Gordon Castle Walled Garden
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Tuesday: 10:00 - 15:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 15:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 15:00
Friday: 10:00 - 15:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 15:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 15:00
About Gordon Castle Walled Garden
Home to the Gordon Castle Walled Garden, cafe and produce shop in the heart of Fochabers.
Gordon Castle Walled Garden Description
Gordon Castle is the “spiritual home” of the Gordon Clan and has significant historical importance in Scotland, but also to everyone in the world called Gordon.
We also have a very special Walled Garden. The garden, at 8 acres probably the largest productive walled kitchen garden in the country, had fallen into disrepair. However, it had been kept weed free and the two hundred and forty nine espaliered apple, plum, pear, peach, apricot, nectarine and fig trees around the walls had been well kept for many years by ex-head gardener Willie Robertson, a true expert having worked in the garden since 1946. The buildings were also ancient and had fallen into disrepair and needed restoration.
So we decided to combine the redevelopment of the Walled Garden with the launch of our product range and the Gordon Castle Scotland brand. The garden itself was an awkward size at 8 acres: Too big for the needs of the Castle, but not big enough to be commercially viable in a modern world. We decided to turn it into a productive space of beauty, education and heritage capable of supplying the ingredients for all our products and for a shop and restaurant.
Given that the story of the products is all about the place, provenance and being natural we thought that people would like to visit our garden and whilst there would like to sample the fresh produce straight from the garden.
So we had the garden designed with a modern twist on the traditional kitchen garden by multi award-winning garden designer Arne Maynard. A network of paths and beds have already been built and planted, together with an outside performance stage and children’s play area.
Our café is a “new build” designed by award winning architect Craig Hamilton. Delightful and delicious seasonal Scottish dishes are prepared with care and plenty of flair using the finest local ingredients, so fresh you may see some being picked from our Garden before they reach your plate. Guests can enjoy coffee, a homemade lunch, afternoon tea, or a top notch dinner, whilst watching the garden grow from the restaurant’s ceiling to floor windows. “Plant, Pick, Plate” is our motto.
Reviews
Good morning world 🌅❄️😍 #gardensofinstagram #walledgarden #gardens #gardensoftheworld #sunrise #scotlandisnow #visitscotland #scottishhighlands #scotspirit #scotland #nofilter #beautifulscotland #morayspeyside
Have you visited our Children's Play Area yet? It's a big hit with children of all ages and encourages messy, imaginative play.
The space was created almost entirely from reclaimed Estate materials; stone from the Castle walls, storm blown logs, gravel and rocks from the quarry pit and plants grown in the garden. The project was a combined staff effort to dig, gather, plant and plow the natural playground into shape, all under the expertise and experience of Timberplay Scotland Ltd.
Let your child’s imagination run free as they learn about the diversity of nature, overcome little challenges and – as budding gardeners – work with elemental materials to create their very own natural story. https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/garden/chi ldrens-play-area/
Come in and cosy up today! ☕️
We've got hot coffee, fresh scones and our delicious new menu to see you through 😊
Our special today is Toulouse sausages with cheesy mashed potatoes and Gordon Castle onion chutney gravy! 😍
... To book, phone us at +44(0)1343 612317 or book online here https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/cafe/book- a-table/
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Today’s #throwbackthursday focuses on our beloved Garden Cottage.
Undeniably one of our favourite features in the garden, this historic building watches over us as we transform the garden in snow, rain, hail and sun!🌞 available to rent, come and stay with us. #gardenhistory #gordoncastle #throwback #gardencottage #cottagestyle #cottagegarden #cottagegoals #pictureperfect
Mother's Day Weekend Treats 💗
Your mum deserves a treat so after last year's sell out on the Sunday, we've added a gin afternoon tea option to the Saturday! Our Mother's Day Weekend includes:
30th March - Gin Afternoon Tea £19.95pp... 31st March - Set Lunch Menu from £25pp
To book for either of these please call us directly on 01343 612317. Tables are on a first come, first served basis so don't delay 😍
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We have a new menu launching tomorrow and to celebrate, we're giving away lunch for two💃
To enter simply: 👍Like our page 🙋♀️Tell us who you'd take... 🍔Share this post with your friends!
Winner will be announced on Monday 11th February. In the meantime, check out our new menu https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/cafe/seaso nal-menu/ or book your table online here https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/cafe/book- a-table/
Good luck 🍀
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Today's #throwbackthursday is dedicated to a good friend of ours.
