To make it easier for our visitors, we’ve compiled this handy guide that will take you through the entire process from booking to what to expect when you visit us at Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre.
The grounds of Dundonald Castle are always accessible to the public. Admission tickets are required to enter the castle (you can book yours here).
Dundonald Castle is located at the top of a steep hill. Although there is a weatherproof and non-slip pathway, this may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. If you are unsure, please get in touch with us.
The Booking Process
You will find options for all of our admissions tickets, including FODC members and Historic Scotland members. Please note that you will have to show proof of your membership on arrival.
The booking process will ask you to pick a date and time for your visit. We recommend arriving at least 10 mins early to the site and waiting in the museum area of the visitor centre for your tour guide. Late arrivals may be asked to wait for the next tour time.
On Arrival
- There is a steep hill you will have to walk up to get into the castle proper.
- Please note that there is a small car park located on the site, however, this does fill up quite quickly and you may have to park somewhere safely in the village and walk to the site from there.
- If you have pre-booked, please let the team in the visitor centre know you have arrived by giving them your name and showing your tickets. Tickets can be shown on your phone or you can print out the confirmation email if you would prefer. You will also be asked to show your membership cards at this point, if applicable.
- Your tour of the castle will last up to 1 hour. The tour is optional and at set times. Our current tour times can be found on our Admissions page. Entry to the castle is available outside the set tour times.
- You are free to explore the rest of the site outside of your booked time slot. The castle also overlooks ancient woodland, containing SSSIs, and is situated on popular walking routes including the Smugglers’ Trail and Old Auchans Castle.
- The visitor centre museum is a great place to begin exploring the site’s long history before enjoying some coffee and cake in our coffee shop.
- We also have a small gift shop filled with lots of local suppliers, crafters and authors.
- After your visit inside Dundonald Castle, you are free to explore the grounds and pop into the Visitor Centre for some refreshments at your leisure.
FAQs
- What are your opening hours?
We are reviewing our opening hours regularly to meet the demand of our visitors. We are currently open 11am-4pm daily. For the latest updates, check out our social media channels. - How do I get in touch if I have a query about my visit or the booking process?
You can call us on 01563 851489 between the hours of 10am-5pm, or email us at bookings@dundonaldcastle.org.uk where a member of our team will respond as quickly as they can. You can also contact us through our social media pages. - What facilities are open at Dundonald Castle?
During opening hours, all of our facilities including the Visitor Centre Coffee Shop, Museum and Toilets will be open to the public. You can always contact us prior to your visit if you have any specific requirements and we will do our best to help. - Do you accept Historic Scotland Memberships?
Yes, we do. Although the site is run on a daily basis by the Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, the castle is held in guardianship by Historic Environment Scotland. We work in close partnership to bring the best experience to all of our visitors. If you are a Historic Scotland member, please bring along proof of your membership to gain free entry to the castle. As the visitor centre is run by our charity, we are not able to offer Historic Scotland member discounts. - Can we bring a picnic?
Of course! Please bring along your own picnic should you wish and you can take full advantage of the views from the top of castle hill. Please note that we do not have picnic tables available and so you will have to bring your own blanket/chairs. We also ask that you are considerate of other visitors by keeping your distance and that you dispose of all of your rubbish responsibly. Our coffee shop offers some refreshments too should you wish to add a special sweet treat or hot drink to your picnic. We kindly ask that you do not consume your own food in the Visitor Centre Coffee Shop. - Do you have parking facilities?
There is a small car park located on the site – although we are not responsible for it. This car park is free to park in but tends to fill up quickly so please be mindful of this when you are arriving for your visit. There are also places to park on the main street in Dundonald but please park here responsibly and safely. - I don’t have access to the internet, how can I pre-book?
Our team will be happy to help if you give us a call on 01563 851489. Pre-booking is not essential, just pop into the Visitor Centre to purchase your tickets on arrival. - Do I need to print my tickets?
No, you can show us your booking confirmation email on your phone. - Does my carer need to book a ticket?
During the booking process please select the ‘Carer’ option so that our team are aware. The person visiting with the carer will have to purchase a ticket. - How long can we stay?
Your booked time slot is for your visit inside the castle only. You are free to explore, have picnics and take advantage of the rest of the site for as long as you like outside of your booked time. There are lots of things to see and do in Dundonald! - Will there be a tour guide for our visit?
Yes, we aim for a tour guide to be available for every tour slot. One of our knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer tour guides will accompany you during your visit to Dundonald Castle. You can also purchase a Guidebook during the booking process or from the Visitor Centre. Additionally, there are information boards throughout the castle and exhibition area. Please note that there may be some tour slots where a guide is not available. - Accessibility
Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre is fully accessible and the castle is partially accessible but is located at the top of a steep hill. The interior of the castle can be accessed with a wheelchair although there are stairs to access the upper levels.
If you have further questions about accessibility on the site, please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help. - I can’t find an answer to my question
Please give us a call on 01563 851489 or email us at info@dundonaldcastle.org.uk and we will be happy to assist.
