Caerlaverock Castle
Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Dumfries, 7.4 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Castle Road End, Dumfries DG1 4RU
Telephone 01387 770244
More castles in Dumfries and Galloway →
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
A unique triangular, moated castle, one of only a handful of this design anywhere, with the foundations of an earlier castle a five-minute walk away, plus a surrounding nature reserve with coastal paths and a bird hide. Historic Environment Scotland keeps it well staffed, though some areas remain under conservation restriction.
Worth the trip
The triangular ground plan - genuinely unusual among British castles, and the reason this one stands out even among Historic Environment Scotland's larger sites.
Before you go
The approach roads from Dumfries are narrow and twisting, so allow extra time for the drive, and don't miss the older castle foundations a short walk from the main site - most visitors only see the one they parked next to.
Multiple reviewers praise Caerlaverock's unusual triangular design with its moat and drum towers, calling out the passionate, friendly staff and the surrounding nature reserve walks where visitors spot squirrels, ducklings and even otters. A couple of reviews flag that the castle interior alone is a fairly quick visit (under half an hour for one visitor), so the grounds, old castle site and nature trails are needed to fill out a couple of hours, and one review found some fenced-off areas and the information centre a bit underwhelming.
Triangular moated castle; some conservation access restrictions
“A very enjoyable family visit to Caerlaverock castle. Very peaceful and tranquil considering it's historic past. Reasonably priced entrance (under £25 for 4 of us I think), very friendly staff and able to walk around…”- Martyn Robinson, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Easy to find, ample parking when we went and the shop was lovely.” - Laura Young
- Guided tours
- “There are fish in the moat and the local tour guide tells me there are a family of otters living here.” - Peter Mabon
- Facilities
- “There is a gift shop and café too, along with a nearby forest also included in a ticket- I would say that everything was worth the money.” - Vivi Daemo
Common questions about Caerlaverock Castle
Where is Caerlaverock Castle?
Caerlaverock Castle is in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, at Castle Road End, Dumfries DG1 4RU.
Do you need a ticket to visit Caerlaverock Castle?
Yes - Caerlaverock Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Caerlaverock Castle?
The triangular ground plan - genuinely unusual among British castles, and the reason this one stands out even among Historic Environment Scotland's larger sites.
Is Caerlaverock Castle a ruin or still intact?
Caerlaverock Castle is a ruin - Triangular moated castle; some conservation access restrictions.
