Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens: Hours, Address, Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens Reviews: 4.5/5
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
4.5
Monday
10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 16:00
Thursday
10:00 - 16:00
Sunday
10:00 - 16:00
About
The Gardens of the Castle will open on Sunday 13 June, and following renovations, the Castle will open its doors to visitors from Sunday 22 August. Sunday – Thursday (Closed Friday and Saturday) 10.00am – 5.00pm (last admission: 4.00) Please be advised that no pre-booking is required.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Address
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Popular mentions
4.5
366 reviews
Excellent
249
Very good
91
Average
15
Poor
9
Terrible
2
Ann C
Aberdeen23 contributions
Perfect day out
Sep 2021
Everything about a visit to Ballindalloch is first class.
From the friendly,informative welcome at the gate,the tasty treats in the tea room,well stocked shop,beautiful gardens and refurbished castle this is a perfect day out.
All the staff were so helpful and knowledgable.
Thank you Ballindalloch!
From the friendly,informative welcome at the gate,the tasty treats in the tea room,well stocked shop,beautiful gardens and refurbished castle this is a perfect day out.
All the staff were so helpful and knowledgable.
Thank you Ballindalloch!
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for visiting Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens, and for taking the time to post a review of your visit. We're delighted to know that you enjoyed the experience, and we shall pass on your very kind remarks to our teams, who will be pleased to hear that their efforts are appreciated. We hope that you'll be able to come and see us again. Haste ye back!
Written 9 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Martin W
5 contributions
Worth the wait.
Jul 2021
We have waited many years to visit here despite getting an invite to visit every year. We used to run a busy Guest House and could not get time to go.It was well worth the wait immaculate gardens both the walled and rock gardens its obvious the garden team take great pride in there work.Super walks around estate and enjoyed the grass labyrinth.The food and service in restaurant was excellent as was the welcome at gatehouse.
Written 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for visiting Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens, and for taking the time to post a review of your visit.
We're delighted to hear that it was well worth the wait, and that you enjoyed the experience. We shall pass on your kind remarks to our teams, who will be pleased to hear that their efforts are appreciated. We hope that you'll be able to come and see us again. Haste ye back!
Written 6 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jeanette I
Haddington, UK106 contributions
Beautiful gardens
Jul 2021 • Couples
The gardens here are first class with the best smelling roses I've come across for a number of years. It's a shame the castle was not open when we visited.
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for visiting Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens, and for taking the time to post a review of your visit.
We're delighted to know that you enjoyed the experience, and we shall pass on your kind remarks about the gardens to our teams, who will be pleased to hear that their efforts are appreciated.
Following renovations, the Castle opened its doors to visitors from Sunday 22 August, and we hope that you'll be able to come and see us again. Haste ye back!
Written 2 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MrsM
Erskine, UK88 contributions
Stunning place
Jul 2021 • Couples
Our first visit here. Castle currently closed but the gardens and grounds were all accessible and quite simply, stunning. The walled rose garden was beautiful and the place is immacutely kept. Clean, accessible toilets and a nice cafe selling great food. Also a wee gift shop. Special mention to Geoff on the ticket booth who was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for visiting Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens, and for taking the time to post a review of your visit. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience, and will be sure to pass on your very kind remarks. Following renovations, the Castle opened its doors to visitors from Sunday 22 August, and we hope that you'll be able to come and see us again. Haste ye back!
Written 1 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Niki G
2 contributions
Rude staff
Jul 2021 • Family
Had the displeasure of dealing with the rude guy at the ticket booth today. Paying to go into a garden which is average at best, and during covid you should be thanking people for keeping you in business. If you’re having a bad day that’s your problem not mine. Been before and won’t be back.
Written 15 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you very much for taking the trouble to tell us of your recent experience of your visit to Ballindalloch. We are sorry to hear that you feel that the hospitality that you experienced fell below our normally high standards. We will take the opportunity to remind our staff of what is expected.
Written 19 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Susan R
2 contributions
Happy to return
Jul 2021 • Family
First visited 2 yrs ago and loved it. So pleased to be able to return and find the same friendly service and stunning gardens. Hidden gem.
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit to Ballindalloch Castle's gardens, gift shop and tearoom. Thank you for your feedback, we look forward to welcoming you back again next year.
Written 19 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jovita L
Stalham, UK319 contributions
Beautiful grounds
Jun 2021 • Couples
Unusual castle, shut for renovation. Well kept grounds, beautiful rockery. Free parking, large area around to walk the dog, tidy toilets.
Written 26 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit to Ballindalloch Castle's gardens, gift shop and tearoom. Thank you for your feedback, we look forward to welcoming you back again next year.
Written 19 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DonkScotland
Scotland190 contributions
Delightful
Sep 2020
Visited the gardens here with family on a lovely mild day at the end of September and really enjoyed it. Exceptionally well maintained, pleasant walks, and the walled garden was an oasis, sheltered and warm, roses and clematis still blooming, children exploring the steps and arches in safety. Play area for children handy, though not offering as much for them as normal, to avoid infection risk, which is sensible. Only criticism was that the toddler swing was a rather awkward construction and our grandchild did not feel comfortable with it, sadly. Tearoom and gift shop on a one way system, and is carefully watched to maintain social distancing, but afforded a much appreciated and delicious cuppa and cake at the end of the afternoon.
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit to Ballindalloch Castle's gardens, gift shop and tearoom. Thank you for your feedback, we look forward to welcoming you back again next year.
