7 reasons to visit Scotland's Daffodil Festival

Celebrate the iconic pink daffodil

Mrs RO Backhouse (1857-1921) nee Sarah Elizabeth Dodgson was a pioneering daffodil raiser, creating the first daffodil with a truly pink carona, the famous Narcissus ‘Mrs RO Backhouse’ once widely grown, it is now dissapearing from commerce, come and see this fabulous ‘first ever truly pink’ daffodil at Scotland’s Daffodil Festival.

For more information about this extraordinary genius click here.

Home to the only National Scientific Collection of daffodils in the world

Experience the beauty of over 20,000 daffodils, from the historic Wordsworth style blooms to modern, and scented daffodils alongside other spring-flowering plants in the gardens and throughout the stunning estate
 

Explore, relax and breathe in this hidden gem

Take a step back in time, relax and enjoy a walk in Fife’s fresh, clean air. Experience the beauty of the walled garden, champion trees, views to the Lomond Hills, and some of the first daffodil cultivars ever created in the UK, by our Backhouse family ancestors.

Early tulips, auriculas, and spring-flowering plants bring a welcome burst of colour to the season

Follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots

Take a stroll along the Wild Walk to Tomb Wood, where daffodils line the path and Covenanter James Scott rests in peaceful surroundings. Walk in Mary Queen of Scots Footprints, let little ones explore the short Bear Walk, or enjoy a game on the nine-hole putting green with beautiful views of the Lomond Hills. A grass labyrinth also awaits for a moment of quiet reflection.

A great day out with shopping, festival café and free parking

Enjoy a day out, treat yourself to unique products at local artisan stalls, discover great vintage finds, and delicious food and drink. Explore a selection of plants for sale, take part in the fun of the Vintage Fête stalls, and enjoy the festival café serving a variety of food, snacks, and drinks

Discover the medicinal powers of this spring flower

The Backhouse Narcissus collection is the largest in the world and was awarded National Collection status in 2016 and more recently National Scientific status was added. Daffodils are more than just pretty flowers, with plant material being used in medicine, collections such as these may prove vital to future generations.  There really is so much more to daffodils than a brightly coloured vase of spring flowers. 

Learn the fascinating family history

Caroline is a direct descendant of the Backhouse family. For a century, six members of her family over three generations did more for daffodil breeding than almost anyone else, introducing more than 950 new cultivars, in breakthrough colours. their early improvements in daffodil genetics changed hybridisation around the world. At the Daffodil Festival, discover more about the fascinating family history and their passion for daffodils.