Drumlanrig Castle
When William Douglas, the first Duke of Queensberry, built the magical pale pink castle of Drumlanrig, he created one of the finest stately homes in the world.
More than 300 years on, I’m delighted to be able to welcome you to this endlessly fascinating place. Drumlanrig is so much more than just an outstanding stately home, it’s a thriving country estate providing a wealth of exciting experiences for all the family. Whether you’re hurtling down a hill on a mountain bike or enjoying a reviving refreshment in our tearoom, I’m sure we’ll keep you thoroughly entertained.
Richard Scott KBE, 10th Duke of Buccleuch and 12th Duke of Queensberry
Set on the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate complete with Country Park and Victorian Gardens, 17th century Drumlanrig Castle is the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch. Drumlanrig is perhaps one of the most rewarding and romantic of Scotland’s great houses with its magnificent rooms and spectacular collections of silver, porcelain, French furniture and art – including Rembrandt’s Old Woman Reading.
Beyond the house, the gardens extend to over 70 acres and include great formal parterres, dells, rockeries and charming summer houses as well as many impressive trees and a collection of rare shrubs from China.
Around the estate, the possibilities are endless. Walk, cycle or mountain-bike on miles of clearly marked paths and off-road trails or spot wildlife (including red squirrels).
In our Stableyard you’ll find craft workshops, an education and visitor centre. There’s also a thrilling Adventure Playground, bike hire from Rik’s Bike Shed, guided walks and Landrover tours, fishing and other country sports. And when you need a break from all that activity, you can enjoy some delicious home cooking at The Castle Kitchen Tearoom.
Brand new for the 2009 Season include children’s castle tours at weekends and during school holidays; a Saturday afternoon gardener’s club for kids; and the launch of ‘Palaeoquest’ – an exciting and challenging game of survival ‘in the wild’ for families and groups of visitors looking for a unique experience.
The popular Bike Museum has also had a makeover. The Estate was once home to Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a local blacksmith who rode 60 miles to Glasgow on the first ever bicycle in 1839, Drumlanrig’s revamped museum boasts a replica of Macmillan’s pioneering invention as well as bikes from across the decades and is now renamed the Scottish Cycle Museum.
Further new activities for visitors of all ages include canyoning and forest adventure activities; two additional estate Landrover Tours taking in the Buccleuch Kennels and Andy Goldsworthy’s Striding Arches – a guided tour of Dumfries and Galloway’s landscape as seen through the eyes of the world renowned artist; as well as a Castle Tour and Afternoon Tea joint ticket for two people.
Meanwhile, both the Stableyard Café and Drumlanrig Shop have been completely refurbished; the Stableyard Café adding new dishes to its menu, incorporating locally sourced produce and Estate meat, while the new-look Drumlanrig Shop boasts a brand new range of merchandise including unique gifts, original cards and local arts and crafts.
There’s so much to do at Drumlanrig, you’ll be longing to return.
Contact
Information
Drumlanrig Castle
Thornhill
Dumfries & Galloway
DG3 4AQ
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1848) 331555
E-Mail: enquiries@drumlanrig.com
WWW: http://www.drumlanrig.com