For sixty-seven years Willie Robertson tended to the garden and there is nothing much he doesn’t know about it. Willie is as much part of this garden as the walls themselves.
It was Willie, as Head Gardener, who carried out the vision Geordie and Nan Gordon Lennox had for commercial soft fruit production here and his knowledge of the soft fruit and trees is second-to-none.
... Here is Willie and friends pictured in the garden. Thank you Willie for taking such good care of our garden👏👏
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An amazing wedding space coming soon to Gordon Castle, can't wait for this 😍
Our beautiful pear sculpture was looking glorious in the snow today! It was lovingly created by @rattraysculptures and is made from recycled garden tools and materials from across the Estate. It sits proudly on top of the mound in our grass maze ❄️
Dreaming of warmer weather today 😍 Did you visit us in summer? #madeinmoray #visitmoray #gordoncastlewalledgarden
In the words of the great bard🙏
"Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o the puddin’-race! Aboon them a’ ye tak your place, ... Painch, tripe, or thairm: Weel are ye worthy o’ a grace As lang’s my arm."
Join us today and tomorrow for our Burns Lunch special. Book now on 01343 612317📞
Did you know that following a visit to Gordon Castle, Robert Burns wrote a poem by way of thank you to the 4th Duke of Gordon and his wife. Read the poem in full - https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/…/robert -burns-castle-gordon/
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Join us this Mother's Day Weekend at Gordon Castle Walled Garden! 💐
Saturday 30th March 2.30-4pm: Mother's Day Gin Inspired Afternoon Tea £19.95 including GC Gin & Tonic
... Sunday 31st March 12-2.30pm: Mother's Day 2 x courses: £25.00 includes glass of Fizz 3 x courses: £30.00 includes glass of Fizz
View the Menu's in the link below https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/event/moth ers-day-weekend/
Please phone our Cafe to book +44(0)1343 612317
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Today’s #throwbackthursday takes us to 1967 when the garden was a raspberry farm producing over 70 tonnes of fruit for our friends at Baxters Highland Village. That’s the same weight as the space shuttle! Crazy amount of raspberries...🤪 #gordoncastle #1960s #historicscotland #historyfacts #raspberries #raspberryfarm #baxters
After all of your lovely comments yesterday we thought you might like to hear what we have planned for the year ahead across the whole garden, especially as the garden is nearing ‘completion’ (but as we all know a garden is never fully finished!). Check out the link below to read the blog post and comment any thoughts you have. https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/blog/
Are there any workshops you would like to see us running during 2019? 🌸🌻🌹🌱🌲🌿
As it's Burns Week, we are running a two course lunch special on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th January.
Keeping with tradition, enjoy haggis, neeps and tatties followed by cranachan for £15. Book online or call 01343 612317. https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/cafe/book- a-table/
Where is the haggis emoji??😂
This little fella always pops up when we are turning soil in the hope of grabbing a worm or two. He never gives up and his determination is giving us some serious #mondaymotivation 🤩💪 #heylittlerobin #robinredbreast #happygardener #scottishhighlands #redrobin #birdsofinstagram #britishwildlife
Not quite as snowy as it was this time last year but equally lovely with the fires roaring, coffee hot and lunch being served. Pop by and visit us as we’re open from 10am - 4pm daily 🙌🔥☕️🍰🥗 #cafelife #gardencafe #walledgarden #morayspeyside #eatlocal #scottishhighlands #eatguide @ Gordon Castle Walled Garden
WOW even if we do say so ourselves. This morning's beautiful sunrise over the garden 😍
We’ve got a wonderful range of potted spring bulbs to brighten up your home or garden, muscari, crocus, narcissus and tulips all just about to flower. Available to buy in our shop from just £3.50 #grownnotflown #springbulbs #potplants
Went here for lunch with our elderly Grandad, very accessible to disabled people and the food was amazing, beef roast was wonderful, fish chips was some of the best and the chicken burger was spot on. Thanks to all the staff.
We had a lovely visit as a large family group for breakfast last Sunday. Everyone enjoyed their food - I was one of three who had the hot smoked salmon omelette and was amazed by the amount of hot smoked salmon it contained - it was gorgeous. My parents used to work in the castle gardens 40-45yrs ago so they loved seeing the change and it was fab for all of us to see what they've always talked to us about. The staff were friendly and attentive. I look forward to returning next time we're up.