Written 6 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ChancerScotland
Norfolk, UK194 contributions
Wonderful gardens and tearoom
Sep 2020 • Friends
What a wonderful place well maintained good access lovely walled garden. Best of all the fabulous tearoom. Fresh homemade treats, cakes that would put any professional out. Especially the hummingbird cake 🤣. Ghillie platter with three types of salmon and salads. Pea and ham soup the way it should be. All served by lovely ladies and abiding by the coronavirus rules. A lot of other places could learn by how to do it well from here. Highly recommend if you get the chance to visit.
Written 15 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you very much for all of your kind words, we are so glad you enjoyed your visit to Ballindalloch Castle's gardens and tearoom. We look forward to welcoming you here again in the near future.
Written 18 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ArmenianJames
Winchcombe, UK196 contributions
A peaceful place for a break
Sep 2020
Just the place for tea- marquee on the lawn; lovely pot of tea with accompanying snacks. Delightful and scenic location
Written 4 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We are glad you enjoyed your visit to Ballindalloch Castle's gardens & grounds, we look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Written 6 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
brianinboca
Delray Beach, FL1,126 contributions
how long did you spend there
NRMEdgmont
Edgmont, PA323 contributions
Only an hour, but we had to pick up our husbands from Cragganmore. We could have spent longer in the house, and we didn’t even get to do the gardens!!
brianinboca
Delray Beach, FL1,126 contributions
Hi someone here mentioned a falconry show. I didn't see it on site. Is there one and when thanks
Justtrippinok
Tulsa, OK257 contributions
We are thinking of making a quick stop at this castle following a tour and tasting at a nearby distillery. I see that the castle closes at 4. My question is-How much time should we alllow ourselves to tour the castle? Thanks.
wynter1
Northampton, UK17 contributions
I would say around three hours
bUbBlEgUm91919
55 contributions
Where are dogs on leafs allowed to be ? Many thanks in advance !
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
Ballindalloch, UK1 contribution
Please accept our apologies - we have only just seen your question, so hope that we're not too late in volunteering the information you need. We have a large designated dog-walking area beside the car park, but otherwise dogs are not allowed in the grounds, either off or on leads. You can download the map of our grounds and gardens from the 'Information for Visitors' section on our website. Please do contact us if there's anything else that you'd like to know.
bUbBlEgUm91919
55 contributions
Question for previous visitors who have visited with children under 10...
Hi I'm planning visiting the lovely castle & grounds in July & wondered what there is to do for children . Did your children enjoy the visit , what is there for them to do ? Some feedback on this would be helpful so we can judge if we should or should not take our nephews and neice, ages 5, 8 and 10. We'd like to make an afternoon of it ... but will come without the kids if they'll be bored easily.
Thank you !
Simon H
Glenlivet26 contributions
Hi there - unfortunately I seem to remember that there was a sign saying not to feed the animals, but maybe if you contact the castle they might be able to arrange something? As far as I'm aware they didn't do pony rides but there are places nearby that do (I'm sure google will bring some up).
Go-kart ages, hmm good question, a bit old for my five year old - I'd say something like 7 through to maybe 12? We didn't really look that closely since we weren't using them but that's the size I'd guess at.
Our five year old really enjoyed it - I should have said there's even a grass maze. Not the most difficult thing in the world since it depends on the height of the grass, but if you've not done it before its a good way to spend 15 minutes or so.
Mikitravis
Ashford, UK2 contributions
back in the early seventies we rented a two cottages next to each other with our family, the cottages were part of the estate of the castle but were sold to developers who rented them for holiday lets, we had a great holiday a Castle etcnd were a bit of a novelty because we had rented a large minibus to travel up from Kent, we visited the castle the fee then was £1 to visit and we were met at the door by the lady of the Castle who I believe was Clare, she was so friendly and welcoming and came and visited the cottages. I am a full time entertainer and I occasionally work on Fred Olsens Cruise ships, I was on Breamar and Lo & Behold the ship featured Ballindalloch Castle etc. it bought back some great memories, so glad you are still opening to the public and are the cottages still there
Best Regards
Miki Travis
Hello,
I wondered what was available to see at Ballindalloch castle during the winter months. If the castle isn't open, is it possible to walk around the gardens and is the cafe open? I wondered this for a Saturday? I'm confused because it says the castle isn't open til Good Friday but then reviews have been left in January.
Many thanks,
Steph
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
Ballindalloch, UK1 contribution
Hello Steph, and thank you for your enquiry. I'm afraid that neither the Castle nor the Grounds are open until Good Friday, and we are open from then until the last day of September; the reviews that you have seen were late arrivals, left out of season.
We hope very much that you will be able to come and see us when we open to the public again - by then, we shall have all our Spring cleaning and grounds work done, and you will be able to enjoy a visit in (hopefully) better weather!
Please don't hesitate to contact us again if you require any further information.
Kind regards.
Fenella Corr
(for Ballindalloch Castle)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
- Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens is open:
- Sun - Thu 10:00 - 16:00
- Hotels near Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens:
- (1.21 km) Delnashaugh Hotel
- (1.43 km) Cragganmore House B & B
- (6.40 km) Cardhu Country House
- (8.41 km) Thistle Dhu Bed & Breakfast
- (3.07 km) Six Trees Cottage
- Restaurants near Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens:
- (1.21 km) Delnashaugh Hotel
- (0.86 km) Ballindalloch Golf Course Café
- (14.96 km) Seven Stills
- (7.89 km) The Croft Inn
- (10.70 km) The Mash Tun