Drumlanrig Castle
Thornhill
Dumfries and Galloway
DG3 4AQ
Spring is stirring at Drumlanrig Castle and the woods have turned white as the first flowers of the year open their petals. To mark the occasion, the castle is holding Snowdrop Walks on Saturday, February 22 and Sunday 23rd when visitors will be able to follow waymarked trails through the grounds.
It is a chance not only to enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of thousands of honey-scented snowdrops growing amongst richly-perfumed witch hazels, but also to get an early glimpse of the gardens before their official opening on Saturday March 1.
The walks are only going ahead thanks to heroic clear-up efforts following Storm Eowyn, when, on Friday, January 24, 100 mile per hour winds caused significant damage throughout the woodlands. Now, however, the walking and bike trails have been cleared of debris and the gardens are ready for the first visitors of the season.
The impressive turrets of Drumlanrig Castle sit amongst 40 acres of historic gardens that lie at the centre of the Queensberry Estate, close to the River Nith. Around the castle there are formal spaces including parterres, a rose garden and an 183m long balustraded terrace where tender climbers grow in summer.
Both the Victorian greenhouses and the rock garden, which dates from the same era, have undergone restoration and soon primulas and irises will start to flower in the bog garden, which is home to a large collection of damp-loving species.
The estate is criss-crossed by trails and from these there is a chance to see some of the extensive wildlife that lives along the Nith Valley, including barn owls, badgers, otters and green woodpeckers, while from the top of one of the trails, the Arwen Way, there is a viewpoint with spectacular vistas towards the castle and the surrounding Lowther Hills.
For those who want to explore on wheels, bike and e-bike hire are available. Alternatively visitors can book a day’s fishing, try their hand at simulated game shooting, or put themselves through their paces with Scottish Assault Courses. For younger visitors there is an adventure playground (closed until March 1), while all ages can enjoy seasonal tours of the castle.
The stableyard next to the gardens is now home to local, independent business and craftspeople, while one of the major events of the year is the Galloway Country Fair, which takes place in August.
The castle tearoom will be open during the snowdrop walks and for a longer stay, there are self-catering cottages across the estate, apartments within the castle itself and nearby Dabton House, which is available for exclusive use.
Drumlanrig makes an excellent base for exploring many of the fine gardens that lie across south west Scotland, as well as cultural sites and events such as the Robert Burns Heritage Trail, Crawick Multiverse land art installation, Kirkcudbright Arts & Crafts trail, and the esteemed Wigtown Book Festival.
Details:
Drumlanrig Castle is situated just off the A76, 17 miles north of Dumfries. The snowdrop walks will take place from 11am until 3pm on Saturday February 22 and Sunday 23rd, after which the gardens will be open daily 9.30am - 4.30 am from March 1.
Tickets - £8/£7/£6 (under 5s free)
Tel: 01848 331555
info@drumlanrigcastle.co.uk
www.drumlanrigcastle.com
In association with Discover Scottish Gardens www.discoverscottishgardens.org
Share