Was here earlier this week for Lunch with a friend. Don't know why I haven't been sooner! Amazing staff, fantastic food and a wonderful setting. Will come back again x
Today we walked over to the Walled Garden for lunch with our dogs, cold day but what a warm welcome we had. Food was delicious and staff were all so friendly, just sorry that they had to venture out into the cold with our lunch as they weren't wrapped up for it like we were. Thank you to Dyanne for the treats for the dogs. We will be back.
Our First visit to this lovely place today. A very warm welcome from all of the staff. Great service & the 3 course lunch we had was delicious. The Blue Cheese Brulee starter with Olive Bread was particularly scrummy. Loved the decor & styling inside and out and can't wait to visit again. Look forward to a walk round the gardens & spending a bit of time in the courtyard with ,perhaps, a very reasonably priced Gordon's Gin.
My absolute favorite! We go at least once a week and, without fail, the food is fresh and delicious and the staff are outstanding!!!! The cafe interior is spacious and light, the courtyard is perfect on warmer days and the gardens have been a joy to watch develop and come to life over the years. I can't praise highly enough for the passion, hard work and attention to detail that has gone into this wonderful place from everyone involved.
Lovely afternoon and lunch. Great atmosphere and very friendly staff around the gardens. Gardeners chatted away and even offered a taste of all the different lettuces. Love that most of the products in shop use produce and herbs from the garden, especially the gin.
Kids had a fantastic time in the play area yesterday! It was lovely to watch the kids just use their imagination. We had yummy scones and hot chocolates in the cafe. Have signed up for friends of Gordon Castle so looking forward to lots of visits
I went to the restaurant a few times this week and every time the food & coffee was fabulous and the staff were all very friendly. The shop is lovely selling goods made on the estate which was nicer than the usual bought in products. The building is a lovely design and well laid out, and theres an outdoor patio when it's nice weather. All in all, well worth a visit.
I was up visiting the Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay and as i am a keen gardener my host took me along to Castle Gordon walled garden on our way back to Elgin. What a delight around every corner, so much hard work has gone into the upkeep of the walled garden, cafeteria and shop. If i lived nearer it would be an upmost pleasure to be a volunteer and to play a part in keeping this treasure going. I have visited walled gardens back in my native Lincolnshire that were once glorious and then over the years have sadly fallen into a neglectful state. Long may the Walled Garden at Castle Douglas bring joy and delight.
Had an amazing afternoon tea there I bought for my mums mother day . It was out of this world and the staff was truly lovely. Can’t wait to go back .
Had a lovely afternoon here with my elderly mother and young daughter. We had afternoon tea which had a tasty selection of mini cakes. The children’s play area was really great. The sand and water area was a big hit with my wee girl, but I am glad we had a spare set of clothes for home time!
Came for our first visit yesterday and was overwhelmed with the Walled Gardens and Cafe.
The staff at the cafe were really lovely and chatty
The Walled garden was amazing value for £5 and you can see the amazing effort that is being put into each area of the garden
The food was great value and fab choice
Will definitely be back again very soon
An absolute gem to find. Loved the walled garden. The staff were very friendly. Moving to the area very soon; so will be a regular visitor.
A must see location that has year round interest with a garden that is just breathtaking. Their gin is second to none, the restaurant serves high quality produce (from the garden where possible) with delicious seasonal menus that highlight the very best on offer. I live in London and have access to a plethora of extraordinary restaurants and will keep on coming back to this place because it has a fantastic combination of horticultural brilliance and foodie magic. A must visit. You will not be disappointed �
"WEDDING Afternoon Tea & Dinner above all expectations!
Admirers of Gordon Castle Walled Garden from the start of this great project, there has been no doubt we will have our Big Day at this place.
Starting with the booking of our party of 22 via the exciting and professional preparation meeting on site to the suggestions of management for setting up the cafe for us to menu and drinks it has been a joy to get organized. Our expectations have been high after all the great times at this place in the past and these so personal, active, sensitive preparations...all these expectations has been exceeded!
