« Back to Dumfries & Galloway listings

Caerlaverock Castle (HS)

Dumfries

One of the finest castles in Scotland, this Maxwell stronghold stood guard over the Solway Firth for more than 400 years. Defended by moats, a drawbridge, massive towers and a high curtain wall, Caerlaverock must have seemed impregnable.Yet in 1300 when besieged by Edward I - Hammer of the Scots - it surrendered after only 3 days. It was attacked and captured on various occasions over the next 300 years.

James VI's succession to the English throne brought temporary peace to the Border country. At Caerlaverock in 1634 Robert Maxwell, Earl of Nithsdale, built himself an elegant modern mansion within the castle. He was not to enjoy his new house for long. The castle was besieged by the Covenanters in the summer of 1640. After 13 weeks the earl surrendered. His house and much of the castle were demolished, never to be lived in again.

Video presentation, visitor centre, reproduction siege engine, children's adventure park, nature trail, tea-room and shop.