Pitmedden

Pitmedden is a pleasant village close to the town of Ellon. Although small, it contains one of the most impressive gardens in Scotland. Dating back to 1675, it was designed by Sir Alexander Seton and is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Seton’s coat of arms is one of the patterns in the garden. It is a type of garden called a ‘parterre’. This is a formal garden with symmetrical patterns and a variety of paths connecting them. This type of garden dates back to the French Renaissance. The most famous parterre garden in the world is at the Palace of Versailles, but Pitmedden is more inspired by the beautiful garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh. After strolling around, you can relax in its tearoom with some tea and a great selection of cakes. There is also a shop and Museum of Farming Life. This museum tells the story of the garden, back to its 17th century origins. You will be transported back to the days of horse and cart and people ploughing the fields. Part of a 100-acre estate, there is also a pleasant woodland walk that is half a mile long. The garden is open to the public all year round.