A walk along Gordon Castle with a great photo shooting was leading us up to the Walled Garden with getting our guests into the right mood. Speech and toast with a most delicious welcome drink getting the first taste of this fantastic herb garden. An Afternoon Tea to dream off, informal and relaxing and well set up for us. A break before dinner by having a most interesting tour with the head gardener of the Walled Garden. An hour of getting to understand the marvelous ideas in design and purpose of this huge garden. Climbing the Maze, discussing gardening ideas with the professional and simply enjoy the beauty of this place and its variety of plants and flowers before settling down on the most tastefully decorated dining table we could dream off.
Stunningly delicious tapas with fresh homemade bread has been set onto the table to start off; the tapas even reflect our 2nd home on the Canary Islands and has been more than just authentic. The selection of most amazing main courses has just been right for all the individuals in our party. And as it could not get better, the cakes and the cheeses with homemade oatcakes has been the grand final. All this accompanied by great wines, the amazing Gordon Castle Apple and Pear Cider, Ales and so much more of special drinks including awarded Gordon Castle Gin.
Accompanied by a great manageress and her delightful team and for sure a great chef with team in the kitchen...we had and still do not have words to get it right how excited we are about our Wedding Celebration at Gordon Castle.
--> Apart of our Big Day we are loyal customers of many of the products you can buy of Gordon Castle at the shop on site (and on line) and we are full of respect for the enormous and greatly successful project they risked to take on. We love as well to attend the events they offer from Big Kids Circus to the Gordon Castle Highland Games, a must-see event and one of the highlights of our area if not one of the most stunning Highland Games of Scotland and concerts at the Cafe...well done, please keep going for us to enjoy year after year!
Andreas & Kris, The Old Church of Urquhart
Took my kids and their friends to the play area today and was thoroughly disappointed. £12 for them to get in and I think they’d have had much more fun at a free play park or the woods.
Visited yesterday with friends for tea and cake, Disappointed with the lack of vegan options. Friends had cake whilst I sat there hungry. Was good to see oat milk and vegan ice cream offered though. The tea was lovely. Please offer at least one vegan option; its easy to make cakes with Vitalite/ oat milk. This also gives options to people with dairy allergies.
Purchased an Itison voucher for Afternoon Tea. Terms were to book by Fri 8 June and voucher expired 30 June.
Attempted to book (numerous phone attempts with no answer) to be informed no weekend availabily by a very harassed sounding girl. Explained couldn't manage during the week but we were on holiday from 1 July if it could be extended. Very firmly informed 'no'. Asked how I could receive a refund and instructed to contact Itison direct.
Contacted them and was only entitled to refund during first 2 weeks.
Complete waste of money and won't attempt to visit Walled Garden in future due to their lack of empathy. Thanks guys for truly being unhelpful!
Went here for lunch with our elderly Grandad, very accessible to disabled people and the food was amazing, beef roast was wonderful, fish chips was some of the best and the chicken burger was spot on. Thanks to all the staff.
We had a lovely visit as a large family group for breakfast last Sunday. Everyone enjoyed their food - I was one of three who had the hot smoked salmon omelette and was amazed by the amount of hot smoked salmon it contained - it was gorgeous. My parents used to work in the castle gardens 40-45yrs ago so they loved seeing the change and it was fab for all of us to see what they've always talked to us about. The staff were friendly and attentive. I look forward to returning next time we're up.
Was here earlier this week for Lunch with a friend. Don't know why I haven't been sooner! Amazing staff, fantastic food and a wonderful setting. Will come back again x
Today we walked over to the Walled Garden for lunch with our dogs, cold day but what a warm welcome we had. Food was delicious and staff were all so friendly, just sorry that they had to venture out into the cold with our lunch as they weren't wrapped up for it like we were. Thank you to Dyanne for the treats for the dogs. We will be back.
Our First visit to this lovely place today. A very warm welcome from all of the staff. Great service & the 3 course lunch we had was delicious. The Blue Cheese Brulee starter with Olive Bread was particularly scrummy. Loved the decor & styling inside and out and can't wait to visit again. Look forward to a walk round the gardens & spending a bit of time in the courtyard with ,perhaps, a very reasonably priced Gordon's Gin.
My absolute favorite! We go at least once a week and, without fail, the food is fresh and delicious and the staff are outstanding!!!! The cafe interior is spacious and light, the courtyard is perfect on warmer days and the gardens have been a joy to watch develop and come to life over the years. I can't praise highly enough for the passion, hard work and attention to detail that has gone into this wonderful place from everyone involved.
