Drummond Castle Gardens
History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
Around 1490 John, the 1st Lord Drummond, began building a castle on a rocky hill south of Crieff. We do not know what sort of gardens Lord Drummond planted, but there must have been an orchard at least, for in 1508 he sent cherries to James IV, who was hunting in nearby Glen Archty Forest.
It was left to his descendant, the 2nd Earl, to create the wonderful formal gardens below the castle, beginning around 1630. The 2nd Earl served as Privy Councillor to both James VI and Charles I and not only transformed the gardens into the showpiece we see today, but rebuilt the medieval castle into an elegant stately home.
Later that same century the 4th Earl began an enormous planting project; an avenue of 4 rows of trees leading from the castle to Perth, 20 miles away.
The gardens suffered during the early years of the 18th century after the 2nd Duke of Perth became embroiled in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, and improvements had to wait for the 3rd Duke took control. Unfortunately, Drummond support for the Stuart cause meant that the estate was confiscated following the 1745 Jacobite Rising.
It was not until the early 19th century that the formal parterre and terrace gardens were re-established under the direction of Lewis Kennedy, who had been employed as a gardener by Empress Josephine in France. The improvements made by Kennedy must have been impressive, and his French training evident, for after Queen Victoria visited in 1842 she wrote that the garden 'is really very fine, with terraces, like an old French garden'.
Today's visitors approach along the mile-long beech avenue off the A822. From the parking area you walk to the castle forecourt and pass through the iron-barred gateway to the inner courtyard, and on to the top of the terrace. The view from this point must be one of the most glorious vistas of any British garden. It is simply breathtaking, especially if the trees have started to show their Autumn colours.
From the terrace, you can easily make out the St Andrew's Cross pattern made by the parterre beds, with the 17th-century sundial acting as a focal point in the centre of the design. Broad steps lead down to the sundial, and the main avenue leads on through a neo-classical gateway, through woodland to a distant hilltop. Throughout the garden are lovely topiary, fountains, and statues acting as eye-catching points of interest. At one end is a pool leading to a lovely bridge that was once part of the main access drive to the castle.
It is easy to sound enthusiastic about Drummond Castle Gardens, for they are easy to get excited about! Drummond is a must-see if you enjoy historic gardens. Unfortunately, the castle itself is not usually open to visitors.
- The Beech Avenue, planted in the 18th century, stretches over 1 mile
- John Mylne's Sundial, built in 1630 for the 2nd Earl of Perth. The dial shows the time in several different countries
- Beds of red and yellow roses, the colours of the Drummond clan
- Colourful copper beeches planted by Queen Victoria during a visit in 1842
Most photos are available for licensing, please contact Britain Express image library.
About Drummond Castle Gardens
Address: Muthill, Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland, PH7 4HN
Attraction Type: Garden
Location: On the A822
Website: Drummond Castle Gardens
Historic Houses Association
OS: NN865 168
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Find other attractions tagged with:
17th century (Time Period) - castle (Architecture) -
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low-exceptional) on historic interest
Muthill Old Church - 1.5 miles (Historic Church)
Innerpeffray Chapel - 3.6 miles (Historic Church)
Monzie Castle - 4.2 miles (Historic House)
Blackhill Roman Camp - 4.4 miles (Roman Site)
Tullibardine Chapel - 4.9 miles (Historic Church)
Ardunie Roman Signal Station - 6.3 miles (Roman Site)
St Bean's Church and Fowlis Wester Sculptured Stone - 6.4 miles (Historic Church)
Auchterarder Old Church Tower - 7 miles (Historic Church)
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