Top Things to do in Caithness and Sutherland
Top Restaurants in Caithness and Sutherland
Things to do in Caithness and Sutherland, Scotland: The Best Gardens
Discover the best top things to do in Caithness and Sutherland, United Kingdom including Dunbeath Castle Gardens, Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, The Castle and Gardens of Mey, Torrisdale Tunnel, John Lennon Memorial Garden.
Restaurants in Caithness and Sutherland
1. Dunbeath Castle Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Enjoy the beautiful gardens at Dunbeath Castle. Situated close to the North Sea coast, these gardens contain over 1600 plant varieties. To visit, please telephone or fill in the enquire form Please note the gardens are open by appointment only and the castle is not open to to the public.
Reviewed By VisitBlighty
I was intrigued to see the garden at Dunbeath. On the NC500 website they promote it, but I felt it was not made clear enough there that you have to book a tour ahead of time. On the Dunbeath website this is obvious. I had done so and had shared some really pleasant dialogue with the lady who deals with bookings. I was a solo visitor yet this proved no problem. It was a delightful experience. I must say they were amazing, despite my OCD planning I ended up arriving early, but they were happy to accommodate me which was a treat. Despite some rain clouds whilst I was at Dunrobin, by the time I arrived at Dunbeath I found it covered in a glow of sunshine. I felt like I was in on a secret driving down the enchanting drive and peeping into a wonderful fairytale like courtyard. I was met by the head gardener who was born to the role and then some. He was fabulous and personally took me all around the garden. I’m not my mother’s daughter as my green fingers are non existent, but I could still delight in this oasis of a garden. A real jewel and full of all sorts of enchanting corners and features. There is a greenhouse stocked and displayed as if it’s ready to go to Chelsea, but then the whole garden perching on a cliff above the wild North Sea is full of delicate flowers. There are three main areas of the garden: the walled garden is the most complete and magical for sure with its Unicorn sundial that has an amazing history, the secluded summerhouse, hidden seats and a raft of slate statues which are splendid. It’s wonderfully British and romantic and known as the Southern Garden. It’s a collection of rooms if you will and borders exploding with scent and colour. We then crossed the main drive in front of the castle which of course is an impressive edifice to see and into the Northern garden which I was less keen on. I gather they use it for weddings and other functions and it has an Asian theme. I found one of the buildings a bit off putting, but horses for courses I guess and then lastly the garden where the old laundry basins have been converted into a spectacular water feature which is incredible to see and wonderfully peaceful. At the end of the tour I enjoyed a fab cup of tea in the lovely tea room and a scummy array of biscuits and other sweets which was an unexpected and lovely way to end the tour before hitting the road again. I would thoroughly recommend you add this as part of your visit in these parts. It’s a joyous experience, exclusive and peaceful.
2. Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,765 reviews
Dunrobin Castle is the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. The earliest part of the building dates from around 1275 and has a number of later extensions. Your tour begins at the main staircase, which leads to the state rooms on the first floor. These include the Dining Room, set with the family silver, and our Library which has over 10,000 books. You then make your way to the smaller rooms in the older parts of the castle. The Tearoom and Gift Shop can be found on the ground floor. Access to the Gardens is from the Entrance Hall. Our Victorian Museum and Falconry displays can be found in the garden. Falconry displays 11.30am and 2pm daily during the months of April, May, June, July, August and September.
Reviewed By 899jessiee - Buxton, United Kingdom
Dunrobin Castle &Gardens are beautifully situated with the castle overlooking the ornately designed gardens, the castle itself is immaculate guides are there to answer any questions you may have giving you a clearer insight of how people lived in those times . A bird of prey display is given at certain times of the day and is well worth watching. This is a castle you must not miss
3. The Castle and Gardens of Mey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 935 reviews
Opening times for 2021 are to be confirmed. We are open daily from 1st May to 30th September however we will be closed from late July to the beginning of August. These dates are subject to change so please keep up to date on our website for the most recent information.
Reviewed By hildenley - Berkshire, United Kingdom
We had a beautiful around the coast from John O'Groats to the Castle of Mey & enjoyed a guided tour of the lovely house, then a walkabout in the pretty gardens & animal centre.
4. Torrisdale Tunnel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The tunnel is operational throughout the year. We invite you to visit at any time for a look around, make yourself a cuppa in the summerhouse, or relax in the orchard. We tend to be here everyday, however all items are labelled & priced and have an Honesty Box - so we are SELF SERVICE & ALWAYS OPEN! Always in stock we have a good variety of hedging/windbreak suitable for wet, windy coastal areas, mixed edible hedging, along with a good selection of native & fruit trees. We welcome enquiries and are happy to quote for bare root large or small planting projects. Around March we have a fine selection of hardy shrubs, perennials, climbers, alpines, fruit bushes etc and by May/June bedding plants and vegetable plants become available - all affordably priced. Later in the season we offer our surplus of home produced toms, cucumbers, courgettes, soft fruit etc. We try to recycle as much as possible and welcome your donations of used plant pots, bedding trays etc, it all helps to keep prices LOW!
Reviewed By sallyt403 - Halkirk, United Kingdom
On a trip out we visited this out of the way garden centre. Lovely collection of plants, herbs, shrubs & all very well priced. Bought some hedging for our garden & will go back for more. Little hut/shed filled with local jams & small gifts. All done by honest boxes. Loved looking at the veg in the poly tunnel as it gave me ideas for ours.
5. John Lennon Memorial Garden
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Huurman1968 - Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
Worth to pay a visit and learn about the life of John Lennon and his childhood. Glad that we stopped by and took a few minutes to read.
