Join us for a magical summer break at Maryculter House on the banks of the River Dee. This unique tour has been developed to help you discover and enjoy the region’s fascinating history and celebrate its art, architecture, gardens and historic collections. Each daily outing has been carefully designed to include something for everyone with a careful mix of the region’s finest castles, significant art collections and antiquities; all set within stunning gardens and estates. During your stay you will have time to soak up the grandeur and the atmosphere of the landscape as well as to encounter a mixture of garden styles including formal, woodland, walled and kitchen gardens; many containing historic plant collections, colourful herbaceous borders plus splendid trees and shrubs.
Our explorations begin with a short drive over the Grampian Mountains so inspirational to Lord Byron and celebrated in his work ‘Dark Lochnagar’. This route to Edzell Castle, famed for its Renaissance walled garden built in 1604 by Sir David Lindsay will be via the Cairn O’Mount providing an opportunity for you to enjoy the wild and magnificent scenery. On arrival we will explore the castle and the walled garden complete with parterres, a summerhouse and bathhouse! This unique garden is famed for its decorated ornate sculpted panels and is of European importance for its architecture. From here a further five hundred years of Scottish history, excellence and craftsmanship unfold with a visit to Drum Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest Tower Houses which is now famed for its vast library and collection of historic roses.
The formal garden at Pitmedden; originally laid out by Sir Alexander Seton in 1675 and recreated by the National Trust for Scotland in the 1950s, provides an opportunity for a leisurely morning stroll before a look at the Museum of Farming Life which brings the area’s significant agricultural past to life. Our tour also takes in the Scottish Baronial masterpiece of Fyvie Castle which has links with William the Lion, King of Scotland; it contains a vast collection of lavish artworks by Raeburn, Batoni, Romney, Gainsborough and others, as well as Flemish Tapestries, fine furniture, armour and antiquities. Here you will have time to discover the walled garden with its collection of Scottish fruit and colourful borders. The inspirational pink fairy-tale Craigievar Castle ‘which brings out the child in all of us’ holds an impressive collection of art and antiquities, all viewed by natural light. This is a setting that provides a special insight into innovative conservation work. Not far away, a visit to Kildrummy Castle Gardens allows us the opportunity to explore a romantic quarry garden, built below a ruined Medieval castle.
On our final day of touring we will visit the magnificent turreted Crathes Castle, which was lived in by the Burnett family for over 350 years. Today it is famed for its artworks, fine furniture, delightful 16th century painted ceilings, oak panelling and treasures such as the ‘Horn of Leys’ linked to Robert The Bruce. We will also explore the internationally renowned colourful walled garden; framed by ancient yew hedges it contains many rare and unusual plants. Continuing westward we drive through the heart of beautiful Royal Deeside to visit Balmoral Estate; the much-loved private home of the Royal Family since 1852 when it was purchased by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria.
Maryculter House
For the duration of our tour we have taken over one of Aberdeenshire’s most historic hotels, nestled on the banks of the graceful River Dee. Only twenty minutes from Aberdeen, this beautiful property can trace its history right back to the time of the Great Crusades, when the Knights Templar were granted part of the land of Culter, on the south side of the River Dee by King William the Lion in 1187. Between 1221 and 1236, the powerful Bisset family, the Lords of Aboyne, founded the Preceptory, or College, of the Knights Templar on the site of Maryculter House.
All that remains of these buildings today are the stone vaulted chambers located underneath the Great Hall, and the burial grounds and chapel ruins in the grounds next to the hotel. Dating back to 1460, the atmospheric Great Hall is the most ancient part of the hotel and is redolent with historic grandeur. Home to the prominent Jacobite William Menzies in the eighteenth century, the building was ravaged by fire in 1720 but has been respectfully rebuilt, restored and further developed since then, with the latest works adding the Terrace rooms back in the 1990s.
