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Explorers Garden

Open 1 April – 31 October

Scotland has produced some of the world’s most successful plant hunters and this truly unique Garden celebrates their contribution to the way our gardens look today.

Conceived as a Theatricum Botanicum, and built in conjunction with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in the late 1990s, the Explorers Garden offers stunning spaces for art performance including the Pagoda, the Pavilion and the Amphitheatre. 

The Explorers Garden is home to many rare varieties of meconopsis which bloom in the month of May. We even have our own version that is unique to us, the Himalayan blue Poppy GSG Explorers.

This predominantly woodland garden is a rare opportunity to experience art in nature, in a stunning Highland location  and  definitely one for your theatre to-do list.  The Garden is also available for private events and makes a breath-taking wedding venue.

We sell beautiful seasonal flowers and plants for you to take home. Browse the selection on display by the Theatre entrance.

RHS Members – 1 free ticket per member on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Book at Box Office.

RHS Partner Garden.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Dates: 1 Apr – 31 Oct, Tue – Sun

Times: 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)

Venue: from the car park to the left of the Theatre building

Tickets: £7, U16s £3.50, U5s FREE

(book for 4pm for all day access)

Season ticket: £27.50 (contact box office)

RHS Members: 1 free ticket per member on Tuesdays/Wednesdays. Book at Box Office.

Access: the majority of the Garden is wheelchair accessible. Some paths may be steep for those with a wheelchair, walker or buggy/pram.

Dogs: welcome on a lead

RSPB

Our friends at the RSPB will be visiting the Garden throughout May and June to tell you all about the work of the RSPB and how you can become involved in helping support nature. They love meeting people, so please do come and say hello!

Dates: May 1st, 11th, 31st, Jun 26th and 27th

Find out more about the RSPB

A small bird perches on a budding tree branch against a blue sky with scattered white clouds.
Garden path towards a brick

Group Tour

Location: Explorers Garden

Price: £20 per person (min 15 people)

Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours

Book: call box office 01796 484626

 

Wood hut in a garden.

Private Tour

Location: Explorers Garden

 

Complete the form or call box office 01796 484626

 

Amphitheatre

An outdoor space that makes the most of the spectacular setting, the Amphitheatre is nestled in the Explorers Garden. It has been designed to mimic both the shape and the dimensions of the Auditorium, and was conceived and built as part of the original design at the start of the 2000s.

We’ve shared opera and musicals, drama, comedy and some truly magical experiences under the sun and the stars, surrounded by stunning views of Ben-y-Vrackie.

With a maximum audience of 120, including wheelchair spaces, the space is fully accessible.

An audience watching an outdoor theatre performance

Explorers Garden Donations

Pitlochry Festival Theatre is a charity and your support is vital to help the Explorers Garden flourish. We are grateful for all donations however large or small.

Amount to donate: £

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