Drumlanrig Castle
Explore the 'Pink Palace,' a stunning 17th-century castle in Dumfries & Galloway, boasting art, history, and beautiful grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the gardens before crowds
Drumlanrig Castle
Best Time
Enjoy the gardens before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 'Pink Palace,' a stunning 17th-century castle in Dumfries & Galloway, boasting art, history, and beautiful grounds.
"Drumlanrig Castle and grounds are beyond anything we have been to before, the pink castle is stunning packed full of history."
Book Castle Tours Early
Tours fill up fast! Secure your spot online to see the art and interiors. :ticket:
Dog-Friendly Grounds
Bring your furry friends! Many areas allow dogs off-lead. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Pink Palace' Architecture
Exterior
Admire the stunning 17th-century Renaissance architecture of this iconic 'Pink Palace'.
The Buccleuch Art Collection
Interior Tours
Discover treasures like Rembrandt's 'Old Woman Reading' and impressive family portraits.
Woodland Walks and Gardens
Grounds
Explore miles of scenic walking routes through manicured gardens and ancient woodlands.
Adventure Play Park
Grounds
A hit with all ages, this play park offers fun for younger visitors and the young at heart.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Castle Tour in Advance
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Castle Tours Early
Tours fill up fast! Secure your spot online to see the art and interiors. :ticket:
Dog-Friendly Grounds
Bring your furry friends! Many areas allow dogs off-lead. :dog:
Explore the Estate
Don't miss the extensive woodlands and gardens; great for walking and cycling. :walking:
Reasonable Parking Fee
Parking is affordable and covers the whole day, a great value. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Castle Tours Early
Tours fill up fast! Secure your spot online to see the art and interiors. :ticket:
Dog-Friendly Grounds
Bring your furry friends! Many areas allow dogs off-lead. :dog:
Explore the Estate
Don't miss the extensive woodlands and gardens; great for walking and cycling. :walking:
Reasonable Parking Fee
Parking is affordable and covers the whole day, a great value. :car:
Family Fun at the Park
The adventure playground is a hit with kids and teens alike. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Drumlanrig Castle, often calling it an 'amazing place' and a 'beautiful castle and surrounding scenery.' The 'Pink Palace' architecture, impressive art collection including a Rembrandt, and the extensive, well-maintained grounds are frequently highlighted. The affordability of parking and the dog-friendly nature of the estate are also significant positives. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some may find the castle tours fill up quickly, emphasizing the need for advance booking.
"Amazing place to visit with dogs that are happier off lead. Went twice in a week we loved it that much. Great walking routes, did multiple of them. Only paid for parking @ £2.50 for the whole day which is a steal. Cafe was lovely and reasonably priced.
Would highly recommend."
Lisa Ledder
"Beautiful castle and surrounding scenery. Booked a tour in advance- well worth doing and very interesting. There is a Rembrandt painting that can be viewed as part of the tour- a nice bonus! Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The gardens are beautiful and well maintained. We had lunch in the Castle Cafe afterwards which was tasty with generous portions. Lovely gift shop with a great selection."
Caroline C
"This is the home of one of my ancestors, so I was thrilled to be able to walk the grounds! The castle is very large. There are plenty of parking spaces, also an area to park and have lunch. Visitors were having a great time riding bikes while I was there. Dog friendly and sheep for as far as the eyes can see! Visiting the grounds was free and well worth the time as there are several trees on site that are very old and beautiful. Recommend a visit!"
gaybrielle hastings
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Drumlanrig Castle is located in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. The nearest town is Thornhill. Some visitors mention it's a neighbor to Dabton House, less than a ten-minute drive away.
The castle is well-signposted and situated in a prominent location within the Dumfries and Galloway region. Its distinctive pink hue makes it easily recognizable.
While public transport options might be limited, many visitors arrive by car. Consider checking local bus routes or taxi services from nearby towns if you're not driving.
Parking is available on-site and is reasonably priced at around £2.50 for the whole day, which is considered a great value by visitors.
Yes, there are nearby accommodations such as Dabton House, which is a sister property and less than a ten-minute drive away. Slatehouse Cottage is also located on the grounds, half a mile from the castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees vary depending on whether you are visiting the castle interior, grounds, or both. Parking is a separate, affordable fee. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, booking castle tours in advance is highly recommended as they can fill up quickly. This ensures you don't miss out on exploring the interior and seeing the art collection.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. During July and August, the castle typically opens for guided tours from Friday to Monday. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Visiting the grounds of Drumlanrig Castle is often free, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the scenery and walking routes without a full castle tour.