Many of the property’s 40 bedrooms boast stunning views, and all feature contemporary Scottish interiors that have undergone a recent refurbishment. Relax in the comfortable beds, luxuriate in the stylish bathrooms and enjoy the personal touches of Scottish hospitality, all in a wonderfully calm and restful property that is the perfect base for our exploration of this beautiful part of Scotland. The hotel’s restaurant which serves the finest in local, seasonal produce expertly created by a team of talented chefs, overlooks the river and provides a wonderful setting for your meals each evening.
Itinerary
Day 1 Aberdeen to Maryculter House, Scotland.
Meet at Aberdeen Airport or Railway Station in the mid afternoon for the transfer to Maryculter House where the attentive staff will assist you on arrival. Settle into your room or explore the grounds before meeting this evening for drinks and a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2 Edzell Castle & Drum Castle.
After a leisurely breakfast drive through the Grampian Mountains via Cairn O’Mount, the heart of Nan Shepherd country (author of the Grampian Quartet) to Edzell Castle, a fusion of art, science and nature and one of the finest 17th century walled gardens. Here David Mitchell will discuss the importance of the garden and its origins. Later, we drive along the coast to Stonehaven for lunch. In the afternoon we will make for Drum Castle, one of the oldest tower houses with a fine collection of portraits and Georgian furniture. After a guided tour of the house enjoy a walk in the historic scented Rose Garden. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Pitmedden Garden & Fyvie Castle.
Drive to Pitmedden, surely one of Scotland’s finest gardens. After a brief introduction take time to explore and enjoy at your own pace the silence and elegance of this unique Scottish Renaissance walled garden famed for its colourful parterres. In the late morning a short drive will bring us to Fyvie Castle and after lunch in the Victorian Kitchen join a guided tour of the 800-year-old castle including the impressive art collection. Later, join David Mitchell for a walk in the two acre walled garden with its abundant collection of Scottish Heritage fruit. Please note that Fyvie Castle is currently undergoing substantial restoration works. If the works are not complete by July 2024 and entry to the castle not permitted, our tour today will focus on the castle gardens. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Craigievar Castle & Kildrummy Castle Garden.
Our day begins with a visit to the iconic Craigievar Castle, fairy-tale pink and complete with turrets. A 17th century Scottish Baronial Tower House, it is renowned for its plasterwork, Jacobean oak panels and art collection. Situated on a designed landscape, it is home to several magnificent specimen trees. In the late morning drive to Kildrummy and enjoy a picnic lunch before a pleasant afternoon walk through Kildrummy, one of the most peaceful and tranquil gardens in Scotland’s North East. Built within an ancient quarry below the ruined 12th century castle it has a fine plant collection including woodland with wonderful vistas. David Mitchell will be available to answer questions and help you explore the grounds. Return to Maryculter House for afternoon tea and some traditional Scottish music. (B, L*, T, D)
Day 5 Crathes Castle & Balmoral.
The highlight for many will be our visit to Crathes Castle and Garden, regarded by many as the finest historic castle and garden in Scotland. Steeped in history, it is famed for its exceptional 16th century painted ceilings, oak panelling, and other antiquities. Enjoy the wonderful plant collection including herbaceous borders and a wide variety of exotic shrubs surrounded by a magnificent ancient yew hedge. We will take lunch at Crathes and then continue westwards through Royal Deeside to visit Balmoral. Stroll through the formal garden before exploring the vegetable gardens, the ballroom and the stable exhibitions. Driving back to Maryculter, we will stop at the historic borough of Ballater, famed for its Royal warrant holding shops and distinct architecture. This evening enjoy the farewell dinner at Maryculter House. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Maryculter House to Aberdeen.
