
Drummond Castle Gardens
Europe's finest formal gardens, famed for their 17th-century Italian parterre and as an Outlander filming location.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Tulip festival blooms

Drummond Castle Gardens
Best Time
Tulip festival blooms

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's finest formal gardens, famed for their 17th-century Italian parterre and as an Outlander filming location.
"Absolutely stunning castle and garden, a must-visit if you're in the area!"

🎟️ Garden Entry Fee
Expect around £10-£16 for garden access. Check official site for current prices.
☕ Coffee & Cake Cart
Enjoy delicious cakes and coffee with garden views from the charming cart.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

17th Century Formal Gardens
Main Garden Terraces
Immaculate Italian parterre design with regal terraces, a true masterpiece of formal gardening.

Outlander Filming Location
Gardens
Step into the shoes of Claire and Jamie as these gardens doubled for Versailles in Season 2.

Victorian Garden Design
Upper Terraces
Experience one of Europe's finest surviving Victorian gardens on a grand scale.

Tree-Lined Avenue
Entrance Drive
A mile-long avenue of beech trees creates an alluring approach to the castle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Bloom Season
Garden Access vs. Castle Interior
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Garden Entry Fee
Expect around £10-£16 for garden access. Check official site for current prices.
☕ Coffee & Cake Cart
Enjoy delicious cakes and coffee with garden views from the charming cart.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on terraces and paths, so wear comfy shoes.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Retreat
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the gardens, making it a great spot for pet owners.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Garden Entry Fee
Expect around £10-£16 for garden access. Check official site for current prices.
☕ Coffee & Cake Cart
Enjoy delicious cakes and coffee with garden views from the charming cart.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on terraces and paths, so wear comfy shoes.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Retreat
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the gardens, making it a great spot for pet owners.
📸 Outlander Fan Must-See
Perfect for Outlander fans; the gardens famously stood in for Versailles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Drummond Castle Gardens for their stunning beauty, immaculate maintenance, and historical significance. The formal gardens, especially during bloom season, are a major highlight, offering a peaceful and picturesque experience. The Outlander connection adds an extra layer of appeal for fans. Some minor points of disappointment include occasional damage to woodland trail sculptures and the limited access to the castle interior.
"An absolutely stunning castle and garden to visit. The beautifully maintained garden is a nice place for a walk, in addition to the many varieties of tree. Peacocks were a bonus and a great addition to this gorgeous garden. You can also enjoy a quick bite and some tea with delicious dessert while enjoying the beautiful garden view. A must visit place if you are in the area."
Wassim Ayass
"We enjoyed a day at Drummond Castle Gardens on what turned out to be a beautiful but rather hot day. The gardens, orchards, and grounds are beautiful, and there is a fabulous little coffee bar where they serve the most delicious cakes and tarts. We were slightly disappointed during the woodland trail, as a few sculptures were damaged or missing during our visit. Hence my star rating."
Julie Graham
"What an absolutely beautiful place!
The long tree-lined drive up to the Drummond Castle is just the beginning of what to expect.
The grounds are majestic.
On the day we visited, it was a beautiful day which further enhanced these amazing gardens. It costs £10 per adult to get into the gardens via a small gift shop and then you go through to the courtyard where there is a small wagon selling tea, coffee and cakes.
Down the impressive staircase you are met with the most impressive views over the gardens.
It is such a lovely, special place."
kerry Gorman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Drummond Castle Gardens are located in Perthshire, near Crieff. The best way to reach it is by car, as public transport options are limited. The drive itself is scenic, often featuring a mile-long beech tree avenue.
Yes, there is parking available on-site. It's usually convenient and close to the garden entrance, making it easy to access the grounds.
Yes, it's a popular day trip destination. From Glasgow, it's about a 1.5-hour drive, and from Edinburgh, it's a similar duration.
The nearest town is Crieff, which is a charming market town in Perthshire. It offers amenities and is a good base if you're exploring the wider area.
The main garden terraces are generally accessible, but some areas might have steps or uneven terrain. It's advisable to check with the venue directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Garden entry typically costs around £10 per adult, with potential variations for children or special events. It's recommended to check the official Drummond Castle Gardens website for the most up-to-date pricing.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea, especially during peak season or for specific events like the tulip festival, to secure your entry.
