Dumbarton Castle

At the end of Castle Road, beside the River Clyde in the south of Dumbarton.

View Dumbarton Castle on a Google map

By train

The castle is 0.7 miles from Dumbarton East and a 1 mile from Dumbarton Central.

There are direct trains to Dumbarton East from Glasgow Queen Street (30 mins), Livingston North (90 mins) and Edinburgh Waverley (110 mins). Dumbarton Central is served by trains from Helensburgh Central (15 mins) and Balloch (10 mins).

By bus

There are direct buses to Dumbarton from Glasgow (60 mins), Helensburgh (25 mins) and Balloch (30 mins). Dumbarton Castle is approximately 1 mile from Dumbarton High Street bus stop.

By bike

National Cycle Route 7 passes through Dumbarton, with a short detour to reach the castle. Bicycle parking is available near the main entrance.

Search for National Cycle Network routes with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

By car

Public parking is available at the end of Castle Road near the castle entrance. Spaces are limited and unsuitable for large vehicles.

Plan and save with Good Journey

Plan your journey by public transport using Good Journey. Book a car-free visit online with the code GOOD25 and receive a 25% discount.

Carers' tickets

Visitors with disabilities are charged standard admission rates (adult/concession/child). Proof of disability is not required. Up to two accompanying carers receive free entry per transaction.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas.

Parking

The small car park is level tarmac with no accessible spaces marked.

Approach to the site

From the car park, the site is along a short, slightly sloping path. There are 40 steps to the Governor’s House and the King George Battery where the shop and exhibition are housed. The first 14 steps handrail.

What to expect at the site

The castle site is very large, steep and rocky. All areas are reached by several narrow stairways, many historic

• The Spur, Spanish and Bower Batteries are on a long, narrow path of stone slabs with loose gravel at the end. There are 80 steps on this path and it finishes in a dead end

• The Guard House and Portcullis Arch are reached up a very long, steep, narrow and historic set of stairs between the two rock peaks of the site

• The White Tower is the highest point of the site, reached by another very long, narrow set of stairs. This route is exposed and can be extremely windy

• The French Prison, Wallace Tower, One Gun and Duke of York’s Batteries are reached along a loose gravel path with a slight incline

• The Duke of Argyll’s and Prince Regent’s Batteries are up another set of steep steps. The Magazine is reached by a steeply inclined loose gravel path

There are two benches and a picnic bench on the terrace behind the Governor's House. Further picnic benches are by the French prison and the Duke of Argyll's Battery

The site is largely external. The site may close depending on weather conditions

Toilets

Toilets are available in the visitor centre, though the nearest adapted toilet is about 1/3 mile away at Asda, St James Retail Park, Dumbarton

View Dumbarton Castle on Euan's Guide

• Car parking
• Picnic area
• Self-service tea/coffee
• Shop
• Toilets
• Visitor centre
• Accessible by public transport
• Bicycle rack
• No dogs except assistance dogs