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.
Opening Times
Season: Drummond Castle Gardens opens annually from 1 May to 31 October.
June to September: The gardens are open from 11am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. (Note: some records indicate opening hours of 11am to 6pm during June, July and August in other seasons.)
October: Opening hours are 11am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm. The gardens close for the season on 31 October.
Special Events and Activities
World Outlander Day takes place on June 1st each year.
Open Days are held periodically throughout the season, featuring entertainment such as the Comrie Pipe Band, Scottish Country Dancing, and Turleum Twirlstars, alongside activities including archery, fly casting, gun dog displays, and various stalls. Afternoon teas and garden produce are typically available.
Woodland Walk
The Daggan Wood woodland walk is accessible during regular garden opening hours throughout the season.
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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