After a hearty Scottish breakfast transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy21 to 26 July 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Classic Room | £2295 | |
Classic Riverview Room | £2395 | |
Classic Terrace Room | £2495 | |
Heritage Double Room | £2595 | |
Heritage Riverview Room | £2695 | |
Junior Suite | £2895 | |
Classic Four Poster | £2995 | |
Classic Room for Sole Use | £2595 | |
Classic Riverview Room for Sole Use | £2695 | |
Heritage Double Room for Sole Use | £2895 |
Tour Reference Code: LATAMING24
PRICE INCLUDES: Five nights hotel accommodation at Maryculter House • Meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, L* - Picnic Lunch, T – Afternoon Tea, D – Dinner) • Tour Leader • Guest Speaker • Excursions as described with entrance fees • Transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Maryculter House
For the duration of our tour we have taken over one of Aberdeenshire’s most historic hotels, nestled on the banks of the graceful River Dee. Only twenty minutes from Aberdeen, this beautiful property can trace its history right back to the time of the Great Crusades, when the Knights Templar were granted part of the land of Culter, on the south side of the River Dee by King William the Lion in 1187. Between 1221 and 1236, the powerful Bisset family, the Lords of Aboyne, founded the Preceptory, or College, of the Knights Templar on the site of Maryculter House.
All that remains of these buildings today are the stone vaulted chambers located underneath the Great Hall, and the burial grounds and chapel ruins in the grounds next to the hotel. Dating back to 1460, the atmospheric Great Hall is the most ancient part of the hotel and is redolent with historic grandeur. Home to the prominent Jacobite William Menzies in the eighteenth century, the building was ravaged by fire in 1720 but has been respectfully rebuilt, restored and further developed since then, with the latest works adding the Terrace rooms back in the 1990s.
Many of the property’s 40 bedrooms boast stunning views, and all feature contemporary Scottish interiors that have undergone a recent refurbishment. Relax in the comfortable beds, luxuriate in the stylish bathrooms and enjoy the personal touches of Scottish hospitality, all in a wonderfully calm and restful property that is the perfect base for our exploration of this beautiful part of Scotland. The hotel’s restaurant which serves the finest in local, seasonal produce expertly created by a team of talented chefs, overlooks the river and provides a wonderful setting for your meals each evening.
Travelling with You
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Chantal Cookson
Chantal was born in Suffolk very near the sea and now lives in Northumberland where her husband farms and when possible, they go to their cottage in Suffolk. Chantal has been associated with Noble Caledonia since the company was founded in 1991 and was part of the Expedition Team for many years on the MS Caledonian Star and has led tours, be it cruising or land, all over the world, including the Antarctic in 1999, aboard the Caledonian Star on her first voyage there and in 2017 was aboard the MS Island Sky on her first voyage to the Antarctic. Chantal’s initial experience of cruising was in British waters in 1991 when Noble Caledonia did the first cruise around the British Isles, which was a ground breaking voyage and led to a very successful and popular concept. Though her main job for over 25 years was working for Sotheby’s, she is now a Travel and Fine Art Consultant intertwining in her busy life still working periodically as part of the Noble Caledonia Expedition Team and also as a Tour Leader on Land Tours. From the Arctic to the Antarctica, South America to Australia, Africa, India, The Seychelles, Indonesian Islands and many other destinations including many times the West Coast of Scotland, she has been able to pursue her love of the oceans, zodiacing and photography. Chantal is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
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David Mitchell
David Mitchell was previously a Curator at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh; he is currently Deputy Chair of the National Trust for Scotland, and Director - Curator at Muddy Feet Consultancy. His own environmental education company specialising in landscape assessment, project development, horticulture, and interpretation.His knowledge as curator is augmented with over thirty years’ experience working as a consultant in the private and public sector, supporting organisations that include The National Archives of Scotland, The National Galleries of Scotland, The National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland. He has extensive broadcasting experience in television and radio with the BBC, STV and Channel Four; augmented by global involvement as an Expedition Lecturer for Noble Caledonia, the National Trust for Scotland and the American Ivy League Universities of Harvard, Dartmouth and Brown. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and the Royal Geographical Society he has a passion for nature and the land.
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Book with Confidence
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