Plan A Visit
Group Visits
Visiting Dumfries and Galloway
The Castle
The Buccleuch Collection
The Douglas Family
Attractions
Castle Tours
The Adventure Playground
The Castle Gardens
Walking and Hiking
Mountain Biking
Cycling
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Fishing
Buccleuch Gundogs
Game Shooting
Simulated Game
Stay
Self Catering Apartments
Self Catering Cottages
The First Signs of Spring
It wouldn’t be a Snowdrop Walk without the humble snowdrop, but at this time of year there are also other subtle hints that Spring is on its way. Make sure you look out for:
Different varieties of Snowdrops
The snowdrops within the Gardens were all planted in the last 25 years or so by the Gardens team, our hard-working Garden volunteers and pupils from Wallace Hall Academy through the Queensberry Initiative.
Visitors can see Galanthus nivalis, the common snowdrop, as well as some more specialist varieties. Look out for Galanthus nivalis viridapice with its distinctive green tips; Galanthus nivalis flore pleno, which has double white flowers; and Galanthus elwesii, a larger snowdrop also known as a ‘greater snowdrop’. There are also snowdrops, Leucojum aestivum, on display.
Dogwoods and Willows
As you weave your way along the way-marked Snowdrop Walk through the Winter Garden, look out for the noticeable coloured stems of the dog woods and willows.
Witch hazels
It’s hard to miss the flowering oranges, yellows and reds of the witch hazels against the white of the snowdrops. Look out for these particularly in the lower areas of the Garden.
Hellebores
Another beautiful flower to look out for as you navigate through the Gardens is the small Hellebore. A beautiful winter plant with green leaves and either white, pink, ruby or green blooms.
Plant Sales
With spring in the air, you might be starting to think about your own garden. Look out for a variety of plants for sale including snowdrops, daffodils, and different varieties of iris. Many of the plants have been grown within the Drumlanrig Castle Gardens.
The Wider Gardens
Don’t miss the chance to explore the wider Castle Gardens too. Steeped in history, you can discover the first Douglas firs in Scotland, historic Heather and Summer Houses and even a pet cemetery! Don’t forget to download, or snap a picture, of our handy Gardens map to get the most from your visit.
Larchwood Cabin
It wouldn’t be a day out without a delicious hot drink and tasty treat! The Larchwood Cabin will be open 11am to 3pm, with a lovely selection of hot and cold drinks and homemade traybakes for you to enjoy!
Snowdrop Walk Weekend
The Castle Gardens will be open Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th March, 11am until 3pm. Please note the Adventure Playground will be closed.
Dogs are very welcome on leads.