Queen Anne Gardens, Stirling Castle, Castle Wynd, Stirling
On the sunny south side of Stirling Castle, this peaceful and pretty garden is overlooked by the Queen’s Lodgings and the Prince’s Tower. Five hundred years ago only the queens of Scotland with their royal children were allowed to stroll here, which gave the path leading through the gardens its name: the Prince’s Walk. The gardens are named after Queen Anne, who ordered improved fortifications to the castle in the early 1700s, but never visited herself.
The present-day lawn was recorded as being a bowling green in the 1620s. At the Stewart court, the royal family would have wandered through the garden with their courtiers, talking of politics, watching entertainments, and playing games such as bowls.
Today, the garden is open for all to see its stunning seasonal flower displays. Gardener Brian Sinclair regularly plants new displays, choosing flora that reflect the history of the castle through colour and design; for example, white Alyssum and Cambridge Blue Lobelia mirror the chequering on the Stewart coat of arms. Visitors can get the best views of the Queen Anne Gardens by standing on the surrounding castle battlements and walls.
Beautiful year-round, highlights of the garden are the summer rose displays and the over 200-year-old beech tree, which offers visitors a lovely bit of shade.
Website: www.stirlingcastle.scot
Telephone: 01786 450 000
Opening times: 1 Oct - 31 Mar 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.15pm), 1 Apr – 30 Sept 9.30am -6pm (last entry 5.15pm)
Admission costs: valid until 1 April: Online in advance: Adult £15.00, Concession £12.00, Child £9 (includes admission to Stirling Castle)
Garden of the Week is in association with Discover Scottish Gardens. For more information, advice and day-out ideas, visit discoverscottishgardens.org
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