2015
You can always come in. Just leave the fee in the old post box.
Written 27 June 2015
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