DUNDONALD CASTLE & VISITOR CENTRE

OPENING TIMES: DAILY 11AM-4PM
(Last castle tour at 230pm | Last castle entry at 3pm)

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

  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb Deductress
    February 16, 2023

  • star rating  A lovely place to visit. Cafe excellent and staff went above and beyond. Great visit. Very interesting.

    avatar thumb Y1366QGelizabethw
    December 4, 2022

  • star rating  Wonderful place -great gem of history. We had a great tour with a wonderful guide Alasdair. He answered all our questions and knew all about the ghosts -and quite... read more

    marciawS5889UP
    October 30, 2022

  • star rating  My friend and I live local to the castle, but had never actually been on a tour. We both found it thoroughly interesting and really enjoyed learning about the history,... read more

    Susansnotes
    October 6, 2022

  • star rating  What a great place to visit. Our Additional Support Needs groups are always made welcome to the Castle and Visitors Center. The coffee and cake is served with a smile,... read more

    J2642GZsuzannes
    August 18, 2022
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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.