Broughton House & Garden

The home of ‘Glasgow Boy’ Hornel sits in a Japanese-inspired garden and hosts an impressive collection of art

Planning Your Visit

2024 Sketching Sessions at Broughton House

This summer, Broughton House will again open its doors to sketchers, artists and creatives
at times when the house and garden are closed to visitors.

We will discover the contents of the house and garden and use this opportunity
to take down in sketch a variety of possibilities, from architecture to ceramics, furniture to
carpet designs. Enjoying the far-reaching views and winding paths, we will explore
the fabulous garden in its tranquil state, encouraging you to be creative in a safe and
peaceful environment.

Come along and explore the intricate spaces and hidden corners that form the magical
Broughton House & Garden – a wonderful opportunity for beginners and professionals
alike.
Our final sketching session will take place on Thursday 15 August, 5–7pm.

Sketching sessions are £20pp with materials included.
Spaces are limited and bookings are essential.
Please note that these are not taught sessions; however, help and advice is offered informally
to beginners.

To book or for more information, please email Lisa at dgevents@nts.org.uk

Please see our drop-down Facilities below for helpful information about planning your visit. For more information about planning your visit, please see our frequently asked questions.

If you’d like to speak to us, we can be contacted by email on broughtonhouse@nts.org.uk or telephone 01557 330437.

Facilities & access

Please note that wheelchair access is only to the studio, exhibition room and the garden.

House

There are steps up to the front door without a handrail.
There are steps, stairs and changes of level throughout the house, with some narrow doorways.
The house is not suitable for larger wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Above the lower ground floor, the property is currently only accessible to visitors who can manage unaided. (We’re planning to improve access to other floors in the house – please check the website before your visit.)
For visitors who need assistance, a video entry system from the lane at the side of the house provides access to most of the lower ground floor rooms, including a new exhibition area and Hornel’s Studio.

Garden

Garden benches are available on the lawns and overlooking the River Dee.
Part of the garden can be viewed from Hornel’s Studio.
The narrow garden paths are not suitable for wider wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
The paving in the garden is very uneven and sometimes slippery.
We’re planning to improve access to the garden for wheelchair users and visitors needing assistance – please check the website before your visit.

We have an ongoing programme of accessible content development. Detailed accessibility guides for the most visited Trust places are available on our Accessibility pages as well as links to useful resources.

We’d love you to visit the Euan’s Guide website to review the accessibility of Trust places and tell us (and others) what’s good and where we need to do better.

3G/4G coverage

Accessible toilet

Bike facilities

Bike racks are available at the nearby Kirkcudbright harbour car park (250m).

Buggy access

Children’s activities

We offer a children’s quiz as well as colouring-in sheets.

Dogs welcome

Dogs on a lead are allowed in the garden, and we always have a bowl of fresh water at the front door on hot days.

Holiday accommodation

To really make the most of the area, stay in our beautiful holiday cottage just along the road from Broughton House. Blue Door can be found in Greengate Close, the picturesque cobbled wynd where illustrator Jessie M King once lived.

Booking a holiday with the National Trust for Scotland helps us to protect this special place, now and for the future.

Large print

Large print guides are available throughout the house.

Large print guides are available in the garden room.

Parking

On-street parking is available outside the house (although the High Street can be busy); further parking is available around the town and in nearby car parks.

Picnics

Self-guided trail

Broughton House is a real treat for art-lovers: it’s packed to the rafters with paintings, photographs and sculpture. Take a look inside Hornel’s bright, airy studio at the back of the house, set up to show how he worked. Marvel at the large display of his works in the stunning gallery, custom-built by Hornel to exhibit his paintings to clients.

Outside the house, Hornel’s love of oriental flora can be seen in a beautiful garden that backs on to the River Dee. Winding paths and arching branches beckon you to explore the hidden corners.

Wheelchair access

Please note that wheelchair access is only to the studio, exhibition room and the garden.

Opening times

House Last entry to the house at 4pm.: Current period 15 Mar–31 Oct, Wed–Mon, 10.00–16.30 1 Nov–28 Feb 2025, closed
Garden Please note the garden is accessed by the side gate (by donation box) on Tuesdays.: Current period 15 Mar–31 Oct, daily, 10.00–16.00 1 Nov–28 Feb 2025, closed