Entwining history and romance, Dumfries and Galloway is home to an enchanting collection of castles. Spanning the centuries, these fairytale follies and formidable fortresses regale seekers of history with fascinating chronicles and tales of old. From moated mottes to striking ruins, each one promises hours of untold exploration between the region’s rocky coastline and spruce forests.
Set your sights on a spellbinding sojourn and captivating journey through time with a visit to some of the best castles in Dumfries and Galloway…
Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens
Affectionately referred to as the ‘Pink Palace’, the red sandstone Drumlanrig Castle in Thornhill is one of the most exquisite examples of 17th-century Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Inviting for an unforgettable foray through historic collections and landscaped grounds, it promises to enthral all generations. Arrive in style along the grand drive before gazing at the pink façade of Drumlanrig. For moments in nature, uncover the Victorian Gardens with a leisurely stroll or guided tour, following flowering borders through acre upon acre. Perfect for children, a woodland playground is open from March until October, while an array of cycling and mountain biking trails propose a different way to roam. To immerse in history, explore some of the regal rooms of Drumlanrig, adorned with period art and delicate tapestries, before heading to the onsite Larchwood Cabin Café, open seasonally for light refreshments and delectable treats.
Sweetheart Abbey
Sweetheart Abbey, though not technically a castle, remains one of the most beloved historic sites in Dumfries and Galloway. Nestled in the village of New Abbey, this wonderfully romantic abbey was nicknamed ‘Dulce Cor’ by the Cistercian monks who once lived there. This was inspired by the lasting love story of the abbey’s founder, Lady Dervorgilla of Galloway, who built the abbey in honour of her late husband, John Balliol. For the lovers of history, Sweetheart Abbey offers an unmissable window into a 700-year-old tale curated by social revolution, spiritual consecration, and starry-eyed devotion that has endured the best part of a thousand years.
Castle Kennedy Gardens
A delightful family and dog-family attraction in Dumfries and Galloway, Castle Kennedy near Stranraer and its verdant grounds are a haven for halcyon pursuits. Set within 75 acres of flower-garlanded gardens and lochside landscapes, it is home to an array of floral collections and rare, native and exotic trees and shrubs. Embark on a peaceful walk through the gardens, arriving in spring to see a blizzard of snowdrops and bluebells or summer to savour picnics beside the water. In autumn, anticipate soul-stirring strolls through amber walkways lined with copper-hued trees and bask in suntrap corners in the estate’s walled gardens. Real highlights as you wander are views of both the new castle and the original 16th-century ruins for magical backdrops to storybook days.
Caeverlock Castle
Designed in a spectacular triangular shape and surrounded by a moat, the 13th-century Caeverlock Castle is one of the most striking castles in the country. Residing close to the Scottish borders, it was once an important defensive stronghold and noble residence, home to the same family for hundreds of years. Today, the site is beloved for its unusual design and has become a beloved filming location for its twin-towered gatehouse, striking defensive curtain walls, and jagged battlements. Visit the castle throughout the year to follow its historic pathways and learn about some of its secrets. Later, you can also meander along pathways through the encompassing Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve, where an array of rare habits provide shelter to an abundance of wildlife.
Threave Castle & Gardens
Threave Castle & Gardens are looked after by the National Trust for Scotland and renowned as the home of the School of Heritage Gardening. A place for avid horticulturists and nature lovers alike to find natural inspiration, it makes for a heavenly destination throughout the year. Head over by day to see the Baronial Threave House with its turrets and towers, explore sun-dappled garden rooms, look out for ospreys, and follow the Diamond Trail past the next generation of saplings. Or, venture over as dusk descends to take part in a guided bat tour to learn about the nightly toing and froing of the UK’s only flying mammal within Threave’s estate – the only Bat Reserve in Scotland.
Dunskey Castle
Residing in a striking position overlooking the ocean, Dunskey Castle is one of the most magical castles in Dumfries and Galloway. Originally built in the 1500s, it perches on a rocky promontory above the Irish Sea and enjoys uninterrupted views across the water. Particularly beautiful in the evening when the last rays of day cast a golden glow through the castle’s empty windows, it calls to photographers and sunset seekers with its breathtaking scenery. Follow the coast path from Portpatrick to reach Dunskey Castle and relish the enigmatic setting. For utmost comfort, take a flask of something delicious with you to complement the moment as you turn your attention to time and tide.
Cardoness Castle
The remains of Cardoness Castle reveal an intriguing insight into the life of the McCullochs, a famous (and sometimes infamous) Galloway family. With ties to John Balliol (of Sweetheart Abbey fame) and sky-high aspirations, the family originally built their towering castle residence in the 1400s, some believe as a smaller replica of Threave’s Tower House. Extending over six stories with 2.5-meter-thick walls, its considered design featured two floors for storage and two floors for family living. It also housed a two-storey pit prison. Subject to masonry inspections, the castle’s well-preserved remains can still be explored today; look out for intricate stone carvings, the dining room’s fireplace and silverware wall cupboard, and the ground floor’s gunholes. Completing the experience are stunning views over Fleet Bay and the Solway Firth.
Castle O'er Hill Fort
For those wishing to venture further back in time, a trip to Castle O’er Hill Fort near Eskdalemuir, is simply a must. Perfect for those looking to weave their journey with a soul-stirring sense of adventure, this bygone castle can only be reached via a walk along waymarked footpaths, passing through rolling countryside scenes and woodland swathes. Adorn your cosiest walking attire and uncover some of the region’s richest historical tales. With origins dating back to the Iron Age and beyond, Castle O’er is believed to have been inhabited by the Selgovae tribe and the site of at least thirty round houses as well as the larger hill fort. Part of the Eskdale Prehistoric Trail, this walk can also be extended for a deeper dive into ancient discovery.
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