26 Apr 2024
Tags: castles, gardens, Staycation, Scotland, heritage, Events
As Aberdeenshire's iconic Craigievar Castle, and the community-run Braemar Castle are both set to open their doors imminently following extensive multimillion pound refurbishments, visitors should make the most of the spring blooms and sunshine with a visit to these and many more of Scotland's estates, walled gardens and castles as they reopen for the season.
Whether an afternoon picnic amongst nature or stepping back in time to marvel at the ancient tales and architecture, find the latest gardens and castle news as well as unique events taking place across Scotland below, to inspire the ultimate day out during a break away:
Spotlight: Castles Reopening
Over twenty Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sites have reopened their doors to welcome visitors for Spring, as well as several heritage locations too.
This includes Lochleven Castle, which famously held Mary Queen of Scots imprisoned in 1567; Iron Age archaeology at the Broch of Gurness; dark historical tales from Hermitage Castle, Spynie Palace, Newark Castle and Scotland's only circular castle, Rothesay Castle, following essential conservation work. For the full list of reopenings and prices for admission, please visit: www.historicenvironment.scot
- Braemar Castle, Aberdeenshire, reopening from 2 May
Built by the Earl of Mar in 1628, Braemar Castle has been a hunting lodge, fortress, garrison and family home. An iconic 17th century landmark in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The castle's future rests with the small community of Braemar, and over the past ten years the village has been working to raise funds and gradually conserve and restore the castle to provide even better facilities for future visitors. As a result of the communities' efforts, Braemar Castle is opening its doors following a £1.6 million restoration programme to re-render the exterior.
Opening times: Thursday to Sunday 11am - 4pm, last entry 3pm
Admission: Adults £12, Group rate available (pre booking required, price applicable to groups over 10 participants) £10pp, Children (aged 5 – 12) £5.00, Family tickets available.
For more information and updates on additional opening times in summer, please visit: www.braemarcastle.co.uk
- Craigievar Castle, Aberdeenshire, date to be announced, end of May/early June
An example of the best of Scottish Baronial architecture, Craigievar Castle fits naturally amongst the rolling hills of Aberdeenshire. The elegant pink tower of Craigievar Castle was completed in 1626 and is amongst the most loved in Scotland. The castle is currently undergoing a major conservation project to carry out essential maintenance work, including refreshing the lime wash that gives Craigievar its distinctive and beloved pink colour. Visitors will be treated to a grand reveal in in the coming months, when the new exterior is unveiled. For more information on Craigievar Castle, the reopening date and the Pink Again Project, please visit www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/craigievar/.
Spotlight: Gardens Reopening
Kailzie Gardens is a renowned garden and woodland a mile east of Peebles in the Scottish Borders, with 20 acres to explore.
Kailzie Gardens also boasts the popular Courtyard Café that has become a firm favourite with locals. Their seasonal shop offers local produce, gifts and plant sales, as well as a children's nature trail and a chance to have a go on the Gardener's 18-hole putting green, or a game of pétanque.
Opening times: 10am – 4pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Admission: Adults £5.00, Concessions £4.00, Children (15 under) free
Note: Dog friendly and free parking
A hidden gem lying on the outskirts of Haddington in East Lothian, Amisfield Walled Garden dates back to the late 18th century and is one of the largest walled gardens in Scotland, with extensive herbaceous borders, fruit and vegetable beds, wildflower meadow, orchard and woodland to explore.
The Garden is currently being restored and developed as a community garden by the Amisfield Preservation Trust and a band of volunteers, providing a venue for education and training for people of all abilities.
Opening times: 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday, and from 10-1pm each Saturday
Admission: Free, donations gratefully received
Note: Well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome
Those looking to embrace serenity should look no further than the beautiful grounds of The Japanese Garden at Cowden. The woodlands and gardens are adorned with an array of exceptional plants and flora which are elevated by the tranquil essence of its Japanese-inspired design and structures, creating a unique and utterly authentic bridge between Scottish and Japanese culture.
Numbers in the garden are restricted so that its peaceful atmosphere is not compromised, but despite that, 40,000 people still visit every year. Today Cowden has a team of full-time gardeners, a thriving cafe, and the Stewart Adventure Woodland where children can let off steam.
Admission: £9.25 per person
Opening times: Open 6 days a week (closed on Tuesdays), from 10.30am - 5pm
Note: Please be aware only Guide Dogs are allowed in the Japanese Garden and Christie Walk. However, dogs on leads are very welcome to enjoy the Woodland Walk, Lime Tree Avenue and outside seating areas
This 60-acre site (of which one third is maintained woodland and gardens) is an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Westside of Shetland. Avid wildlife watchers can experience the diversity of Shetland's wildlife as, due to its proximity to the sea and the salt marsh dividing the gardens between the sea, the area is a magnet for nesting and migrating birds.
Wander around and sit on one of the many benches to witness firsthand the fact that Shetland is not a tree-less landscape like many would believe, but instead is an oasis of life, with a surprisingly mild climate, thanks to the North Atlantic Drift which surrounds this captivating location.
Opening times: 7am - 10pm
Admission: Free, donations gratefully received
Note: Well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome
Carolside is an 18th century mansion set in beautiful parkland flanked by wooded hills, nestling in a bend of the River Leader. Carolside is one of Scotland's finest Private Gardens and is best known for its collection of historic roses, many of them rare today and is home to the National Collection of Gallica Roses.
Opening times: 11am – 5pm each Saturday and Sunday from 01 May – 01 September 2024
Admission: Adult £6.00, Children under 16 and HHA members free
Note: Well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome in the designated park area
Located near Sanquhar and spanning the equivalent of over 36 football pitches, Crawick Multiverse is a unique location of outstanding artistic and historical interest and is not to be missed.