Opening hours vary seasonally. Generally, the gardens are open from spring through autumn. Always check the official website for current opening times before your visit.
Access to the castle interior is not always guaranteed and depends on specific opening schedules or private events. The primary focus for visitors is the magnificent gardens.
Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, or children. It's best to inquire directly with the venue or check their official website for any applicable offers.
📸 📸 Photography & Outlander
Absolutely! The formal gardens, terraces, and surrounding landscapes offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially during bloom season and with good weather.
Drummond Castle Gardens famously served as the Gardens of Versailles in Season 2 of Outlander, where key scenes involving Claire and Jamie took place.
Recreate iconic scenes by photographing the formal parterre gardens and the grand terraces, which were the backdrop for many Versailles scenes.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and gardens to protect the environment and other visitors. It's best to check the venue's policy before flying.
Golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) offer beautiful light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the garden's colors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a lovely coffee cart on-site that serves delicious cakes, tarts, tea, and coffee, perfect for a break while exploring the gardens.
While there isn't explicit information about picnics, it's generally best to consume food purchased on-site or in designated areas to maintain the garden's pristine condition.
The nearby town of Crieff offers several dining options, from traditional pubs to cafes, if you're looking for a more substantial meal after your visit.
Travelers often rave about the delicious cakes and tarts available at the coffee cart, making it a highlight for many visitors.
Drummond Castle offers holiday homes on its grounds, suggesting potential for private events. Inquire directly with the castle for catering and event possibilities.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Explore the meticulously maintained formal gardens, admire the 17th-century Italian parterre, walk through the orchards and woodlands, and enjoy the stunning views.
While not specifically designed for children, the open spaces allow kids to run around, and the peacocks can be a fun sight. The woodland trail might also offer some interest.
The woodland trail offers a different perspective of the grounds. However, some visitors have noted that sculptures on the trail may be damaged or missing.
Yes, peacocks are often seen roaming the gardens, adding a unique and delightful element to the visitor experience.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the gardens, but you could easily spend longer if you wish to linger, enjoy the coffee cart, or take many photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎬 Outlander Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Garden Lovers & Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Design of Drummond Castle Gardens
The gardens were famously redesigned and terraced in the 19th century, showcasing a blend of historical influences. This meticulous approach to landscaping has resulted in one of Europe's and Scotland's most important and impressive formal gardens. The mile-long avenue of beech trees leading to the castle is an iconic feature, setting a majestic tone for the visit.
Beyond the formal parterres, visitors can explore orchards and woodland trails, offering a diverse experience of the estate's natural beauty. The combination of historical design, seasonal blooms, and expansive grounds makes Drummond Castle Gardens a truly special destination.
Drummond Castle Gardens: An Outlander Fan's Paradise
During Season 2, the gardens were the setting for pivotal moments, including the memorable and unexpected encounter between Claire, Jamie, and Black Jack Randall. Walking through the immaculate Italian parterre and along the regal terraces, visitors can easily imagine themselves stepping back in time and reliving these iconic scenes. The visual parallels between Drummond Castle Gardens and the Palace of Versailles are striking, making it a must-visit for any Outlander enthusiast.
Whether you're a dedicated fan or simply appreciate stunning landscapes, the Outlander connection adds an extra layer of magic to the Drummond Castle Gardens experience. It's a chance to connect with the show's history and explore a location that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Visiting Drummond Castle Gardens with Children
A particular highlight for many visitors, including children, are the peacocks that often roam freely within the gardens. Their striking plumage and presence can be quite captivating. The mile-long beech tree avenue leading to the castle also offers a sense of grandeur and adventure. While there aren't dedicated play areas, the sheer open space and the unique sights like the peacocks can make for a memorable outing.
It's worth noting that the focus is on the gardens themselves, and while there's a charming coffee cart for refreshments, the experience is more about appreciating the landscape than interactive entertainment. Parents should be prepared for a more relaxed pace and encourage children to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.



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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit