Armadale Castle Gardens

The 40 acres of exotic trees, shrubs and flowers are remarkable for their beauty and for their very existence.

The warm, generally frost-free, climate of the west coast of Scotland - a result of the Gulf Stream - and the work of our professional staff allow the sheltered gardens to flourish.

Although there have been gardens at Armadale since the 17th century it was just over 200 years ago that the planting began which was to create the gardens you see today.

There was further development in Victorian times with expanses of lawn intermittently planted with trees and shrubery.  A walled kitchen garden and glass-houses would have provided the Castle with freshly grown produce.

When the Clan Donald Lands Trust took over the gardens were overgrown and neglected.  Several years of hard pruning, rebuilding and planting around the centrepiece of Armadale Castle has resulted in 40 acres of fascinating woodland gardens and lawns that provide a tranquil place to sit or walk.

Underneath the now majestic trees thrives a carpet of bluebells, orchids and wild meadow flowers, in spring and summer, forming a gentle backdrop to the formally planted areas such as the sunny terraced walk and herbaceous borders.

Water plants flourish in and around the ponds and shrubs from around the world thrive throughout.  The gardens and the area are also home to birds and wildlife not generally found on the Isle of Skye.  Leading off from the formal gardens, visitors can enjoy woodland walks and nature trails, from short walks to much longer walks with beautiful views over the Sound of Sleat.

On the walks you can see the many varieties of trees, plant life, natural geology, wildlife, sites of old estate buildings, Armadale farm and plenty of views of Armadale Castle and the Sleat Peninsula.

You can see Roe deer, red deer, otters, and a variety of birds and other animals.  The sharp eyed may see a golden eagle.

Good footwear is recommended.

 

How to contact us

Armadale Castle Gardens & Museum of the Isles
Armadale, Sleat, Isle of Skye IV45 8RS, Scotland.
Telephone: 01471 844305 or 01471 844227
Fax: 01471 844275
E-mail: office@clandonald.com

If telephoning from outside the UK the numbers are your international code +44 1471 844305 or 844227, or Fax +44 1471 844275.

The direct line to the Museum of the Isles is 01599 534454

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