Where Eagles Soar and Gardens Bloom: Glenapp Castle
- Digital Rabbit
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The Glenapp Castle estate spans around 110 acres, nearly 40 of which are dedicated to formal gardens and woodland. From the castle grounds, you can look out to sea and, on a clear day, spot Ailsa Craig—a volcanic island that serves as both a bird sanctuary and the source of the green granite used in Olympic curling stones.
Behind the castle lies a formal Italian garden, and just a short stroll away is the walled garden. Here, herbs and vegetables are grown for the castle’s restaurants, surrounded by a vibrant mix of flowering plants and ornamental trees.
The nearby pond bursts with lily pads, framed by towering rhododendrons, fuchsias, and countless other blooms. It’s a quiet haven that invites lingering.
At the heart of the walled garden stands a 150-foot Victorian glasshouse. Inside, more plants thrive—and so does the Azalea Restaurant, a lovely spot for afternoon tea or evening dining. It’s also popular for group gatherings and private events.
Trails wind down through woodland glens to the River Stinchar, passing under canopies of ferns and trees that reminded me of the Pacific Northwest. This more untamed part of the estate isn’t actively maintained by the hotel—which became obvious when we encountered a very dodgy-looking bridge over the river. Staying on one side, I enjoyed a peaceful walk along its banks, immersed in birdsong and the hush of flowing water.
We stayed at Glenapp for four nights, and the experience was genuinely magical. I especially enjoyed walking the estate in both rain and shine. The tasting menu in the castle’s formal dining room was excellent, but I equally enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere and menu at the Azalea Restaurant in the glasshouse.
The activities were a highlight. We shadowed a beekeeper (dressed in full protective gear), tried our hand at archery, and took part in a falconry session focused on eagles.
The word falconry comes from the Latin falco, referring to a bird’s curved talons. So while the name suggests falcons, a falconry session can include many kinds of raptors. Ours was specifically billed as an eagle experience. We began with a smaller bird—a Harris Hawk—and worked our way up through progressively larger birds: a Tawny Eagle, Steppe Eagle, juvenile Bald Eagle, and finally the majestic White-tailed Fish Eagle.
When departure day arrived, I felt ready to begin the journey home. Still, it was hard to leave Glenapp behind. It’s one of those rare places we hope to return to someday.
Flowers and Plants of Glenapp
A Few Artsy Images
Our first full day at the castle began with a very rainy morning. It was raining so hard that we postponed our archery lesson. I took this image with my iPhone, in such a way to make it a bit out of focus. Then I did some post processing to make it more painterly.
Now, a few closeups of flowers you've seen previously.
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