Drumlanrig Castle

Home / Family Gardens / Drumlanrig Castle

Opening Times
Trails open all year 7am to 7pm
Gardens open Feb to Oct 9.30m to 4.30pm
Castle open on selected days
Larchwood Cabin Café open from 10am
Times change during the year – check below!

Drumlanrig Castle’s Magnificent Gardens and Estate!

Located around 20 miles north of Dumfries in Dumfries and Galloway, Drumlanrig Castle sits within a vast 90,000 acre estate. Explore its Rose, Rock and Woodland Gardens, Victorian glasshouses, colourful borders and plant centre. Woodland trails offer red squirrel spotting, while children can enjoy the adventure playground. The castle, tearoom and seasonal events add even more reasons to visit!

My top tip: Book your tour and afternoon tea – don’t miss out!

Visitor Review Rating – 4.6

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Fort Douglas:

Adults from £8

Children from £6

Buy Tickets here!


Opening Times & Admission Prices

Opening Times: The grounds are open 7 days a week all year round, Gardens open February to October, Castle selected dates
Opening Times: Grounds 7am to 7pm, Gardens 9.30am to 4.30pm, 9.30m to 4.30pm, Larchwood Cabin Café open from 10am
Admission Prices: Adults from £8, Children from £6, under 5’s free -garden prices, Castle is £18 & £9 included gardens & estate
Admission to grounds is £2.50 for parking

Check for today’s Drumlanrig Castle Visitor Information as opening days & times may change!

Buy Tickets for Drumlanrig Castle!

Including Castle Tours, Gardens, Adventure Playground & Parking

Local Weather for Drumlanrig Castle near Thornhill

Oxidised fire pit

Stylish oxidised fire pit – Perfect for Autumn nights!
Oxidised Fire Pit / Log Burner- Buy now Only £64.99! Ad
Level up your patio, lawn or terrace!

Thornhill, GB
2:20 pm, Oct 28, 2026
weather icon 13°C | °F
Patchy rain nearby
L: 7° H: 13°
Daily Forecast Hourly Forecast

Visitor Information for Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig Castle is a 90,000 acre estate with a dramatic castle, the Pink Palace, located about 20 miles north of Dumfries in the heart of Dumfries & Galloway.

The Castle is open for tours on selected days, or you can pre book group tours where you will get to see inside the 120 room Castle.

Known as the Pink Palace due to the colour of its red sandstone it is packed full of history and you will get to see the wonderful paintings, tapestries and objets d’art as well as the stunning rooms, staircases and period features.

The Castle Gardens really are amazing with a number of distinct areas and features ready for you to explore and enjoy.

From the Duchess’ Garden, Rock Garden, Woodland Garden, Rose Garden and Parterres to the stunning Shawl centrepiece.

Azaleas, daffodils and snowdrops all feature as well as many impressive flower filled borders.

The restored Victorian Glasshouses are well worth the visit alone and the plant centre will be an inspiration for you at the Larchwood Cabin.

Take a walk out to The Castle Stableyard which is now home to a number of local artisanal businesses including yoga, dog grooming and soap and skincare goods.

There are some great waymarked trails ready for you to explore the woodlands. You can download the trail guides here – pdf.

Will you spot the red squirrels?

The kids will love the Adventure Playground with its zip wires, slides and swings in 40 acres. Open from March to October.

Refreshments are available from the Larchwood Cabin Café from March to October where you will find hot and cold drinks, light lunches, tray bakes and homemade cakes.

The Castle Tearoom is actually inside the Castle kitchen with access outside. Check here for opening times and booking which is strongly recommended.

Watch out for events like Halloween Happenings, Wreath Making, Christmas Markets and events as well as the weekly 5km Park Run.

And of note is the annual Galloway Country Fair – not to be missed if you are in the area during the middle of August.

Other properties owned by the Buccleuch estate include Bowhill House near Dumfries.

Accessibility at Drumlanrig Castle

Generally accessible gardens and castle. Wider estate some areas are gravel & grass. More Drumlanrig accessibility information here – pdf.

Dogs at Drumlanrig Castle

Dogs on leads are allowed in the estate and gardens. Assistance dogs only allowed in the Castle and adventure playground. Some outdoor dog friendly seating areas in the Café, Stables & picnic areas.

Photos of Drumlanrig Castle

Images © Drumlanrig Castle

Local Accommodation near to Drumlanrig Castle

If you are looking for somewhere to stay near Drumlanrig Castle then look here for your local Thornhill Accommodation.

Gardens of the National Trust Book

Discover more great gardens to visit with the National Trust! Hardback – Save 18% £20.55! Ad

Visitors Reviews of Drumlanrig Castle

Visitor Review Score 4.6 stars

Don’t take our word for how genuinely super these gardens and features are.

Here is what visitors have to say about their visit to Drumlanrig Castle:

Jo Smith liked the Halloween trail, interactive family activities, woodland walk and castle views.

Happytravellers94 praised the peaceful atmosphere, long woodland walk and superb flower garden.

Rose-Marie W enjoyed the stunning gardens, peaceful surroundings, informative castle tour and café

David G appreciated the scenic 5km woodland walk, lochs, friendly staff and good-value garden visit.

RichardTRCathcart loved the beautiful gardens, engaging guided tour, welcoming staff and tearoom.

Map of local gardens near to Drumlanrig Castle for you to visit

While you are visiting the Drumlanrig Castle take some time to discover other gardens & attractions nearby, well a short drive away!

Gardens to visit near to Drumlanrig Castle

Local gardens and attractions near to Drumlanrig Castle


Crichton Gardens – 19 miles from Drumlanrig Castle : Free public gardens with rose borders, an arboretum, landscaped parkland & heritage walking trails.

Castledykes Park – 19 miles from Drumlanrig Castle : A peaceful public park with colourful flowerbeds, mature trees, historic features and paths for a relaxing stroll.

Arbigland House & Gardens – 30 miles from Drumlanrig Castle: A coastal garden with mature trees, rhododendrons, azaleas, a Japanese garden and woodland paths leading towards the Solway Firth.

Threave Garden – 32 miles from Drumlanrig Castle : Explore themed gardens, a walled garden, glasshouses and extensive wetlands rich in wildlife.

Broughton House & Gardens – 35 miles from Drumlanrig Castle : Discover a distinctive Japanese-inspired Edwardian garden with stepping-stone paths, mature planting and views towards Kirkcudbright harbour.

Map, Location, Directions & Contact Details for Drumlanrig Castle

All information was believed to correct at the time of publication

Drumlanrig Castle
Drumlanrig Castle
Thornhill
Dumfries & Galloway Scotland DG3 4AQ
United Kingdom
Scroll to Top