Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles
Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles is set in the heart of a 20,000 acre Highland estate in the Sleat peninsula of south Skye.
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 also further development in Victorian times with expanses of lawn intermittently planted with trees and shrubbery.
A visit to Armadale Castle Gardens & Museum of the Isle is a must for all. With lovely forest walks, tranquil gardens and a wide variety of plant life you will find yourself lost in the beauty of Skye.
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 strolls 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.
Opening Hours
9.30am – 5.30pm, seven days a week, from 6 April 2009 until 31 October 2009
Contact
Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles
Clan Donald Lands Trust
Armadale
Isle of Skye
IV45 8RS
Great Britain
Tel: +44 (1471) 844305
Fax: +44 (1471) 844275
E-Mail: office@clandonald.com
WWW: http://www.clandonald.com
