Caerlaverock Castle
Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Photo: Simon Ledingham, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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)
- Note
- Triangular moated castle; some conservation access restrictions
Pinpoint
Castle Road End, Dumfries DG1 4RU
Telephone 01387 770244
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Daily 9.30am to 5pm |
| 1 October - 31 March | Daily 10am to 4pm |
Last entry: 30 mins before closing.
- Closed
- 25 & 26 December, 1 & 2 January. Closes at 2pm on 24 December.
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
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.
At a glance
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.
What visitors say
Caerlaverock Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 3,128 Google reviews
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.
“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
Weddings at Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock Castle is on our wedding roll because Historic Environment Scotland mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in Scotland, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
Sir John Maxwell · 13th century
Sir John Maxwell began building Caerlaverock around 1220 as one of Scotland's earliest stone castles, featuring the rare triangular design that survives to this day. The castle was besieged by Edward I in 1300 and fought over repeatedly during the Wars of Independence. It served the Maxwell family as a stronghold until abandonment in 1640.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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.
