When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother bought the Castle of Mey in 1952, the gardens had been neglected for some years and the head gardener James Sinclair and after him Sandy Webster did much to bring them back to their former glory. Over the years the head gardener has gradually and successfully adapted the gardens so that there is more for the visitors to enjoy during the season when the gardens are open to the public. Gardening Consultant Day Howden has been giving input to help with extending the season.

The gardens consist of the Walled Garden and the East Garden with a woodland area, the overall design remains much as it was in The Queen Mother's time. However, a good deal of thought, experience and trial and error have been put into the selection of many more varieties of plants to cater for visitors over the extended season.

Accommodation:
Whether you are touring the North Highlands of Scotland on the NC500, looking for a romantic getaway, celebrating that special occasion or simply relaxing and unwinding, The Granary Lodge luxury bed and breakfast is the perfect Highland retreat. A place for couples to recharge, feel special and succumb to the peace and tranquillity of the Caithness countryside. https://www.castleofmey.org.uk/hospitality/granary

How to find us

Car
East - Follow the A99 from Wick to John OGroats. Once you have reached John OGroats turn left onto the A836 for 6 miles to reach the Castle of Mey.
West - Follow the A836 from Thurso along the coastline for 14 miles before arriving at the Castle of Mey
Train
Tickets can be bought from Scotrail to reach the far north. Thurso Train Station is approximately 14 miles away from the Castle and Wick Train Station is approximately 23 miles away further transport i.e. bus/car is needed to continue on to Mey.
Bus
The Number 80 Bus leaves Thurso Olrig Street Monday to Saturday at 09.05, 11.05 and 13.05.
Return times from Mey to Thurso are Monday to Friday at 12.17, 14.17, 14.56, 16.57 and 17.27. Saturday 12.17, 14.17 and 16.17.
Unfortunately, there is no Sunday Service for the bus.

Location

Awards

We aim to maintain the highest possible standards and have been awarded a 5 Star Quality Assurance rating since 2007.

Highlights

• Walk in the Walled Garden and see the Queen Mother's roses in the Shell Garden
• Castle Tour including anecdotes of the Queen Mother's life in Caithness
• Visit to the Animal Centre
• A treat in our 'Taste Our Best' Award winning Tearoom
• Special mementoes from the Gift Shop

Guided tours

Guided tours in the Castle are available daily, whether conducted or 'freeflow' meaning you go at your own pace. We recommend walking through the Gardens and Grounds at your own leisure.The Castle of Mey welcomes coach parties and groups throughout the season.

The rooms in the castle are quite small, so in order to avoid overcrowding and to allow us to provide the very best visitor experience for your group it is important for us to try to stagger the arrival of coach parties and other large groups. You are therefore strongly advised to pre-book by telephone or by email.

You should allow 2 hours for your visit, or longer if the weather is good. In addition to our normal opening dates, coach parties and large groups can also visit by appointment during April.

Group visits

The Castle of Mey welcomes coach parties and groups throughout the season.

The rooms in the castle are quite small, so in order to avoid overcrowding and to allow us to provide the very best visitor experience for your group it is important for us to try to stagger the arrival of coach parties and other large groups. You are therefore strongly advised to pre-book by telephone or by email.

You should allow 2 hours for your visit, or longer if the weather is good. In addition to our normal opening dates, coach parties and large groups can also visit by appointment during April.

Promotional Themes

• Herbaceous Borders & Plantings
• Woodland Gardens
• Rose Gardens
• Edible Gardens and Vegetables in Season
• Daffodil Displays
• Bluebell Displays
• Walled Garden