Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens

This beautifully eclectic garden is full of hidden surprises, nestled on the banks of the River Avon.

from 517 Google reviews

A castle with a clock at the top of a building

1 of 6

Photo by Colin Mclean. Colin Mclean

About the garden

The Gardens are the pride and joy of the Laird’s mother, Clare Russell, and the Head Gardener, Kevin Clarke. Although not blessed with the most ideal of climates to produce reliably horticultural firework displays, the Gardens have been planned to make the most of the soil and the landscape throughout the year!

Today the visitor enters the Gardens by passing the 18th Century Doo’cot (or dovecote) and soon discovers that there are, in fact, three distinct gardens waiting to be explored. Beyond the large lawn extending from the front of the Castle lies the Rockery, climbing up from the lower slopes of the valley of the River Avon, and affording fine views of the Castle itself. Adjacent to, and enclosed on three sides by the Castle, sits the Courtyard Garden, classically formal and hauntingly romantic. North of the Castle a laburnum arch and tree-lined avenue leads to the magnificent Walled Garden, redesigned in 1996 to celebrate the Castle’s 450th anniversary, and a profusion of colour and perfume all year round.

From the riot of daffodils in Spring to the Autumn roses, with the herbaceous border through the summer, there is plenty to see around the Castle all through the year. All three gardens offer a cornucopia of flora and fauna. Red Squirrels darting here and there between the magnificent trees; roe deer grazing along the banks of the River Avon.

Opening times

12 April - 30 September Sunday - Thursday 10am - 5pm (Last admission 4pm)

Useful details

Garden area

2 Acres

Dog walking

Yes - Dogs on leads. Yes - Responsible dog owners and their best friends are always welcome, although dogs (other than guide dogs) are not permitted in all areas of the Gardens nor inside the Castle. There is a dedicated Dog Walking Area set aside in a paddock alongside the Car Park. In addition, visitors are invited to walk their dogs in the woods around the River Walk. These options are marked on the map of the Castle and Gardens that you will be given on arrival. We would ask visitors not to take their dogs into other areas of the grounds. Due to the nature of the Gardens, the presence of other visitors and the ground-nesting birds and red squirrels that live here, we must ask visitors to keep their dogs under control at all times.

Cafe or restaurant

Food and drink facilities include a cafe/restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.

Family

Yes - Children of all ages.

Wheelchair access

Mostly accessible (many paths flat and paved).

Shops

Yes - There is a gift shop.

Banffshire , AB37 9AX

Check local coronavirus guidance before you visit

Weather forecast

Find the garden

Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens

Banffshire

AB37 9AX

Sat Nav Postcode

AB37 9AX

Open in Google Maps

Things to see

No features yet for this season

Google reviews

4.6
from 517 Google reviews

Jackie Steadman

8 months ago

This is one of the most beautiful castles we have ever visited. The castle itself is stunning and the rock and walled gardens are beautiful. The sunshine helped but still beautiful. Tea rooms and shop were really good too and all the staff were just so nice Well worth a visit

Tollets TalesAndTrails

6 months ago

It was the walking trail that attracted me to do a day visit with entry into the property which gives you an idea of how the other half live and the connections they have. It can be a challenge to climb steep stairway and down to the dungeon for those with mobility issues. Most grounds are flat and accessible including the paths up to the Spey and Avon river as they meet. Some nice tranquil spots/ bench to sit and watch the rivers run . Best to bring a picnic like we did. The rockery is a great spot to get a photo of the castle . Don’t miss the lovely rose garden . I must have missed the fragrance as I was crazy taking lots of photos . I could spend a whole day here, but then again there is just too much of Scotland to see.

Anastasios Demetriades

a year ago

Beautiful castle and grounds in close proximity to the river Spey along which there is a lovely walking route. It's also possible to see a part of the inside of the castle. The visitor facilities are excellent, the food and cakes are home made and top notch and the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended.

Keith Richards

a year ago

Fantastic welcome from Jeff on the gate very friendly and helpful. We arrived at the castle it's stunning the staff in the café and shop are very helpful .and the guide in the castle who took your tickets was again excellent .we toured the castle rooms on our own no pictures allowed but you will have to take my word for it it's gorgeous well worth the visit .and the walled garden DON'T miss it again stunning

SARA DODD

4 months ago

What can I say about this place. Its so homely and comfortable. There is so much to see. The gardens are beautiful too. Can I come and stay?

Contact the garden

01807 500205

ballindallochcastle.co.uk/

facebook.com/Ballindalloch-Castle-545331515483437

tourism@ballindallochcastle.co.uk

Nearby gardens

See more gardens