Drumlanrig Castle - Image 1
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Drumlanrig Castle

4.6
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore the 'Pink Palace,' a stunning 17th-century castle in Dumfries & Galloway, boasting art, history, and beautiful grounds.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Enjoy the gardens before crowds

CrowdLow
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Drumlanrig Castle - Image 1

Drumlanrig Castle

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Enjoy the gardens before crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the 'Pink Palace,' a stunning 17th-century castle in Dumfries & Galloway, boasting art, history, and beautiful grounds.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Drumlanrig Castle and grounds are beyond anything we have been to before, the pink castle is stunning packed full of history."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Pink Palace' Architecture

The 'Pink Palace' Architecture

Exterior

Admire the stunning 17th-century Renaissance architecture of this iconic 'Pink Palace'.

The Buccleuch Art Collection

The Buccleuch Art Collection

Interior Tours

Discover treasures like Rembrandt's 'Old Woman Reading' and impressive family portraits.

Woodland Walks and Gardens

Woodland Walks and Gardens

Grounds

Explore miles of scenic walking routes through manicured gardens and ancient woodlands.

Adventure Play Park

Adventure Play Park

Grounds

A hit with all ages, this play park offers fun for younger visitors and the young at heart.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Castle Tour in Advance

Castle tours at Drumlanrig Castle fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Booking ahead ensures your spot to explore the opulent interiors and see the renowned art collection, including a Rembrandt painting. Reddit

Embrace the Outdoors

Beyond the castle walls, Drumlanrig boasts extensive grounds with walking routes, woodlands, and an adventure play park. Dogs are welcome and can often be off-lead, making it a fantastic day out for families and pet owners. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Summer Mornings
Why
Enjoy the gardens before crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Friday to Monday (July-Aug)
Why
Guided tours available
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn
Why
Beautiful fall foliage
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Scotland’s Drumlanrig Castle 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Drumlanrig Castle has a fascinating history that dates back to the 14th century when the mighty Douglas family built a fortress in the area. But it wasn’t until 1684 that the current castle was constructed when William Douglas became the first Duke of Queensberry. After a 10-year construction project, it was finally finished in 1689. The castle’s design is a b...
xploreheritage
1.3K likes • 14.9K views

Book Castle Tours Early

Tours fill up fast! Secure your spot online to see the art and interiors. Reddit :ticket:

Dog-Friendly Grounds

Bring your furry friends! Many areas allow dogs off-lead. Reddit+1 :dog:

Drumlanrig Castle is located in the heart of beautiful Dumfries and Galloway.  Here you can discover over 600 years of family history and the works of art collection over the centuries. Drumlanrig Castle, or the ‘Pink Palace’ as it’s known, is one of the finest examples of late 17th century Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Constructed from distinctive pink sandstone, the Castle first began i...
highlandertoursscotland
959 likes • 17.1K views
Hamish the Ghoulish Gardener heard that the Halloween Activities start this week at Drumlanrig… So he’s been out doing some garden checks to make sure all is ready ahead of the spooky fun!👻🎃🍂 Few spaces still remaining, secure them now before you miss out! #DrumlanrigCastle #PumpkinPatch #HalloweenActivities #Halloween #HauntedCastle #HamishtheGhoulishGardener
drumlanrigcastle
118 likes • 3.7K views

Explore the Estate

Don't miss the extensive woodlands and gardens; great for walking and cycling. Reddit :walking:

Reasonable Parking Fee

Parking is affordable and covers the whole day, a great value. Reddit :car:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Nestled on the enchanting grounds of Drumlanrig Castle, Slatehouse Cottage offers a truly extraordinary location steeped in Scottish heritage. Positioned half a mile from the magnificent Drumlanrig castle, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich historical significance. Drumlanrig Castle, often referred to as the “Pink Palace” due to its distinctive sandstone, serves as a majest...
this.is.the.spot
1K likes • 41.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Castle Tours Early

Tours fill up fast! Secure your spot online to see the art and interiors. Reddit :ticket:

Dog-Friendly Grounds

Bring your furry friends! Many areas allow dogs off-lead. Reddit+1 :dog:

Explore the Estate

Don't miss the extensive woodlands and gardens; great for walking and cycling. Reddit :walking:

Reasonable Parking Fee

Parking is affordable and covers the whole day, a great value. Reddit :car:

Family Fun at the Park

The adventure playground is a hit with kids and teens alike. Reddit :child:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

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

Stunning 'Pink Palace' architecture
Impressive art collection
Beautiful grounds and walks

What People Dislike

Tours can book up quickly

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

The grounds offer extensive walking routes and are generally accessible. Visitors have enjoyed cycling and exploring the woodlands and gardens. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit+1

There's an adventure play park that is popular with children and even teenagers. The expansive grounds also offer plenty of space for exploration. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are areas available for visitors to park and have lunch, suggesting picnic spots are likely available on the grounds. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the 'Pink Palace' is a prime photo opportunity. The manicured gardens, ancient woodlands, and grand entrance also offer stunning backdrops. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Drumlanrig Castle is a fantastic destination for families. The adventure play park is a huge hit, keeping children entertained for hours. Beyond the park, the expansive grounds offer plenty of space for kids to run around, explore the woodlands, and discover nature. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Drumlanrig Castle is a paradise for dog owners. The extensive grounds and woodlands are perfect for long walks, and many areas allow dogs to be off-lead, which is a major plus for many pet owners. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

🖼️ Art & History Enthusiasts

For those who appreciate art and history, Drumlanrig Castle is a must-visit. The Buccleuch Art Collection, featuring works by Rembrandt and other masters, is a significant draw. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Drumlanrig Castle, often called the 'Pink Palace,' boasts a rich history spanning over 600 years. Construction of the current magnificent structure began in 1684 under William Douglas, the first Duke of Queensberry, and took a decade to complete. It stands as one of Scotland's finest examples of late 17th-century Renaissance architecture. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

The Renowned Buccleuch Art Collection

A significant draw for visitors to Drumlanrig Castle is its impressive art collection, part of the renowned Buccleuch Collection. This collection features masterpieces that are rarely seen by the public, making a tour of the castle a special artistic experience. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit+1

Exploring the Expansive Grounds

The estate surrounding Drumlanrig Castle is as captivating as the castle itself, offering a diverse range of landscapes and activities. Miles of walking routes wind through ancient woodlands and beautifully manicured gardens, providing ample opportunities for exploration and enjoying nature. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit+1

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