Kildrummy Castle Gardens in Donside, Grampian

 
Kildrummy Gardens  on the A97, and 13^th 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 an entrance fee attached. 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. 

 

Please use the Feature Pages menu on the left to find self-catering country cottages in Scotland or click here for a list of Scottish self-catering holiday cottages and apartments.

Self-catering holidays in Royal Deeside,  Scotland

Sleeps 2-6: Stranduff Lodge Croft is a delightful detached country cottage situated in an idyllic location, just outside the charming village of Kincardine O'Neil , in the heart of Royal Deeside.

Built out of granite in the 19th century, Stranduff Lodge Croft was originally a working croft, since upgraded to provide superior and spacious accommodation for tourists and visitors, the croft is an excellent base for exploration, adventure or relaxation. With the addition of the superb views (see the peak of Lochnagar on a fine day) and the spacious garden grounds (over half an acre) with barbecue and garden furniture, a stay in Stranduff will be a stay to remember.

Please click on the photograph to find out more about a stay in this country cottage on Deeside with views of Lochnagar.

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Self-catering log cabin holidays in Dinnet, Royal Deeside,  Scotland

Our comfortable self-catering log cabins are set in the centre of Royal Deeside at the Eastern Gateway to the Cairngorms National Park.

Located in the wee rustic village of Dinnet, our Woodland Lodges make a convenient base to visit and explore the many sporting and tourist activities Royal Deeside has to offer.

Outdoor activities include bird watching, fishing, walking, gliding, shooting, quad biking, archery, go-carting, mountain climbing, skiing (Glenshee and the Lecht for skiing and fabulous views are only a 45 minute drive away).

Visitor attractions in this north east part of Scotland include Balmoral Castle (10 miles away), the Castle trail, Whisky Trail for a range of distilleries to tour and whiskies to sample, Victorian Heritage Trail, Aberdeen City and the Coast, Cairngorm National Park with plenty of opportunities for bird spotting including eagles and other birds of prey .....

Each lodge has 2 bedrooms sleeping up to 4 people. They have fully fitted kitchen including integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer. With spacious open plan lounge/kitchen/dining areas and a decked patio area to enjoy in the summer months. The bathroom has bath tub and shower. The lodges are double glazed and centrally heated making them a cosy retreat after a day out on Royal Deeside.

 

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