Caerlaverock Castle

A short drive from Dumfries, Caerlaverock Castle dates from the 13th century and was built to control the South-West entrance to Scotland. It has been controlled by the English, Scottish and the Normans. After winning Scottish independence in 1314, Robert the Bruce ordered the destruction of Caerlaverock along with other border strongholds, to prevent them being used by an invading English army. The castle was rebuilt 200 years later, but after English-Scottish relations broke down in 1640, Caerlaverock was besieged, partially dismantled and fell into decay.

The site remains an evocative experience as the unspoilt surrounding countryside enables you to imagine what it was like in medieval times.
There’s a siege warfare exhibition to see, a children’s adventure park, a nature trail and cafe and shop on site.

This is a weird shaped castle which is insde a double moat and is triangle in shape There are lots of in and out parts of the castle so be careful as you can miss things
The Nithsdale Lodging is marvellous for its ornate carvings
Well worth a visit
The wildfowl and wetlands trust has a site ther with free parking and there is accomadation so a great place to go if your intrested in history and nature
It is also a historic scotland sight so free entry to its member and english heritage members get a discount or free entry which depends on the length of time you have been a member

A love this traingle shaped castle, its not your normal shaped castle, but never the less its beautiful.

The main 2 walls that still exist are explorable with stairs for you to go up and down. The 3rd wall is more delapidated but gives you interesting views in to the castle from the rear if you explore of go on the nature trail for the children.

It was slightly cold round easter when we visited, but would love to go back in sunnier weather.

About 20 minutes drive from the centre of Dumfries, Caerlaverock Castle is a proper old medieval castle ruin, complete with a moat, turrets and gatehouse. What remains of the castle is the front two sides and most of the back, it’s triangular, therefore it’s quite an exposed building so be prepared for poor weather. It’s quite a romantic setting and couples often have some wedding photos taken here.
There isn’t a great deal to see of the building itself but there are other attractions in the grounds such as a children’s play park and a wee giftshopy tearoom.
There is also a nature trail which leads you round behind the castle though the marshy woodland and to the site of the old castle, it’s more or less just the foundations of this remaining as the castle was moved due to subsidence in the soggy ground, you may or may not have to pay the entry fee to walk round the nature trail depending on who is tending the entrance to the Castle grounds.
This is a Historic Scotland property and therefore free for members, non members fees are Adult £5.20, Child £2.60, Concession £4.20 and quite steep in my opinion, but worth a visit for members if you’re in the area.

Opening times are currently listed as
Summer
21 March 2008 - 30 September 2008, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Winter
1 October 2008 - 31 March 2009, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm