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, with special activities during the festive season and other seasonal highlights.
General Opening Times
The Gardens and Adventure Playground are open from 1 March to 31 October, daily from 09:30 to 16:30. During December, the Gardens and Adventure Playground are open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 09:00 to 15:00, with free entry. The Castle Tearoom is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 16:00 until 21 December. The Castle itself is open for guided tours on select dates, including 6 and 7 December, with tours at 12:00 and 14:00.
Festive Events
- Santa's Grotto: Open from 5 to 21 December, pre-booking required.
- Breakfast with Santa: Available on the same dates, pre-booking required.
- Christmas Market: Held on 6 and 7 December, from 11:00 to 19:00 on Saturday and 11:00 to 16:00 on Sunday. Entry is £5 per car.
- Craft Workshops: Held on 2, 9, and 16 December.
- Evening Castle Tour: On 6 December at 17:00, including canapés and champagne, tickets are £35.
Other Attractions
- The Castle Gardens feature 40 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, open from March to October.
- The Adventure Playground is open during the same period, weather permitting.
- Way-marked walks and trails are available year-round.
- Self-catering holiday accommodations are available on the estate.
Admission charges for the Gardens and Adventure Playground are £8 for adults, £6 for children, and £7 for concessions. Castle tours, which include Gardens and Playground entry, are £18 for adults, £9 for children, and £15 for concessions.
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate offers a rich variety of activities and events, making it a destination for all seasons.
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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