Tarves Things to Do

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Tolquhon Castle was extended from the much earlier Preston Tower between 1582 - 1589 by William Forbes and his wife Elizabeth Gordon creating a complete courtyard castle. The name is a bit strange - pronounced Toohoon but regardless of name it is a great ruin to meander through. Tolqhuon Castle is a less visited place around these parts - very much surrounded by more complete and furnished castles but I do enjoy letting my imagination run loose around ruins and creating my own thoughts as to life within. Despite its triple gun loops this castle only saw peace and a pleasant familly home - well until the other Gordons of Haddo saw fit to evict the tenants. Well after the eviction in 1929 Historic Scotland stepped in to preserve the past. The castle is open to visitors between May and September from 9.00 till 17.00 cost is £3.60 regardless of who is visiting :) the resident ranger had left a kindly note to us telling of his absence so we enjoyed everything including the brilliant sunshine for free.

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Tarves Parish Church is pretty unremarkable as churches go, apart from the war memorial which stands in front of the Church and creates an interesting view, seems to draw the visitor towards it. The real history in its ancient kirkyard which hold interest to visitors. There was a much earlier Kirk here which still exists albeit just one wall from the previous churches aisle housing a tomb dating back four hundred years. This is the Tolquhon Tomb designed and made for the people who rest beneath. It commemorates William Forbes and his wife Elizabeth Gordon who lived in Tolquhon Castle. It is now under the care of Historic Scotland and has a prespex cover surrounding it with locked gates. This doesn't deter you from taking a photograph just pop the camera lense through the bars and capture some history. Although the tomb is made of sandstone you can still make out its artistic detail which includes the family crest badges and the initials (photo 5) of William Forbes and Elizabeth Gordon. Also worth a look are the old grave slabs which rest against the Church wall but you would have to brush up on your Latin to read them.

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Pitmedden Gardens web site says if you are a keen gardener this place will enspire your green fingers. What an understatment this is. Manicured to perfection you would swear they were surreal, but see the fine borders and high terrace where around 40 species of apple trees are trained to climb the granite walls, you will be convinced these gardens are a very special place - a joy for me and anyone else who likes to garden. The Grardens were first created in 1675 by Sir Alexander Seton 1st. Baronet of Pitmedden Three of the formal parterres have floral designs which change annually. The fourth parterre doesn't change it always shows Sir Alexander Seton's coat of arms.
Pitmedden Gardens are owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The gardens are open from May to September. The grounds are open all year from 9.00 till sunset. Admission prices are Adults £ 5.00 Family £14.00

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The little Chapel which sits beside the servants' quarters of Haddo House, is a private Chapel which served the estate workers and the Earls and their Ladies. The Chapel was designed by George E. Street in 1880 in a neo Gothic style. It has no kirkyard for people but near by under some very old trees which includes two oaks planted by Queen Victoria and her Consort Prince Albert, there lies some grave stones for the tenant and his workers much loved dogs. Although a private Chapel, if you can find a minister around these parts willing to perform Wedding or Christening Ceremonies, as in the past you can have your special moments in life here.

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The village square has all a visitor or indeed villager needs. Here in the pretty square you can visit the heritage centre with its nostalgic old petrol pump. Have a drink or a meal in the Aberdeen Arms hotel or visit the local shops.
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While your in the gardens look out for the two 'Thunder House Pavilions'. These unusual buildings are very interesting and as the name suggests would have been places to escape sudden rain showers. There was a small art exhibitions displaying the work of Marion Kolata her designs all relate to a garden theme, they are painted in oils onto linen.
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Haddo Country Park used to be part of Haddo's Country Estate but is now owned and managed by Aberdeenshire Council. The park comprises 200 acres of park land with lots of rambling paths through dense woodland. Open year round from 9.00 till sunset with free entrance. We followed the red trail which led through evergreens and deciduous trees - we were lucky to discover some red squirrels along the way but they were much too shy to be photographed. At the end of the trail you come to a man made lake which rivals any natural lake with its lovely refelections complete with wild foxgloves. The Geese always wait at the end of this trail to see if maybe you have some bread in your pocket to lighten your load on your travels.

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Haddo House was originally designed by William Adam in 1732, it was refurbished in 1880 after a fire ripped through the inside. The house was home to the Gordon family for four hundred years. The last Gordon was the 4th. Earl of Aberdeen. Today Haddo House is still in safe hands - owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland. It is open to the public by guided tour only - cost is £8.00 for adults and £20.00 for a family. The house is open from March through to November between 11.00 and 17.00 hrs. We visited on a weekend it is not open then only Monday to Friday. A fine Mansion House surrounded by well maintained terraced gardens which are worth a visit and all for free. The gardens are open from 9.00 till sunset all year.