Designed and constructed on the site of a former open-cast coal mine by renowned landscape architect Charles Jencks between 2011 and 2017. Feel the spiritual and astrological magic of the landforms through the striking landscape, opt to have a picnic in the Sun Amphitheatre, photograph the incredible 360 views of the site and Upper Nithsdale Valley from the Northpoint or peer inside the 'cave' of the Omphalos; there's plenty to see and do.
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm, Friday to Sunday 10am – 6pm
Admission: Adults £7.00, Children (under 16) £4.00, Under 5s Free, Carers Free, Family Tickets
(2 Adults and up to 4 children under 16) £18.00.
Note: Well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome
Unique events in Palaces, Gardens & Castles across Scotland
Returning for its third consecutive year and promising an enriching experience for gardening enthusiasts and families alike. Experience a line-up of top nurseries selling quality plants, gardening workshops, competitions, and more, with Head Gardener, Brian Cunningham set against the majestic backdrop of the historic Scone Palace.
For more information and to book, please visit: www.sconepalace.seetickets.com/tour/scone-palace-garden-fair
Admission: Adults £14.50, Children £10.00, Family, Concession and Group Tickets (12+ people) are also available
For more than half a century the BVAC Classic at Thirlestane has been organised by the Borders Vintage Automobile Club, with this year seeing over 1,000 classic and vintage vehicles making their way to the event. This year, the show is celebrating 60 years of the Ford Mustang, with an array of American Muscle Cars, as well as motorcycles, commercial, steam, military, and agricultural vehicles on display. There will also be a range of family friendly attractions, including a live rally action stage, BMX stunt displays, children's activities and an artisan food and drink village.
For more information and to book, please visit: www.bvac.org.uk/bvac-classic/tickets/
Admission: Adults from £12.50 when booked in advance online
Come along to the castle and meet some Viking warriors, find out more about their weapons and invasion techniques. Listen to a Viking saga and discover what life was like for these seafaring Norsemen.
For more information and to book, please visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dumbarton-castle/
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Price: Included in admission (Adults £7.50, Concessions £6.00, Children £4.50, Under 7's Free, Family tickets available, free for Historic Scotland Members)
During the first wars of Scottish independence Scotland was in turmoil. Hear the story of one of Scotland's great unsung heroes William de Lamberton, bishop of St Andrews. Meet the bishop as well as some of the nobles and their retinues, as they tell the stories of what life was like in the early 14th century and of the importance St Andrews castle played during that time.
For more information and to book, please visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Price: Included in admission (Adult £8.00, Concession £6.00, Children aged 7-15 £6.00, Under 7's Free, Family tickets available, free for Historic Scotland Members)
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus is joined by string players from the SCO in an ethereal programme exploring the essence of the higher being from various spiritual angles. Featuring Tarik O'Regan's “The Ecstasies Above” for choir and string quartet, an arrangement of Vaughan-Williams' “The Lark Ascending” for choir and solo violin, and music by John Tavener and Sir James MacMillan. Tickets available on the SCO website (sco.org.uk) from Wednesday 20 March 2024.
For more information and to book, please visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/
Time: 8pm, performance 65 mins (no interval)
Price: £20 Adults, £10 People with Disabilities, Carer goes free, £6 those in receipt of Universal Credit/under 26s/students, Free to Unders 18s (Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult), Discount tickets subject to availability, 10% off HES Members on all ticket categories
Go back in time and wander through the living history camp to experience what life was like in medieval times.
For more information and to book, please visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Price: Included in admission (Adult £3.80, Concession £3.00, Children aged 7-15 £2.30, Under 7's Free, Family tickets available, free for Historic Scotland Members)
Hear the firing of the musket volleys, watch the clash of swords and relive the Scottish civil wars of the 1600s. Gain an insight into the significance of Dumbarton Castle as a strategic strongpoint during these wars.
For more information and to book, please visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Price: Included in admission (Adult £7.50, Concession £6.00, Children aged 7-15 £4.50, Under 7's Free, Family tickets available, free for Historic Scotland Members)
Experience exhilarating horsemanship and impressive skills at the brave and courageous knights battle it out. Hear the thundering of hooves and the clash of lances as four champions take to the arena for this spectacular show. Why not wander through the living history camps and meet some soldiers fresh from battle.
For more information and to book, please visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/
Time: 11.30am - 4.30pm
Price: Adult £15, Concession £12, Children £9, Family tickets available
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for a brand-new telling of this classic fairy tale. When an arrogant prince is cursed to live as a hideous beast, his only hope is a kindly young woman in search of a rose. Presented with lively original music and sparkling humour in delightful settings from picturesque gardens to sweeping country parks, Chapterhouse Theatre Company's rollicking new adaptation of Beauty and the Beast is perfect for all the family!
For more information and to book, please visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/
Time: 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start
Price: Adult £20, Concession £16, Children (7-15 years) £12, Family tickets available
Experience exhilarating horsemanship and impressive skills at the brave and courageous knights battle it out. Hear the thundering of hooves and the clash of lances as four champions take to the arena for this spectacular show. Why not wander through the living history camps and meet some soldiers fresh from battle.
For more information and to book, please visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/
Time: 11am - 4pm
Price: Adult £12, Concession £10, Children £7, Family tickets available
For more information call 0131 668 8885 or email events@hes.scot
For more inspiration, please visit www.visitscotland.com, and for additional garden and event inspiration, be sure to check out www.discoverscottishgardens.org
Ends
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