Drakkar’s Drift draws inspiration from the striking basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa – an interest sparked by a 2023 trip that led to deeper research into the island’s history. The Norse word ‘Drakkar’ refers to Viking ships displaying a dragon head at their front and so reminds of the arrival of the Vikings in the northern Scottish isles over a thousand years ago.
The garden itself celebrates Scotland’s historic ties with Scandinavia by blending Nordic wellness traditions and Highland elements: a floating wooden boardwalk leads to a bespoke heartwood sauna and plunge pool, while a rocky cascade, stream and scattered boulders evoke dramatic Scottish landscapes.
A fire pit pays homage to a more primal way of life, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The result is a tranquil yet culturally rich retreat that unites heritage, design, and the healing power of nature.
Visitors can expect a vibrant, resilient planting scheme designed to thrive in the UK’s changing climate, reflecting the designer’s personal belief in horticulture’s potential to support mental health and well-being. All perennials and grasses have been grown by Cliff Bank Nursery, Yorkshire.
