Drumlanrig Castle
Fortress turned aristocratic mansion.
Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, DG3 4AQ
Facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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EV charging options
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Facilities for children
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Access statement available
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
**Please note we are having trouble with our lift within the Castle – please get in touch before booking a Castle Tour if you cannot access stairs.
Drumlanrig Castle is the Dumfriesshire home of the 10th Duke of Buccleuch & Queensberry.
The Castle is one of Scotland’s finest examples of 17th-century Renaissance architecture. Towering over the Nith Valley, Drumlanrig houses items from the world-renowned Buccleuch Collection including works by Rembrandt and Holbein.
On a guided tour, visitors will learn about the castle’s fascinating history, from the original ‘Braveheart’ story, tales of Mary Queen of Scots and the infamous Bonnie Prince Charlie’s visit.
Although the Castle is open only select dates, from March to the end of October visitors can explore forty acres of beautifully maintained gardens that lead to the extensive estate, with waymarked walks, e-bike hire, plant sales, café, tearoom, gift shop, seasonal events and self-catering accommodation. The Castle and its grounds are available for corporate and private events, and have featured in the series Outlander and the Buccaneers.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate offers a variety of attractions and events throughout the year, catering to all interests and ages. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times and events:
General Opening Times
- Gardens and Adventure Playground: Open daily from 28th February to 31st October, 09:30 – 16:30. Closed on 18-20 and 23-24 March. Entry and exit via the Stableyard only.
- Castle Tours: Available on selected dates, including Easter weekend (3rd-6th April), May (2nd-3rd), and Fridays to Mondays in July and August. Tours run at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00. Pre-booking is recommended.
- Walks and Trails: Open year-round, 07:00 – 19:00. A £2.50 car parking charge applies.
- Castle Tearoom: Open Sundays beyond the main season, 11:00 – 16:00, featuring Sunday Roasts.
Special Events
- Snowdrop Walk: 7th-8th February, showcasing a marked route through the Gardens.
- Winter Photo Competition: 22nd January - 17th February, with a chance to win an Annual Pass.
- Christmas Events: From 5th to 21st December, including Santa's Grotto, Breakfast with Santa, Craft Workshops, and a Christmas Market on 6th-7th December.
- Evening Castle Tour: 6th December, featuring canapés and fizz, starting at 5pm.
Admission Prices
- Gardens and Adventure Playground: Adults £8, Children £6 (under 5s free), Concessions £7.
- Castle Tours: Adults £18, Children £9 (under 5s free), Concessions £15. Includes Gardens and Playground entry.
- Car Parking: £2.50 per day.
Drumlanrig Castle also offers private tours, group visits, and school visits by appointment. The Estate features self-catering holiday accommodations, outdoor activities, and a variety of seasonal events.
Historic Houses members visit for free:
Please book online and select Historic Houses option, you will need to enter your membership number.
Castle Tours (includes Gardens & Playground Entry and Car Parking)
Adults £18
Children £9 (under 5’s free)
Concessions/Students £15
Gardens & Adventure Playground (includes Car Parking)
Adults £8
Children £6 (under 5’s free)
Concessions £7
We would be delighted to welcome you to Drumlanrig Castle as part of group tour.
You will be welcomed with a breathtaking drive through the estate and the tree lined avenue up to the beautiful castle. There are a variety of fantastic fully guided tours available with one of the knowledgeable guides, starting with a 1-hour Castle Tour.
Tours of the Gardens are also available.
The Buccleuch family and the Queensberry Estate are committed to working with educational bodies under the Curriculum for Excellence and Outdoor Learning programmes.
Taking the classroom outdoors is an excellent way to promote and encourage a deeper understanding of the impact of environmental management on the local countryside.
School visits at Drumlanrig are suitable for nursery, primary and secondary School children and can be adapted to suit specific curriculum requirements and age groups. Visits can be either ranger-led or self-guided and can include a tour of the Castle, a variety of walks or a chance to experience some of our rural businesses at work.
For further information please call 01848 331555, or email [email protected].
- Access statement available
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
**Please note we are having trouble with our lift within the Castle – please get in touch before booking a Castle Tour if you cannot access stairs.
Getting here
Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, DG3 4AQ
We’re situated just off A76, 17 miles north of Dumfries. Also signposted from the M74 (J14 southbound) and A702 at Abington and Elvanfoot.
The Dumfries-Ayr 246 bus drops you at the estate entrance, where it is a one and a half mile walk through the stunning grounds. The nearest train station is approx. 10 miles away at Sanquhar. From here take the 246 bus or a local taxi.
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