Craignethan Castle

 

Overview

Admire the exceptional residential tower, fine setting and unusual defences of this important early artillery fortification built around 1530. Craignethan’s caponier – a stone-vaulted shooting gallery – is rare in Britain.

What to see and do

  • Visit the tower house to see a quite exceptional ‘double-pile’ residence, far ahead of its time
  • See the west rampart ruins – the mighty artillery defence hid the tower house from view until it was demolished in 1579
  • Discover the caponier – the covered passageway in the ditch provided well-defended positions for musket fire
  • Admire the ancient woodland of Nethan Gorge on your way to explore Nethan Water, a Site of Special Scientific Interest
  • Complete our Explorer and Badger Quiz, fun for all the family. 

Opening times

The castle is currently closed for conservation works.

Historic Scotland

Facilities

Awards & Accreditations

Green Tourism logo - silver award A graphic of a dark blue oval with a thistle at the top and the words "Scottish Tourist Board", followed by four stars.

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