Ellon Castle Gardens

Let the seasons spring forth!

There's no better way to clear your mind and find some peace than by taking a walk among nature. Whether it’s the winter coating of snow glistening on a cold day or the dappled shade from a grand yew tree, the Ellon Castle Gardens are a sight to behold any time of year.

The castle itself has a rich history. Once an 18th-century mansion built on the grounds of an older castle of the same name. Now ruins are all that survive and pay homage to what stood before.

As the warmer seasons spring forth, the Castle Gardens are a tranquil retreat for you, and the young ones are also sure to love exploring.

To herald the ushering in of a new time of year, you’ll find many snowdrops around the lush greenery. Flowering in the earlier months, you can easily spot this beautiful family of flora because of their white drooping bell-shaped flowers.

Find peace among the gardens

There's more to the place than just vibrant flowering views. The garden is known to host a range of community events and festivals throughout the year.

One visit may have you enjoying the ambiance of the ancient English yew trees as you absorb the history around every corner, the next you're travelling snowdrop trails as you search for a garden fairy.

There's also an abundance of wildlife to spot here, from red squirrels and bats to buzzards and bees. Perfect for critter enthusiasts.

The Ellon Castle Gardens have provided respite since 1715, but until recently the garden was a secret, all walled up and invisible even to the town's residents.

You can even explore the ruins of Ardgith Castle, which date back to the 1400s. See the sun shimmer across shaded pathways, meet the various volunteers on-site, all with stories to tell, and come away rested, thanks to all that nature!

Just keep it quiet, it can still be our little secret!