Fordyce Open Village 2026

Sunday 19th July 2026

Fordyce opens its garden gates once again. Sixteen private gardens across the village will welcome visitors for a day of colour, curiosity and good company. Whether you're a keen gardener looking for inspiration or simply fancy a wander through one of Aberdeenshire's bonniest wee villages, there's plenty to see and do.

Pick up a map at the main car park and follow the numbered trail through the lanes of Fordyce, from the grand grounds of Academy House to the polycrub at the primary school. Every garden has its own character, and the gardeners themselves are usually on hand for a blether.

The Gardens

Sixteen gardens are open to visitors, each marked on the village map.

No.	Garden	Location
1	Academy House	St Tarquins Place
2	Academy House East Wing	Castle Lane
3	Colfoich	Church Street
4	Fordyce Primary School Polycrub	School Road
5	Haughton	Bridge Street
6	Anvil Cottage	Bridge Street
7	7, Pitchaidlie Place	Pitchaidlie Place
8	Fairholme	Church Street
9	Dolen	Church Street
10	Lowenva	Church Street
11	Roseau Cottage	Church Street
12	St Tarquins	Church Street
13	The Old Bakery	The Square
14	The Bee Garden	East Church Street
15	7, St Tarquins Place	St Tarquins Place
16	Victorian Garden	Church Street
17	Wren Cottage	Back Street

Food & Drink

No visit to Fordyce is complete without something to eat. There's food at every turn.

Community Hall The SWI will be serving their famous teas and home-bakes. Pull up a seat and refuel before your next garden.

Jubilee Garden Hot food from the BBQ, traditional smoked kippers, and a chance to browse the World Books stall.

Academy House Strawberries and cream, plus pancakes served fresh.

Anvil Cottage Strawberries and marshmallows for the young ones (and the young at heart).

The Green Portsoy Ice Cream. Enough said.

Activities & Attractions

There is far more to Open Village day than gardens alone.

The Green Vintage tractors on display and live music from the Deveron Brass Band.

Joiners Workshop A potter's display, vintage motorbikes, a cooperage demonstration, mosaics, and whisky tasting. The workshop packs a lot into a small space.

Play Area Eden Plants will be selling from their nursery, and Deveron Archery will have a have-a-go session for all ages.

Anvil Cottage Kids activities, face painting, and strawberry treats keep younger visitors busy while you enjoy the gardens.

Community Hall Craft stalls to browse and a game of pétanque outside.

The Square Military vehicles on display.

Practical Information

Parking Free supervised parking is available at the Community Hall car park and at Fordyce Primary School. An overflow car park is signposted on the day.

Accessible parking Dedicated accessible spaces are available at the Community Hall.

Toilets Public toilets are located at the Community Hall (accessible) and at the Joiners Workshop (accessible). The "Bleachie" toilets near the Parish Kirk are also open.

First Aid A first aid point is located at the Community Hall.

Defibrillator Available at the Joiners Workshop.

Getting Around The village map shows all sixteen gardens, activity locations, parking, and facilities. Gardens and attractions are spread across the village, mostly within easy walking distance of one another. Fordyce is a small place, you won't get lost.