Kilbryde Castle Gardens

Kilbryde Castle, Dunblane FK15 9NF

Kilbryde Castle, in Central Scotland, has been home to the Campbell family since 1659. Its gardens consist of some 20 acres and were created from the 1970's onwards by Sir Colin and Lady Campbell, the present owner’s parents.

The garden is dominated by the castle, with slopes angling toward the river, in a deep gorge encircling the estate on three sides. It is that topography which makes Kilbryde gardens special. Once in the garden, there is a constant progression of views and its spectacular landscape has been sectioned into three parts; woodland, wild and formal.

In the woodland garden, the year starts with many spring flowering bulbs; snowdrops, aconites and iris, followed by a substantial flowering of rhododendrons and azaleas later in the spring. Bulbs including snake’s head fritillaries, dog tooth violets, clematis and trilliums are also blossoming throughout.

In the formal area there is hornbeam and beech hedging, many acers and herbaceous borders. The year is capped by the autumn colours provided by the acers and autumn flowering clematis. A recent addition to the garden has been the planting of the wildflower meadows. The wild part of the garden is very much left to its own devices apart from mown paths. A collection of mature trees creates a grand backdrop to the estate, altering in colour depending on the time of year.

Kilbryde Castle is a member of Scotland’s not-for-profit garden tourism group, Discover Scottish Gardens. The castle and gardens have been prepared by the Campbell family as a venue for various events, including weddings, dinner and lunch parties, and garden-based events. Morning and afternoon tea is also available in the castle’s dining room by prior arrangement.

Website: www.kilbrydecastle.com

Telephone: 01786 824897

Opening times: By appointment

Admission costs: £5.00