Drummond Castle Gardens
The best example of formal terraced gardens in Scotland.
Muthill, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4HN
Facilities
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
Drummond has all the characteristics of a courtly, 17th century Scottish Renaissance garden.
It is a composite garden, restructured in early Victorian times and renewed again in the 20th century when the garden framework and the exceptional interest of the original 19th century design were carefully preserved.
Drummond Castle was built on a rocky outcrop by John, 1st Lord Drummond around 1490. The 2nd Earl, a Privy Councillor to James VI and Charles I, succeeded in 1612 and is credited with transforming both the gardens and the castle between 1630-1636. The keep still stands but the rest of the castle was restored and largely remodelled by the 1st Earl of Ancaster in 1890.
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 park for the benefit of future generations.
Coffee & cake wagon in the castle courtyard.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Drummond Castle Gardens, located in Muthill, Crieff, PH7 4HN, is one of Scotland's most impressive formal gardens. The gardens are currently closed and will reopen on 1st May 2026.
When open, the gardens operate during the following hours:
- May: Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm, Monday to Friday from 1pm to 5pm.
- June to September: Daily from 11am to 5pm.
- October: Daily from 11am to 4pm, with the last entry at 3pm.
Admission prices are as follows:
- Adults: £12.50
- Children (5-16 years): £5
- Family (2 adults + 3 children): £30
- Season Tickets: Adults £40, Family £70
Historic Houses members gain free entry with a valid membership card.
Special events include:
- Charity Open Day: Held annually in August, featuring activities such as Scottish Country Dancing, vintage car displays, and more.
- Easter in the Gardens: Held in April, featuring an egg hunt and trail.
- Christmas in the Gardens: Held in December, from 10am to 3pm.
- Halloween in the Gardens: Held in October, from 1pm to 3:30pm, with pre-booking required.
Visitors are advised that the gardens are built on a steep hillside, and access may be challenging for those with limited mobility. Wheelchair users and their registered carers are admitted free of charge, and alternative routes are available upon request.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Facilities include a coffee wagon, picnic benches, and a gift shop offering locally crafted items.
The castle itself is not open to the public, but the gardens provide excellent views of the castle and surrounding countryside.
Historic Houses members visit for free.
Adult: £10
Child: £4
Family (2+3): £25
Season Tickets:
Adult £35
Family £65
The group rate of £7.50 per person will apply to groups of 15+ people.
Driver and courier will be admitted free of charge.
Guided Tours with a Horticultural Theme:
£11.50 per person will apply to groups of 15+ people.
Getting here
Muthill, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4HN
We have found that the most helpful postcode to use for SAT NAV equipment is PH7 4HN.
Coach drivers should note that they must follow the signs directing coaches to a different entrance gate. The main gates are noit suitable for coaches.
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