Throughout the year, the ever changing gardens of Perthshire offer a stunning oasis of calm during your break in Scotland. Take time out to visit some of the most easily accessible close to the Dunalastair Hotel Suites near Pitlochry
Explorers Garden in the heart of Pitlochry
If you are after a less action-packed adventure holiday in Scotland, schedule in a visit to the tranquil haven known as the Explorers Gardens, a short drive from the Dunalastair Hotel Suites.
A lovingly maintained six acre oasis of peace in the midst of the dramatic Scottish Highlands, Pitlochry’s famous Woodland Garden offers much more than a welcome change of pace on your next Scottish Break.
Scotland has produced some of the world’s most successful Plant Hunters over the last two hundred years or so, and it’s here, among the dazzling collection of rare exotic plants and flowers, the beautifully preserved trees and shrubbery and the magnificent outdoor sculptures, that you’ll discover for yourself their history.
These legendary adventurers were much more than botanists, exploring unchartered territory and braving the wildest of conditions as they scoured the globe to collect, cultivate, and preserve rare flora and fauna from the furthest reaches of the continents. Plant lovers will appreciate the beauty of the garden, whilst the architecture and outdoor performances will bring to life the fantastic stories of the men who made the garden possible.
Their lives are celebrated today in this one-of-a-kind garden and outdoor exhibition centre, where you’ll also find the David Douglas Pavilion, designed as a tribute to one of Scotland’s most intrepid plant hunters, its romantic setting boasting spectacular views across the entire six acres of the Pitlochry Explorers Garden.
If you’re staying at the Dunalastair Hotel Suites near Pitlochry as part of a wildlife safari holiday in Scotland, you can’t afford to miss out on the Explorers Gardens’ daily guided tours.
Lasting roughly ninety minutes, the tours offer a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the Gardens’ native wildlife, as well as discover hidden gems in each of the separate areas.
Blair Castle & Gardens, Blair Atholl
Set in stunning scenery around the 13th century castle, the gardens at Blair Castle are well worth a visit.
Named after a statue originally set on the hill as a focus for the landscape to the east of the Castle, Hercules Garden is some 250 years’ old. Set in 9 acres, this walled garden was neglected and overgrown in the 20th century, until restoration work began some years ago, which will continue well into the 21st century to restore these beautiful gardens to their former glory. Incorporating landscaped ponds, a folly, a Chinese bridge and an impressive orchard of more than 100 fruit trees, this garden is not to be missed.
Also part of Blair Castle grounds, Diana’s Grove is a tranquil wooded area close to the castle, and the Banvie Burn, which runs through the Grove is crossed by two attractive 18th century bridges. Visit the ruins of St Bride’s Kirk which has its origins in Celtic times, and the deer park stocked with native red deer, just north of the castle.
The castle and gardens are open most of the year, see http://www.blair-castle.co.uk/ for details.
Bolfracks Garden
A 40-minute drive from your accommodation at the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, the ornamental Garden surrounds Bolfracks House at Aberfeldy.
Best known for the collection of unusual plants, the gardens are bright, lush and inviting. Set in four acres, the historic walled garden dates from the middle of the 18th century, and in 1928 a Stream garden was laid out to follow the course of Bolfracks Burn as it passes through the estate. Much of what can be seen today originates from the 1970s.
The vivid colours progress through the year from the early bulbs in bloom and a carpet of bluebells during springtime, through late summer when the roses are at their fragrant best. In autumn the crab apple trees burst into vibrant oranges, yellows and reds. http://www.bolfracks.com/
Whether you’re looking for adventure or the chance to enjoy a relaxing Scottish break, make your next holiday one to remember with a stay at the Dunalastair Hotel Suites near Pitlochry. Book online today, or call our dedicated team on +44 (0)1882 580444.