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The Best Country Park in Scotland
Press Release
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate Named as
The Best Country Park in Scotland
Dumfriesshire’s Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate has begun the 2010 season with a spring in its step following its recent success within one of the country’s most favoured guide book listings.
Named as Best Country Park in Scotland in Pete Irvine’s annual publication, Scotland the Best, the Dumfriesshire visitor attraction is described as being “much more than merely a country park".
Set on the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate complete with Country Park and Victorian Gardens, 17th century Drumlanrig Castle is the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch. It is also a ‘working castle’; a VisitScotland 5 star attraction constantly striving to improve the visitor experience and continuing to develop its wide range of facilities and activities.
Featuring at the top of a list which includes other well established country parks such as Culzean Country Park in Ayrshire, Haddo House in Aberdeenshire and John Muir Country Park in East Lothian to name but a few, Drumlanrig was praised for the variety of things to do and see on site.
In addition to being named Scotland’s Best Country Park, the Scotland the Best guidebook also named Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate as one of the best places to take kids in South West Scotland.
Commenting on the recent success, Mark Coombs, Estate Manager, says, “We are delighted to be launching the 2010 Season with these recent accolades under our belt. We have made recent investments in our products and services here at Drumlanrig in order to enhance the visitor experience, offering visitors more and giving them even better value for money. It is really encouraging to see our efforts pay off and be rewarded with recognition like this.”
In addition to the majestic castle are over 40 acres of enchanting gardens and a wide range of activities for all the family. These include challenging mountain bike trails, numerous walking paths, a regular programme of Ranger-led walks, a children’s adventure playground, local shopping opportunities, impressive gardens, the Scottish Cycle Museum – home to a diverse display of over 70 cycles, weekly hands-on workshops for children, and a comprehensive events programme featuring highlights such as outdoor theatrical performances, medieval jousting re-enactments and monthly farmers markets.
Mark Coombs continues, “Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate has had an increase of visitor numbers by 62% over the past 2 years and aims to improve on that once again this year, an aim which we feel should be within easy reach thanks to the increasing momentum behind tourism development in Dumfries and Galloway. With the emergence of a Destination Development Organisation for the area and a new Spring / Summer campaign to help support the Destination Development Organisation activity, the area looks set to enjoy a thriving visitor season.”
The opening hours for the 2010 Season are:
Gardens & Country Estate:
Friday 26th March – Sunday 24th October, daily 10am – 5pm
Castle:
Friday 26th March – Tuesday 31st August, daily 11am – 4pm (educational and private groups at other times by request)
Country Estate, Visitor Centre, Gardens and Stableyard will be open throughout the season from 10am at weekends and during school and bank holidays.
For further details please call 01848 331555 or visit www.drumlanrig.com
Ends
For further media information and photographs, contact Hilary Davies at View Marketing on 01463 470994.