Snowdrops of Eastern Scotland21st Feb 2025
From:£695
Summary
As the dainty white flowers of the snowdrop break through the winter frosts, it’s a sure sign that spring is on the way. This tour takes us to some of the most dazzling displays of Galanthus to be found on the eastern side of Scotland. Our visits include Cambo Gardens, home to the Plant Heritage national collection of snowdrops, and the private garden of Bruckhills Croft, with its informal cottage-style garden.
At Ellon Castle, carpets of snowdrops can be seen throughout the grounds and at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, there is a collection of specialist snowdrops. Other visits include Barnhill Rock Garden which spans more than two hectares; Crathes Castle whose woods are filled with snowdrops and the Cruickshank Botanic Garden in Old Aberdeen.
What to Expect
- Private Garden of Bruckhills Croft
- Tour of Ellon Castle Gardens
- Tour of the snowdrop collection at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | |
| Glasgow - Bus stop on North Hanover Street, opposite Queens Street Station | 08:15 | |
| Edinburgh - Outside Reception of the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road | 09:30 | 16:30 |
| Dunfermline - Halbeath Park & Ride, Jct 3, M90 | 10:10 | 16:00 |
| Kinross - Moto Services on M90 | 10:30 | 17:15 |
| 17:00 | ||
| 00:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from our designated pick-up points for the Cambo Estate near St Andrews, where we can enjoy the winter garden and specialist snowdrop collection with over 200 varieties. Lady Magdalen Erskine was a keen gardener and with the help of her family encouraged the spread of snowdrops throughout the 70 acres of woodland. We can enjoy a guided tour before a light lunch with refreshments.
We continue toward Dundee where we find Barnhill Rock Garden which spans two hectares of a former nine-hole golf course which was laid out when the Dundee to Aberdeen railway line was built. Started in 1955 by clearing an area of volcanic rock, the garden has since been extended and now includes a pergola, the Geddes Glasshouse and the ‘Snowdrop Wood’.
Meals includedLunch, Dinner
