Bannockburn House, an A-listed mansion built in 1675 by Sir Hugh Paterson, now sits in 26 acres of woodland and gardens. Bonnie Prince Charlie visited in 1746 where he met Clementina Walkinshaw who would become his mistress. Local boy, John McLaren, creator of The Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, began his gardening career here in 1860. The house and gardens suffered from 50 years of neglect before coming into community ownership in 2017 with restoration ongoing. Features include an enclosed kitchen garden supplying fruit and vegetables to two local food banks; herb gardens, an orchard, fruit cages, pollinator garden, wisteria border, labyrinth, polytunnels and raised beds. A short woodland walk passes 'The Five Sisters' - our fabulous giant redwood trees; the Fountain Walk passes our veteran lime trees, a cast-iron fountain (built by Steven in 1888 ), and our award-winning apiary. On 17th August, short tours of the house will also be available - they must be booked online in advance through the Bannockburn House website. The gardens can be viewed by arrangement through July to end September. This is a fundraising event for the open garden charity Scotland’s Gardens Scheme which raises money for hundreds of local charities.

The story of Scotland, told through one remarkable house! Booking is Essential - Fragile historic fabric of the building means spaces are limited. Bannockburn House invites you to join us for a guided tour of this remarkable survivor. Purchased by a non-profit community trust in 2017, Bannockburn House is the site of the largest conservation and restoration effort ever undertaken by a community charity in Scotland. Step into over 350 years of remarkable history with a guided tour of Bannockburn House – a hidden gem of Scottish heritage. Our tours bring to life the captivating stories, people, and events that shaped this 17th-century mansion, from its elegant beginnings in the 1600s through its dramatic Jacobite connections and beyond. Led by our passionate volunteer team, each tour offers an immersive journey through time. Walk in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie during his 1746 stay, explore the house’s unique ties to the early development of tartan, and marvel at our world-famous 17th-century decorative plasterwork – among the finest surviving examples in Scotland. Visitors will also gain a behind-the-scenes look at our ambitious conservation and restoration journey. Bannockburn House is a living project, and your visit directly supports the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect this extraordinary building for future generations. Whether you're a seasoned history enthusiast or a curious first-time visitor, our tours are designed to inform, inspire, and delight. We blend expert research and community storytelling to create a memorable experience unlike any other. Come for the history – and help shape the future of a house that’s been at the heart of Scotland’s past. Note! Tours are 1 hour long. Please see ticketing site for times and details.