Lovely afternoon and lunch. Great atmosphere and very friendly staff around the gardens. Gardeners chatted away and even offered a taste of all the different lettuces. Love that most of the products in shop use produce and herbs from the garden, especially the gin.
Kids had a fantastic time in the play area yesterday! It was lovely to watch the kids just use their imagination. We had yummy scones and hot chocolates in the cafe. Have signed up for friends of Gordon Castle so looking forward to lots of visits
I went to the restaurant a few times this week and every time the food & coffee was fabulous and the staff were all very friendly. The shop is lovely selling goods made on the estate which was nicer than the usual bought in products. The building is a lovely design and well laid out, and theres an outdoor patio when it's nice weather. All in all, well worth a visit.
I was up visiting the Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay and as i am a keen gardener my host took me along to Castle Gordon walled garden on our way back to Elgin. What a delight around every corner, so much hard work has gone into the upkeep of the walled garden, cafeteria and shop. If i lived nearer it would be an upmost pleasure to be a volunteer and to play a part in keeping this treasure going. I have visited walled gardens back in my native Lincolnshire that were once glorious and then over the years have sadly fallen into a neglectful state. Long may the Walled Garden at Castle Douglas bring joy and delight.
Had an amazing afternoon tea there I bought for my mums mother day . It was out of this world and the staff was truly lovely. Can’t wait to go back .
Had a lovely afternoon here with my elderly mother and young daughter. We had afternoon tea which had a tasty selection of mini cakes. The children’s play area was really great. The sand and water area was a big hit with my wee girl, but I am glad we had a spare set of clothes for home time!
Came for our first visit yesterday and was overwhelmed with the Walled Gardens and Cafe.
The staff at the cafe were really lovely and chatty
The Walled garden was amazing value for £5 and you can see the amazing effort that is being put into each area of the garden
The food was great value and fab choice
Will definitely be back again very soon
An absolute gem to find. Loved the walled garden. The staff were very friendly. Moving to the area very soon; so will be a regular visitor.
A must see location that has year round interest with a garden that is just breathtaking. Their gin is second to none, the restaurant serves high quality produce (from the garden where possible) with delicious seasonal menus that highlight the very best on offer. I live in London and have access to a plethora of extraordinary restaurants and will keep on coming back to this place because it has a fantastic combination of horticultural brilliance and foodie magic. A must visit. You will not be disappointed �
"WEDDING Afternoon Tea & Dinner above all expectations!
Admirers of Gordon Castle Walled Garden from the start of this great project, there has been no doubt we will have our Big Day at this place.
Starting with the booking of our party of 22 via the exciting and professional preparation meeting on site to the suggestions of management for setting up the cafe for us to menu and drinks it has been a joy to get organized. Our expectations have been high after all the great times at this place in the past and these so personal, active, sensitive preparations...all these expectations has been exceeded!
A walk along Gordon Castle with a great photo shooting was leading us up to the Walled Garden with getting our guests into the right mood. Speech and toast with a most delicious welcome drink getting the first taste of this fantastic herb garden. An Afternoon Tea to dream off, informal and relaxing and well set up for us. A break before dinner by having a most interesting tour with the head gardener of the Walled Garden. An hour of getting to understand the marvelous ideas in design and purpose of this huge garden. Climbing the Maze, discussing gardening ideas with the professional and simply enjoy the beauty of this place and its variety of plants and flowers before settling down on the most tastefully decorated dining table we could dream off.
Stunningly delicious tapas with fresh homemade bread has been set onto the table to start off; the tapas even reflect our 2nd home on the Canary Islands and has been more than just authentic. The selection of most amazing main courses has just been right for all the individuals in our party. And as it could not get better, the cakes and the cheeses with homemade oatcakes has been the grand final. All this accompanied by great wines, the amazing Gordon Castle Apple and Pear Cider, Ales and so much more of special drinks including awarded Gordon Castle Gin.
Accompanied by a great manageress and her delightful team and for sure a great chef with team in the kitchen...we had and still do not have words to get it right how excited we are about our Wedding Celebration at Gordon Castle.
--> Apart of our Big Day we are loyal customers of many of the products you can buy of Gordon Castle at the shop on site (and on line) and we are full of respect for the enormous and greatly successful project they risked to take on. We love as well to attend the events they offer from Big Kids Circus to the Gordon Castle Highland Games, a must-see event and one of the highlights of our area if not one of the most stunning Highland Games of Scotland and concerts at the Cafe...well done, please keep going for us to enjoy year after year!
