Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig Castle is a Category A listed historic house in Dumfriesshire, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.

About Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig Castle stands above the Nith Valley near Thornhill in Dumfriesshire, built in pink sandstone between 1679 and 1691.

It is one of Scotland's finest examples of seventeenth-century Renaissance architecture and remains the Dumfriesshire home of the Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry.

Inside, the castle holds significant artworks including paintings by Rembrandt and Holbein.

The castle opens for tours on select dates only.

History of Drumlanrig Castle

The castle was built between 1679 and 1691 for William Douglas, who became Duke of Queensberry in 1684. It replaced an earlier Douglas family stronghold. Bonnie Prince Charlie is said to have spent a night here in December 1745 during his retreat south from England. The estate and castle have remained in the hands of the Buccleuch and Queensberry families.

Architecture of Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig is a category A listed building, constructed in pink sandstone with a symmetrical Renaissance plan and turreted corners typical of the late seventeenth century.

Worth knowing

The castle and grounds have appeared as filming locations for the television series Outlander and The Buccaneers. The Buccleuch Collection housed inside includes paintings by Rembrandt and Hans Holbein.

Gardens & grounds at Drumlanrig Castle

The estate includes gardens with waymarked walks, an adventure playground and e-bike hire, open seasonally.

Facilities

Parking Café Toilets Shop

Plan your visit to Drumlanrig Castle

Official site Google Maps Waze

Nearest station: Sanquhar Rail Station (8.1 miles)

Admission

Free entry to Historic Houses members (show valid membership card)

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Places to visit near Drumlanrig Castle

Morton Castle

castle 2.4 miles

View Morton Castle on heritage map

Craigdarroch

historic house 8.6 miles

Visit Craigdarroch View Craigdarroch on heritage map

Wanlockhead Beam Engine

mill 8.7 miles

View Wanlockhead Beam Engine on heritage map

Lincluden Collegiate Church

church 15 miles

View Lincluden Collegiate Church on heritage map

Lochmaben Castle

castle 18 miles

View Lochmaben Castle on heritage map

Historic places nearby

Within 5 miles of Drumlanrig Castle there are 1 historic properties, including 1 castle.

1 Historic Environment Scotland

1 Castle

See these 1 sites on the heritage map

Within 10 miles of Drumlanrig Castle there are 3 historic properties, including 1 castle, 1 historic house and 1 mill, across Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses sites.

2 Historic Environment Scotland

1 Historic Houses

1 Castle

1 Historic house

1 Mill

See these 3 sites on the heritage map

Within 20 miles of Drumlanrig Castle there are 7 historic properties, including 2 castles and 2 historic houses, across Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses sites.

5 Historic Environment Scotland

2 Historic Houses

2 Castle

2 Historic house

1 Church

1 Tower