Drumlanrig Castle hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal activities like Halloween pumpkin patches and spooky fun. Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find opulent furnishings, antiques, and a significant portion of the Buccleuch Art Collection, including works by Rembrandt and family portraits. Tours offer insights into its 600-year history.
The grounds offer extensive walking routes and are generally accessible. Visitors have enjoyed cycling and exploring the woodlands and gardens.
Yes, Drumlanrig Castle is very dog-friendly. Dogs are often allowed off-lead on the grounds, making it a great place for pet owners to visit.
There's an adventure play park that is popular with children and even teenagers. The expansive grounds also offer plenty of space for exploration.
Photography is generally permitted on the grounds. Inside the castle, restrictions may apply, especially in areas with delicate artworks. It's best to check on-site guidelines.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's a Castle Cafe on-site that offers tasty food with generous portions at reasonable prices. It's a popular spot for lunch after exploring the castle and grounds.
The cafe offers a selection of meals and treats. Visitors have described the food as tasty with generous portions, and it's noted as being reasonably priced.
Yes, there are areas available for visitors to park and have lunch, suggesting picnic spots are likely available on the grounds.
Lean Bean Café in Thornhill is recommended as a cozy stop for coffee and treats, located near Drumlanrig Castle, offering a nice combo for visitors.
While there are on-site dining options and picnic areas, bringing your own food is generally acceptable for enjoying the grounds, especially if you plan to spend a full day exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the 'Pink Palace' is a prime photo opportunity. The manicured gardens, ancient woodlands, and grand entrance also offer stunning backdrops.
Drone usage typically requires special permission at historic sites like castles. It's advisable to contact Drumlanrig Castle directly to inquire about their drone policy.
Photography inside the castle may be restricted in certain areas, particularly near valuable artworks. Always check for signage or ask staff for guidance on interior photography rules.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can offer beautiful light for exterior shots of the castle. Mid-morning or late afternoon can also provide softer light for garden and woodland photography.
One visitor humorously mentioned getting 'nicked' trying to hop a private gate for a better picture, suggesting that exploring slightly off the beaten path might yield unique shots, but always respect private property.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a castle tour to engage older children with the history and art, especially if they have a guide who makes it interactive. The dog-friendly nature of the grounds also means the whole family, including furry members, can enjoy the day out together.
🐶 Dog Owners
Your canine companions can explore alongside you as you discover the beautiful scenery. The affordable day parking fee also makes it easy to spend a full day out with your pets without worrying about extra costs.
🖼️ Art & History Enthusiasts
Opt for a guided castle tour to gain deeper insights into the castle's 600-year history, its architecture, and the stories behind the art. The fact that it's a lived-in residence adds an authentic layer to the historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The castle is the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, and it remains a lived-in residence, adding a unique charm to its historical significance. Visitors have even reported seeing the Duke during their visits.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, Drumlanrig is deeply intertwined with the powerful Douglas family, whose presence in the area dates back to the 14th century. This legacy is palpable as you explore the castle and its extensive estate.
The Renowned Buccleuch Art Collection
Among the highlights is Rembrandt's 'Old Woman Reading,' a truly treasured piece that visitors often cite as a major highlight of their visit. The collection also includes numerous family portraits by esteemed artists, offering a visual narrative of the family's history and influence.
Tour guides are often praised for their knowledge and engaging delivery, making the art and history accessible and enjoyable. The opportunity to get up close to such significant works of art within a historic, lived-in castle is a unique aspect of the Drumlanrig experience.
Exploring the Expansive Grounds
For families, the adventure play park is a major attraction, providing hours of entertainment for children and even teenagers. The open spaces also make it an ideal location for cycling, and the entire estate is known for being very dog-friendly, with many areas allowing dogs off-lead.
Visitors consistently praise the well-maintained grounds, noting the presence of very old and beautiful trees. The affordability of parking, which covers the entire day, further enhances the appeal of spending a full day immersing yourself in the natural beauty and recreational opportunities Drumlanrig has to offer.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit