Overview

Visit a stronghold that stood at the heart of an ancient kingdom covering the area now known as Strathclyde. Set high upon a volcanic rock in the Firth of Clyde, the castle was a royal refuge.

What to see and do

  • Climb the White Tower Crag for stunning views – sometimes as far as the peak of Ben Lomond
  • Take in the artillery fortifications to see fine examples of early 18th-century military architecture
  • Enter the Governor’s House, a fine Georgian residence and home to some interesting artefacts found at the castle
  • Take our fun fact-finding quiz 
A view across the River Clyde from Dumbarton Castle.
Cannons defending the landward side of Dumbarton Castle.
A view of the French Prison at Dumbarton Castle.
A general view of Dumbarton Castle, looking across the River Clyde.
A distant view of the volcanic rock upon which Dumbarton Castle stands.
Historic Scotland

Opening times

Due to access restrictions in place as a precautionary measure while we undertake high level masonry inspections, there is currently no visitor access to this site.

Find out more about our conservation work

Facilities

A photograph of a large house with a square tower, flying a Saltire flag.

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Newark Castle
A stone facade with three large windows and a small wooden door

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Castle Semple Collegiate Church
A detailed shot of a carved stone cross

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Barochan Cross
A square stone tower house in remarkable condition seen from below

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Crookston Castle
Remains of a Roman bath house at Bearsden, on the Antonine Wall.

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Antonine Wall: Bearsden Bath House
The remains of a decorated gate and two windows in the wall beside it

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Kilwinning Abbey
A general view of Glasgow Cathedral.

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Glasgow Cathedral
A beautifully painted wall in Skelmorlie Aisle

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Skelmorlie Aisle
A photograph of a large house with a square tower, flying a Saltire flag.

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Newark Castle
A square stone tower house in remarkable condition seen from below

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Crookston Castle
Dundonald Castle at sunset

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Dundonald Castle
An exterior view of Bothwell Castle, nestled among trees on the River Clyde.

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Bothwell Castle
A general view of the circular curtain wall and moat at Rothesay Castle.

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Rothesay Castle
A general view of Doune Castle.

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Doune Castle
A photograph of an old building covered in grass and greenery on a cloudy day

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Cadzow Castle
A general view of Stirling Castle, showing the gate house, royal palace and the roof of the great hall.

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Stirling Castle

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