If you think this Scots castle is stunning - wait until you see inside
Despite the location, the climate here is surprisingly mild, thanks to the last remnants of the Gulf stream, which flows around the north coast before bringing warmth to the waters off Sutherland.
The formal gardens feature two parterres with circular pools and fountains and the borders are filled, first with hyacinths and tulips and then with dahlias in order to give seasonal displays.
Castle interior (Image: Discover Gardens)
Recently a programme of tree planting has been taking place across the wider estate, with the aim of returning the landscape to how it was in the 1850s. Self-seeded sycamores have been removed in order to create more open areas for new specimen trees, which have been surrounded with thorn bushes, brambles and tayberries as a barrier against roe deer and also to provide foraging for visitors and wildlife.
More trees have also been added to act as structure amongst the grasses and wildflowers in the meadow area.
Since the launch of the North Coast 500 driving route in 2015, visitor numbers at Dunrobin have more than doubled to in excess of 100,000 and inside the castle they are greeted by cut flowers from the garden and by pleiones, which are raised from pseudobulbs every spring and then planted in large bowls and covered with Sphagnum moss.
Outside, the decorative vegetable garden, inspired by 19th century French potagers, features giant pyramid plant supports that create height amongst the tangle of flowers and produce.
Dunrobin Castle Gardens (Image: Discover Gardens)
Because of the mild temperatures, Gunnera manicata and fuchsias flourish here including Fuchsia 'Dunrobbin Bedder', which was bred at the castle.
The long summer days make for exceptionally tall herbaceous plants and both Californian lilacs and early 20th century climbing hybrid tea roses enjoy the conditions, along with Choisya ternata, the Mexican orange blossom, which forms evergreen mounds in a sheltered corner, its heavily-scented white flowers attracting butterflies and moths on summer evenings.
Details:
The castle sits on the A9, half a mile north of Golspie.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access to the garden can be arranged by request.
Dunrobin Castle is open daily, 10.30 am - 4.30 pm.
Tickets: £15.50/£13.50/£9/Free (six and under)
Tel: 01408 633177
info@dunrobincastle.co.uk
www.dunrobincastle.co.uk
In association with www.discoverscottishgardens.org
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