Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Any visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without savouring the wealth of history and clan legend on offer at Dunvegan Castle & Gardens. Built on a rock in an idyllic loch side setting, Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years.
On display are many fine oil paintings and clan treasures, the most famous of which is the Fairy Flag. Legend has it that this sacred Banner has miraculous powers and when unfurled in battle, the clan MacLeod would invariably defeat their enemies. Another of the castle’s great treasures is the Dunvegan Cup, a unique ‘mazer’ dating back to the Middle Ages. It was gifted by the O’Neils of Ulster as a token of thanks to one of our most celebrated Chiefs, Sir Rory Mor, for his support of their cause against the marauding forces of Queen Elizabeth I of England in 1595.
Visitors can enjoy tours of an extraordinary castle and Highland estate steeped in history and clan legend, delight in the beauty of its formal gardens, take a 25min boat trip onto Loch Dunvegan to see the seal colony (Voted 1 of the Best UK Days Out by The Sunday Times Travel Magazine), charter one of its traditional clinker boats for a fishing trip or Loch cruise, stay in one of its charming holiday cottages, enjoy an appetising meal at the MacLeods Table Cafe or browse in one of its four shops offering a wide choice.
Dunvegan Castle’s five acres of formal gardens began life in the 18th century. In stark contrast to the barren moorland and mountains that dominate Skye’s landscape, the gardens are a hidden oasis featuring an eclectic mix of plants, woodland glades, shimmering pools fed by waterfalls and streams flowing down to the sea. After experiencing the Water Garden with its ornate bridges and islands replete with a rich and colourful plant variety, wander through the elegant surroundings of the formal Round Garden featuring a Box-wood Parterre as its centrepiece. The Walled Garden is well worth a visit. In what was formerly the castle’s vegetable garden, is now a diverse range of plants and flowers that compliment the attractive features including a water lily pond, a Victorian Gazebo, neoclassical urn and a Larch Pergola.
A considerable amount of replanting and landscaping has taken place over the last thirty years to restore the gardens to their former glory and provide a legacy which future generations can enjoy.
There is a wealth of activities in the area ranging from walking, fishing and sightseeing to fine local cuisine and camping at the estate’s Glenbrittle Campsite (voted No.1 UK campsite by The Daily Telegraph) at the foot of the majestic Cuillin mountain range.
Over time, we have given a warm Highland welcome to visitors including Sir Walter Scott, Flora MacDonald and Queen Elizabeth II and we now look forward to welcoming you.
MacLeod Estate Office
Tel: 01470 521206
Email: info@dunvegancastle.com
www.dunvegancastle.com
Opening Hours
OPEN: 1 April - 15 October
10am - 5.30pm (last entry 5pm)
Guided tours available daily but advisable to book in advance
OPEN BY APPOINTMENT: 16 October - 31 March
Guided tours available Monday to Friday for groups of 10 people or more.
CASTLE & GARDENS CLOSED
Christmas & New Year
Property Address
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Dunvegan
Isle of Skye
IV55 8WF
Scotland
Contact
Executive Director
MacLeod Estate Office
Dunvegan House
Dunvegan
Scotland
IV55 8WF
Great Britain
Tel: +44 (1470) 521206
Fax: +44 (1470) 520205
E-Mail: info@dunvegancastle.com
WWW: http://www.dunvegancastle.com
