Has your group visited Dunvegan Castle and Gardens yet? No visit to the Isle of Skye would be complete without savouring the wealth of history on display at the picturesque estate. Built on a rock in an idyllic lochside setting, Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland; this ancestral home of the chiefs of MacLeod for 800 years is still home to the Clan MacLeod chief today. Castle tours are available, which guide visitors through the historic rooms and explain about Dunvegan’s treasures, including the Great Sword of Dunvegan, the ‘Fairy Flag’ and portraits of the Dunvegan clan chiefs and their wives in the dining room.

Outside, several different gardens display a range of styles and plants. The Water Garden has ornate bridges, islands and rich, colourful plants while the Round Garden features a boxwood parterre as its centrepiece. The Walled Garden is formally planted with roses and herbaceous borders and has a Victorian-style glasshouse. Historical photographs and information about the gardens can be found in the Garden Museum, which explores the past and present of Dunvegan Castle’s grounds. For something a bit different, boat trips onto the loch are also available. These take visitors to see a colony of playful seals at close quarters in a traditionally-built clinker boat.

To make a complete day out, three shops offer a wide range of Highlands and Islands gifts and crafts, including bespoke items inspired by the castle collection, jewellery, knitwear, chocolates and Harris Tweed items. The MacLeod Tables Café serves great coffee and homemade soups and snacks, made from produce from the castle’s walled garden.

T: 01470 521206
E: info@dunvegancastle.com
W: www.dunvegancastle.com