Gardens of Perthshire & Fife

This morning, we meet our expert gardener, Iain MacDonald, at Dublin Airport before flying to Edinburgh. Upon arrival in Scotland, we travel to the Crieff Visitor Centre—home to the renowned Caithness Glass Factory and a beautifully curated garden centre.

Next, we explore the magnificent Drummond Castle Gardens, a stunning example of a 17th-century Scottish Renaissance Garden. Rich in history, this formal garden was redesigned during the early Victorian era and thoughtfully restored in the 20th century, preserving the elegance and intricate layout of its original 19th-century design. 

Later in the afternoon, we continue to our hotel in Perth, where we’ll enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner together.

Following a leisurely breakfast, we begin our day with a visit to the enchanting Cambo Gardens. This historic 2.5-acre walled garden, dating back to the 1800s, features vibrant seasonal plantings and charming woodland walks that lead to the scenic Fife Coastal Path.

In the afternoon, we make our way to Kellie Castle Gardens, a superb example of Arts & Crafts garden design. The grounds are home to impressive herbaceous borders and organically cultivated fruit and vegetables. The castle itself is steeped in history—the oldest towers date to the 14th century, while the interior showcases elegant 19th-century restorations. Crow-stepped gables and fairytale turrets define the exterior, while inside, intricate plasterwork, hand-painted panelling, and exquisite furnishings—many by architect Sir Robert Lorimer, who spent his childhood here—complete the picture.

Our day begins with a visit to the serene and beautifully maintained Pitmuies Garden. Here, two celebrated walled gardens—the Kitchen Garden and the Formal Garden—create a sheltered microclimate filled with colour and calm. Beyond the gardens, you'll find majestic tree-lined walks, open lawns, a tranquil loch, and a charming turreted doo’cot housing hundreds of nesting boxes for pigeons and doves.

In the afternoon, we continue to the iconic Glamis Castle & Gardens, the ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and famously associated with Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The castle is surrounded by magnificent gardens that offer year-round beauty. Stroll through a rich variety of landscapes, from manicured parkland and historic policies to the elegant Italian Garden, lush mixed woodland, and the impressive Pinetum to the northeast.

After checking out of our hotel, we begin the day with a visit to the enchanting hillside Branklyn Gardens. Renowned for its collection of rare and unusual plants, this hidden gem draws botanists from around the world—especially during rhododendron season. Highlights include vibrant alpines, peat-loving species, and a rich diversity of flora set against a tranquil backdrop.

In the afternoon, we explore Falkland Palace & Gardens, a stunning royal retreat with a unique Victorian charm. Once a favourite of the Stuart kings, the palace is surrounded by serene grounds featuring a historic orchard, wildflower meadows, formal garden, and a physic garden planted with Renaissance-era medicinal herbs.

Time to return to Dublin! We will transfer Edinburgh airport for our return flight to Dublin.