Airlie was built in the 15th century as a fortified castle. It sits on a promontory high above the Rivers Melgum and Isla. The gorge below is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because it contains rare lichen and wildflowers.

The 18th-century walled garden grows fruit, flowers and vegetables and it is intersected by mature yew and box topiary. Within the Castle walls itself, there are two herbaceous borders and a large Kiftsgate rose and climbing wisteria.

In large areas of the policies the grass has been left to grow long, and as a consequence of this many varieties of native wild orchid have reappeared. A woodland walk leads down from the Castle and gardens to the River Isla.

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