Crarae Woodland Garden (National Trust for Scotland)

The moment you step into Crarae, you're in a different world - towering conifers filter the light into something soft and green, and the glen itself seems to hold its breath. This National Trust for Scotland woodland garden spreads across a steep-sided valley near Inveraray, packed with rhododendrons, azaleas, and exotic trees that thrive in the damp Argyll climate. It's less manicured than most gardens and all the better for it.

You'll spend anything from an hour pottering about to half a day if you're the type to sit and read by the stream. There are proper woodland paths - some gentle, others a proper leg workout - that wind through different plantings and alongside the burn. Spring brings the rhododendrons into spectacular bloom; autumn's when the specimen trees earn their keep. Families with younger kids might find it a bit samey after an hour, but teenagers who can walk without complaining will get something out of the peace and the geological interest of the glen itself.

Admission runs you a few quid, which goes to conservation work you'll actually see happening. No café, so bring a flask. The garden opens year-round, though obviously it's most showy April through June.

For a caravan holiday in the area, it pairs well with exploring Loch Fyne and the trails around Inveraray. If you're staying at Fyne Glamping just half a mile away, you could easily slip in between other activities. Strathlachlan Caravan Park and Stucreoch offer good bases too - all three let you explore this corner of Argyll without feeling rushed.