\n Famed for its beautiful surroundings and strange hedges, Dalmeny, which is nestled along the watery estuary of the Firth of Forth, has a lot to offer.\n<\/p>\n
\n Featuring grazing livestock and a number of structures from between the 17th and 19th centuries, the surrounding area is the “unexpected” site for a trio of topiary that have been manicured to resemble a number of iconic figures from around the world.\n<\/p>\n
These strange hedges near Edinburgh have been cultivated for over 20 years<\/p>\n
\n<\/blockquote>\n\n According to Atlas Obscura<\/a> , resident gardener Michael Kaplan has spent the best part of 20 years cultivating a Yew tree to resemble a moai from Easter Island, an Olmec head from Central America, and a Corinthian warrior from Greece.\n<\/p>\n
\n The heads are also electrically wired so that their eyes blink red for the briefest of moments.\n<\/p>\n
\n Using an ordinary pair of hand-held shears, it takes Michael an entire week, three times a year, to trim the hedges into their iconic shapes.\n<\/p>\n
\n There is more to this area, with the nearby Scottish<\/a> estate of Dalmeny and its grounds having been praised by visitors on Tripadvisor<\/a> .\n<\/p>\n
\n One person said: “A great big old country house surrounded by huge gardens and grounds. Made me dream a bit about being lord of the manor.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Another penned: “Beautiful gardens, beautiful house. Staff here are very willing to help you in any way they can.\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/blockquote>\nRecommended Reading:<\/p>\n
\n “We had four children with us and they all had a great day from four years old up to 11 and not one of them got bored.”\n<\/p>\n
\n A third wrote: “I recently moved to Dalmeny Village and thought I would find the beach at Dalmeny House grounds. The grounds are open for walkers and cycling as far as I can see, all year round.”\n<\/p>\n
\n They added: “I walked about a mile along the main drive towards the house and the beach. I wasn’t disappointed, and the views at the beach were spectacular.”\n<\/p>\n