Andreas & Kris, The Old Church of Urquhart
Took my kids and their friends to the play area today and was thoroughly disappointed. £12 for them to get in and I think they’d have had much more fun at a free play park or the woods.
Visited yesterday with friends for tea and cake, Disappointed with the lack of vegan options. Friends had cake whilst I sat there hungry. Was good to see oat milk and vegan ice cream offered though. The tea was lovely. Please offer at least one vegan option; its easy to make cakes with Vitalite/ oat milk. This also gives options to people with dairy allergies.
Purchased an Itison voucher for Afternoon Tea. Terms were to book by Fri 8 June and voucher expired 30 June.
Attempted to book (numerous phone attempts with no answer) to be informed no weekend availabily by a very harassed sounding girl. Explained couldn't manage during the week but we were on holiday from 1 July if it could be extended. Very firmly informed 'no'. Asked how I could receive a refund and instructed to contact Itison direct.
Contacted them and was only entitled to refund during first 2 weeks.
Complete waste of money and won't attempt to visit Walled Garden in future due to their lack of empathy. Thanks guys for truly being unhelpful!
Went here for lunch with our elderly Grandad, very accessible to disabled people and the food was amazing, beef roast was wonderful, fish chips was some of the best and the chicken burger was spot on. Thanks to all the staff.
We had a lovely visit as a large family group for breakfast last Sunday. Everyone enjoyed their food - I was one of three who had the hot smoked salmon omelette and was amazed by the amount of hot smoked salmon it contained - it was gorgeous. My parents used to work in the castle gardens 40-45yrs ago so they loved seeing the change and it was fab for all of us to see what they've always talked to us about. The staff were friendly and attentive. I look forward to returning next time we're up.
Was here earlier this week for Lunch with a friend. Don't know why I haven't been sooner! Amazing staff, fantastic food and a wonderful setting. Will come back again x
Today we walked over to the Walled Garden for lunch with our dogs, cold day but what a warm welcome we had. Food was delicious and staff were all so friendly, just sorry that they had to venture out into the cold with our lunch as they weren't wrapped up for it like we were. Thank you to Dyanne for the treats for the dogs. We will be back.
Our First visit to this lovely place today. A very warm welcome from all of the staff. Great service & the 3 course lunch we had was delicious. The Blue Cheese Brulee starter with Olive Bread was particularly scrummy. Loved the decor & styling inside and out and can't wait to visit again. Look forward to a walk round the gardens & spending a bit of time in the courtyard with ,perhaps, a very reasonably priced Gordon's Gin.
My absolute favorite! We go at least once a week and, without fail, the food is fresh and delicious and the staff are outstanding!!!! The cafe interior is spacious and light, the courtyard is perfect on warmer days and the gardens have been a joy to watch develop and come to life over the years. I can't praise highly enough for the passion, hard work and attention to detail that has gone into this wonderful place from everyone involved.
Lovely afternoon and lunch. Great atmosphere and very friendly staff around the gardens. Gardeners chatted away and even offered a taste of all the different lettuces. Love that most of the products in shop use produce and herbs from the garden, especially the gin.
Kids had a fantastic time in the play area yesterday! It was lovely to watch the kids just use their imagination. We had yummy scones and hot chocolates in the cafe. Have signed up for friends of Gordon Castle so looking forward to lots of visits
I went to the restaurant a few times this week and every time the food & coffee was fabulous and the staff were all very friendly. The shop is lovely selling goods made on the estate which was nicer than the usual bought in products. The building is a lovely design and well laid out, and theres an outdoor patio when it's nice weather. All in all, well worth a visit.
I was up visiting the Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay and as i am a keen gardener my host took me along to Castle Gordon walled garden on our way back to Elgin. What a delight around every corner, so much hard work has gone into the upkeep of the walled garden, cafeteria and shop. If i lived nearer it would be an upmost pleasure to be a volunteer and to play a part in keeping this treasure going. I have visited walled gardens back in my native Lincolnshire that were once glorious and then over the years have sadly fallen into a neglectful state. Long may the Walled Garden at Castle Douglas bring joy and delight.
Had an amazing afternoon tea there I bought for my mums mother day . It was out of this world and the staff was truly lovely. Can’t wait to go back .
