DUNDONALD CASTLE & VISITOR CENTRE
OPENING TIMES: DAILY 10AM-5PM
Tours at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 130pm, 230pm, 330pm (lunch closure 1pm-130pm)
Last castle tour at 330pm
Last castle entry at 4pm
Dundonald Castle is truly one of Scotland’s hidden gems, tucked away in the quiet, rural landscape in South Ayrshire.
The 14th-century hilltop fortified ruin is looked after daily by The Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, who also manage the attraction’s Visitor Centre.
One of Scotland’s most unexplored and fascinating outdoor attractions, this heritage treasure was the historic home to Scots King Robert II, grandson of Robert the Bruce. It boasts historical links to the Stewart dynasty, the Wallace family, and the Cochranes, favourites of Charles II.
Experience impressive barrel-vaulted ceilings, enjoy a spectacular coastal view and join the Castle Team for stories and rare finds from the site’s 3500-year-old past. The Castle’s rich history is illustrated for all ages, through initiatives in Education, Archaeology, Events, Exhibitions, Weddings, and tours led by enthusiastic local guides.
FoDC works in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland. This successful partnership allows FoDC to continue to excite people about their heritage, bring life back to the Castle, and deliver a first-class visitor experience for all. Historic Scotland members can use their cards for free entry to Dundonald Castle. A visit to Dundonald Castle is a great family day out, with a place to enjoy locally sourced, healthy food options from our café, a museum and exhibition area, and local play and picnic areas. Our Visitor Centre is fully accessible, has toilet facilities, and is dog-friendly.
Latest Reviews
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Genuinely impressed by this site. It feels like there's not much to see/do, but the tour provided by June was just fantastic.
June is a local to the area, and... read more
Deductress
February 16, 2023
FODC Updates
Click HERE for more posts
- Planning Permission Granted for Visitor Centre Extension
Exciting News from Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO (SC031541)! We’re thrilled to share that planning permission has officially been granted for the extension of our Visitor Centre! This is a … - Community-Led Tourism #ScotVisitorEconomy
Today [25/04/2025] is #CommunityTourismDay25 – and we’re proud to be part of it! At Dundonald Castle, community isn’t just part of the story—it is the story. From 3,500 years of … - Funding Success – ARIA Community Asset Maintenance Fund
In 2021, we achieved something truly special – the successful community asset transfer of Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre! Now proudly owned and managed by Friends of Dundonald Castle (SC031541), the …
SUPPORTED BY:
ARIA Capital Fund 2024
Funding was secured to purchase new fixtures and fittings to upgrade the space at Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre/Hub (tables, chairs, heating units). Funding for much needed IT equipment to assist with daily operations of the charity was also secured.
FODC Space Project
This project has secured funding for the preparatory work for the proposed extension to our Visitor Centre space.
Thank you to ARIA for their wonderful support.
Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund (CMHWF)
This project has helped the Community Hub/Visitor Centre to remain open 7 days a week over the winter period 2023/24 to support our amazing locals and visitors.
Thank you to VASA for their wonderful support.
