Just on the edge of the historic village of Culross lies a grand estate which the public can now tour and dine in as they learn about the site’s illustrious heritage.
Dunimarle Castle and Gardens is set in 52 acres of woodland. It is a picturesque Victorian castle and chapel, which also has its own tearoom, The Orangery. The castle now offers tours which you can book and learn about the grounds during a stroll.
The castle is made up of an 18th century mansion house which was incorporated into a castellated villa. The estate was owned by the Blaw family from the 16th century until 1830, when it was sold to Lady Margaret Keith of Tulliallan. Finally, it was turned into the castle-like villa that it is today for Magdalene Sharpe Erskine, sister and heir to nobleman Sir John Drummond Erskine of Torrie.
To get to Dunimarle Castle, you have to go through the rose arch gate at the start of the property. From there, you will need to walk up to the castle, and during this brief incline you’ll get to enjoy what tour guide Ian Low describes as one of the best views of the castle.
The tour starts outside before heading into the house and then back out into the chapel. Ian described the castle as one that is going through “restoration and renovation” and as you go through the rooms you can see the ongoing work that is being done.
Some of the rooms have been updated for modern use with plug sockets and light switches, but they have managed to retain their character, and for those who are lucky enough to spend time in the rooms, the views over the Firth of Forth are fantastic.
The tour also stops by the Orangery Tearoom. As previously reported in the Press, the café was just one facet of a bigger plan to invest in the site, which was fully refurbished back in 2010. Visitors can soak up the sun in the café which offers hot and cold drinks, as well as a selection of food.
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Ian certainly knows his stuff when it comes to the castle’s history, as well as the plants and flowers that live on the grounds. One visitor asked at the end of the tour how Ian could possibly remember everything!
One of the best parts of the tour was the trip to the roof. To get up there, you need to walk up a spiral staircase, but the views at the top of the tower are worth it. You can see right across the Forth with Grangemouth to the right, and the Forth bridges to the left. You can also make out at low tide what is left of Sir George Bruce’s Moat Pit out in the water.
The tour ends at the chapel, which is used for wedding ceremonies today, where Ian relates the story of St Serf, who is said to have founded Culross. Stars painted on the walls of the chapel can still be seen, and it’s the perfect spot to end the tour.
Afterwards you can explore the tearoom and grounds on your own. The castle and its grounds are beautiful, which you can enjoy with a drink inside or outside the tearoom, (although the Orangery is lovely and warm on a day where the sun shining).
If you’re looking for a day out that is picture perfect, but also full of history, then Dunimarle Castle is the place to be.
Tickets for the guided tours can be purchased online on Eventbrite.
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