| Kildrummy Castle Gardens in Donside, Grampian
Kildrummy Gardens on the A97, and 13th Century Kildrummy
Castle, (35 miles west of Aberdeen) are two distinctly separate visitor attractions.
The castle is in ruins, but is an important Jacobite monument. Glimpses of it
can be seen from within the gardens, but you will have to visit Kildrummy Castle itself to
walk around the ruins.
Kildrummy
gardens are at their best in May, June and the autumn.
Rhododendrons provide an explosion
of colour at the entrance and perimeters of the gardens.
Blue poppies of
Tibet are a delight with their striking blue petals and yellow centres.
Even
the keenest of gardeners will find rare and unusual plants to inspire them. As you walk
around the gardens, the scent of the many flowering shrubs and Lily of the Valley is truly
delicious.

Benches
are placed at strategic intervals for those wishing to rest and admire the view. The
water garden is superb with a large pond, running stream and cascading waterfalls.
Small
rocky paths are an attractive feature of the gardens but are not suitable for anyone who has
difficulty walking, although it is possible to avoid these and still view much of the
gardens. An uphill path meanders up into natural woodland where there is a simple,
children's play area.
Further
along, an excellent view of Kildrummy Castle ruins is afforded from
higher ground (see
picture on right).
Lower down are the rock gardens and in the elegant lawned area,
a small two-roomed museum adds local interest. Red squirrels
can be spotted in the gardens if you're fortunate. 
To complete your visit, tea and shortcake can be purchased in the ticket office at a very
reasonable price. Toilets, including a toilet for the disabled is available.
Both
Kildrummy Castle and Kildrummy gardens have a £2.00 entrance fee
attached (2001). Both have their own separate car parks and ticket offices.
Kildrummy
Gardens are open daily from April until October, 10a.m. - 5p.m. Tel: 01975 571 203 for
details.
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