Drummond Castle Gardens Summary

• Address: Muthill, Crieff, PH7 4HZ (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)1764 681433
• Fax: +44 (0)1764 681642
• Owner: Grimsthorpe & Drummond Castle Trust
• Administrator: Grimsthorpe & Drummond Castle Trust
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Drummond Castle Gardens website

The Gardens - The Early Period
Although accounts are sparse, there is good evidence to support a long history of gardening at Drummond Castle ever since the first Lord Drummond built on land granted to him in the late 15th century. The gardens supplied cherries for James IV in 1508 when that monarch was hunting in the Glen Artney Forest.

The gardens you see today were probably already of some significance in 1630, since Mylne’s sundial was put in position in that year. John Mylne was the third generation of his family to serve as Master Builders to the Royal Family. Early in the 19th century, both the parterre and formal terracing in front of the castle were re-established, principally the work of Lewis Kennedy. Kennedy's family owned the Vineyard Nursery in Hammersmith, supplying plants to many of Britains finest gardens. Earlier in his career he had been a gardener at Malmaison in France in the employment of Empress Josephine.

Queen Victoria visited Drummond Castle in 1842, she and Prince Albert ‘walked in the garden which is really very fine, with terraces, like an old French garden’.

The Garden - In the 20th Century
The interest in Drummond Gardens continued into the 20th century despite changing gardening tastes. After the Second World War, with a reduced workforce, the decision was taken to simplify the garden. This bold step was taken by Phyllis Astor, wife of the 3rd Earl of Ancaster.

A start was made to clear some of the ground, respecting significant features. Amongst these were the ancient yew hedges at either end of the terracing and paths, magnificent individual yews and the two copper beech trees planted by Queen Victoria to commemorate her visit.

In 1978, the family formed the Grimsthorpe and Drummond Castle Trust to maintain the castle buildings, gardens and surrounding policy park for the benefit of future generations.

The gardens featured more recently in the United Artists film “Rob Roy”.

The Garden Design
From the east gateway on the Crieff Muthill road, visitors drive up the long beech avenue to the car park and then walk to the outer castle court. On passing into the inner courtyard and attaining the top of the terracing the full extent and majesty of the garden is suddenly revealed. The dominant feature of the parterre design is a St Andrew’s Cross with the multiplex 17th century sundial at its centre.

A strong north-south axis runs through the garden, down the impressive flight of steps to the sundial, through the classical archway and kitchen garden beyond, cutting a swathe through woodland before rising to the top of the opposing hillside. This idea of drawing the countryside into the garden is essentially French; however, Drummond is an eclectic garden and also rooted firmly in the Italian style with its fountains, terracing, urns and statuary.

Location
2 miles south of Crieff on the Muthill Road (A822)

Opening Times - 2012

Gardens only:

• Easter Weekend (four days)
• 1st May - 31st October, Daily, 1 - 6 pm (last admission 5 pm)

THE CASTLE IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, however the Gardens afford marvellous views of the buildings and surrounding countryside.

Admission Prices - 2012

• Adults - £5.00
• Seniors - £4.00
• Child - £2.00

Groups welcome (20+) - 10% discount

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.

Further information including opening times and prices

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Additional Info for Drummond Castle Gardens

• Gardens
• Dogs allowed
• Disabled Access
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Filming
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• Shop
• Car Parking

Heritage Groups

• Historic Houses Association

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