Had a lovely afternoon here with my elderly mother and young daughter. We had afternoon tea which had a tasty selection of mini cakes. The children’s play area was really great. The sand and water area was a big hit with my wee girl, but I am glad we had a spare set of clothes for home time!
Came for our first visit yesterday and was overwhelmed with the Walled Gardens and Cafe.
The staff at the cafe were really lovely and chatty
The Walled garden was amazing value for £5 and you can see the amazing effort that is being put into each area of the garden
The food was great value and fab choice
Will definitely be back again very soon
An absolute gem to find. Loved the walled garden. The staff were very friendly. Moving to the area very soon; so will be a regular visitor.
A must see location that has year round interest with a garden that is just breathtaking. Their gin is second to none, the restaurant serves high quality produce (from the garden where possible) with delicious seasonal menus that highlight the very best on offer. I live in London and have access to a plethora of extraordinary restaurants and will keep on coming back to this place because it has a fantastic combination of horticultural brilliance and foodie magic. A must visit. You will not be disappointed �
"WEDDING Afternoon Tea & Dinner above all expectations!
Admirers of Gordon Castle Walled Garden from the start of this great project, there has been no doubt we will have our Big Day at this place.
Starting with the booking of our party of 22 via the exciting and professional preparation meeting on site to the suggestions of management for setting up the cafe for us to menu and drinks it has been a joy to get organized. Our expectations have been high after all the great times at this place in the past and these so personal, active, sensitive preparations...all these expectations has been exceeded!
A walk along Gordon Castle with a great photo shooting was leading us up to the Walled Garden with getting our guests into the right mood. Speech and toast with a most delicious welcome drink getting the first taste of this fantastic herb garden. An Afternoon Tea to dream off, informal and relaxing and well set up for us. A break before dinner by having a most interesting tour with the head gardener of the Walled Garden. An hour of getting to understand the marvelous ideas in design and purpose of this huge garden. Climbing the Maze, discussing gardening ideas with the professional and simply enjoy the beauty of this place and its variety of plants and flowers before settling down on the most tastefully decorated dining table we could dream off.
Stunningly delicious tapas with fresh homemade bread has been set onto the table to start off; the tapas even reflect our 2nd home on the Canary Islands and has been more than just authentic. The selection of most amazing main courses has just been right for all the individuals in our party. And as it could not get better, the cakes and the cheeses with homemade oatcakes has been the grand final. All this accompanied by great wines, the amazing Gordon Castle Apple and Pear Cider, Ales and so much more of special drinks including awarded Gordon Castle Gin.
Accompanied by a great manageress and her delightful team and for sure a great chef with team in the kitchen...we had and still do not have words to get it right how excited we are about our Wedding Celebration at Gordon Castle.
--> Apart of our Big Day we are loyal customers of many of the products you can buy of Gordon Castle at the shop on site (and on line) and we are full of respect for the enormous and greatly successful project they risked to take on. We love as well to attend the events they offer from Big Kids Circus to the Gordon Castle Highland Games, a must-see event and one of the highlights of our area if not one of the most stunning Highland Games of Scotland and concerts at the Cafe...well done, please keep going for us to enjoy year after year!
Andreas & Kris, The Old Church of Urquhart
Took my kids and their friends to the play area today and was thoroughly disappointed. £12 for them to get in and I think they’d have had much more fun at a free play park or the woods.
Visited yesterday with friends for tea and cake, Disappointed with the lack of vegan options. Friends had cake whilst I sat there hungry. Was good to see oat milk and vegan ice cream offered though. The tea was lovely. Please offer at least one vegan option; its easy to make cakes with Vitalite/ oat milk. This also gives options to people with dairy allergies.
Purchased an Itison voucher for Afternoon Tea. Terms were to book by Fri 8 June and voucher expired 30 June.
Attempted to book (numerous phone attempts with no answer) to be informed no weekend availabily by a very harassed sounding girl. Explained couldn't manage during the week but we were on holiday from 1 July if it could be extended. Very firmly informed 'no'. Asked how I could receive a refund and instructed to contact Itison direct.
Contacted them and was only entitled to refund during first 2 weeks.
Complete waste of money and won't attempt to visit Walled Garden in future due to their lack of empathy. Thanks guys for truly being unhelpful!
More about Gordon Castle Walled Garden
Tuesday: 10:00 - 15:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 15:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 15:00
Friday: 10:00 - 15:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 15:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 15:00