« Back to Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs listings

Dumbarton Castle (HS)

Dumbarton

Dumbarton Rock has a longer recorded history as a stronghold than any other place in Britain. From the 5th century AD until 1018 it was the centre of the independent British Kingdom of Strathclyde. Dumbarton was once an important royal castle. In 1548, after the disastrous Battle of Pinkie, the castle protected the infant Mary Queen of Scots before her safe removal to France.During the 16th and early 17th centuries, the castle was used as a state prison. Jacobites were imprisoned here following the 1745 rebellion, as were French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars. Little remains of the castle today. The most prominent features are the 17th and 18th century artillery fortifications and batteries designed to protect the entrance to the river Clyde.Shop, picnic area, teas and coffee.

Opening Times

April to September: Monday - Sunday 9.30am - last entry 5.45pm (closes at 6.30pm). October - March: Saturday - Wednesday, 9.30am - last entry 3.45pm (closes 4.30pm). Closed Thursday and Friday.