Drummond Castle Gardens
Muthill, Crieff, PH7 4HZ
The gardens at Drummond Castle create a real surprise for many visitors. There is no clue as to what awaits as visitors drive up a mile-long avenue, closely lined with beech trees. The castle sits on a rocky outcrop and is everything you would expect of an ancient Scottish fortress: huge walls, a massive keep and spiralling turrets that soar above visitors as they enter the grounds.
On crossing the castle courtyard, the gardens are revealed for the first time. Standing at the garden entrance at the top of a flight of stairs, it is possible to observe its fully glory. Intricate parterres are lined with low box hedges. They depict family crests, contained within a St Andrew’s cross. Gravel paths sit alongside neatly clipped yew hedges.
A formal Italianate garden sitting amidst the splendour of Scotland’s rolling countryside, it is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon, strolling amongst the plants, exploring the greenhouses, or just sitting on a bench and soaking up the atmosphere.
The gardens have a long history, having been visited by Scottish kings and Queen Victoria, who was welcomed with a huge garden party. More recently, the gardens have featured in many films, TV programmes and adverts, most notably in the United Artist feature film, Rob Roy, and the Outlander series.
It has been described by many as one of Europe’s finest formal gardens – it really must be seen to be believed.
Website: www.drummondcastlegardens.co.uk
Telephone: 01764 681433
Opening times: July & August: 11am-6pm daily. September & October: 1pm-6pm daily
Admission costs: Adult £6. Concession £5.50. Child £2
Garden of the Week is in association with Discover Scottish Gardens. For more information, advice and day-out ideas, visit discoverscottishgardens.org
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