Photo source: Edward Goodall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Caerlaverock Castle is a castle in Dumfries and Galloway, cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock Castle stands on the Solway coast about seven miles south of Dumfries.
The castle was built in the late 13th century as a stronghold of the Maxwell family.
Its triangular plan, set within a wide water-filled moat, is unique among British castles.
The twin-towered gatehouse and battlements still dominate the site, reached today by a drawbridge across the moat.
Historic Environment Scotland cares for the castle, and a short nature trail nearby leads to the foundations of an earlier castle on the same estate.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Caerlaverock Castle
The Maxwell family held Caerlaverock from its construction in the late 13th century until the mid-17th century, during which the castle was besieged, partly demolished and rebuilt more than once. English forces besieged it during the Wars of Scottish Independence, and in the 1630s the Maxwells, by then Earls of Nithsdale, added a new classical lodging within the walls. The castle was besieged for the last time by Covenanter forces in 1640 and abandoned soon after.
Architecture of Caerlaverock Castle
The castle retains its original late 13th-century triangular plan with a twin-towered gatehouse and corner towers set around a courtyard. The gatehouse was substantially rebuilt in the 15th century. The 17th-century Nithsdale lodging added within the walls is considered one of the earliest examples of classical domestic architecture in Scotland.
Gardens & grounds at Caerlaverock Castle
The castle sits on the edge of the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve, and a short trail leads from the grounds to the ruins of an earlier castle nearby.
Plan your visit to Caerlaverock Castle
Open to the public year-round; check official website for seasonal hours and closure dates.
Places to visit near Caerlaverock Castle
Sweetheart Abbey
View Sweetheart Abbey on heritage mapNew Abbey, Monksmill
View New Abbey, Monksmill on heritage mapNew Abbey Corn Mill
View New Abbey Corn Mill on heritage mapRuthwell Cross
View Ruthwell Cross on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Caerlaverock Castle there are 4 historic properties, including 2 abbeys.
Within 10 miles of Caerlaverock Castle there are 7 historic properties, including 2 abbeys, across Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of Caerlaverock Castle there are 12 historic properties, including 2 abbeys, 2 historic sites and 2 towers, across Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Houses and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Facts
The only triangular castle in Britain, still ringed by its original moat and drawbridge.
- Type
- castle
- Location
- Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
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