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Dumbarton
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Dumbarton Castle
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Dumbarton Castle

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See all things to do
Dumbarton Castle
4.5
#2 of 19 things to do in Dumbarton
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksCastles
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Dumbarton Castle is located in the ancient capital of Scotland and is spectacularly sited on a volcanic rock overlooking River Clyde. Conquer more than 500 steps to stand atop one of Scotland’s greatest strongholds. The iconic Rock of the Clyde has heritage as breathtaking as its views over the Clyde, Loch Lomond and Argyll. This dramatic volcanic plug, which is Dumbarton Rock, in-filled the crater of a volcano that was active 350 million years ago. Admire great examples of 18th century Georgian military architecture and stunning views from the Tower Crag. Throughout Dumbarton Castle’s long history it has been a royal residence and a fortress, and has fascinating connections from the Vikings to the Scottish Wars of Independence.
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See what travellers are saying
  • YHZGlobetrotter
    Waverley, Canada762 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning location!
    I had driven by the castle several times over the years but never stopped. This time I did. Wow! I think there are 527 steps. I did all but the last 120 due to my fear of heights. We were very lucky to visit on a reenactment day. The grounds were full of folk in period costumes doing period crafts, tasks and games. Not to forget there are stunning views in all directions and you can literally see for miles. Not to be missed!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 November 2023
  • prophetB
    16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What we were able to do was worth it.
    When we arrived we found that 2 out of the 3 paths up the Rock were closed due to high winds from one direction. Obviously that couldn't be helped, but putting a notice on the website to say 1) this CAN happen 2) check before you travel 3) when it IS closed, to say so! Felt sorry for the guy on the desk who had to deal with disappointed visitors when it was not his fault. Upside was we weren't charged for entry as we could only climb one path which went about 2/3 way up. Worth going up there for the views even on a dull wet day.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 April 2024
  • Oscardog16
    Adelaide, Australia2,064 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Avoid visiting on windy days.
    We had pre-booked and received an email advising that the upper Bailey would be closed due to strong winds. We went for a look anyway. We were able to see the lower areas and the wall walk. There was no entrance fee because of the reduced access. It was interesting to read the information boards about the building between the two crags. Great Medieval fortress.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles498 reviews
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cat k
Bishopton, UK99 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great way to spend a couple of hours.
July 2021 • Family
I took my 6 year old for a visit to Dumbarton Rock partly as a bit of nostalgia as I was taken there when I was young. Although it is currently a guided tour there were only 2 other groups and the guide staff were really friendly and great with kids and adults alike. Alot of steps but if my lethargic 6 year old can get up them then anyone can. Great views down the firth of Clyde, the River Leven and over to the mountains of Loch Lomond once you get to the top. Definitely worth a visit.
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chinmay Pathak
Glasgow, UK36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Enjoyable & Informative
Aug 2021
Wonderful location, scenic view, enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide/ castle manager. I and my wife visited this castle on 12th August 2021. Steffany (Castle Manager) and her colleague Dylan welcomed us and the next one hour was enjoyable and informative. Steffany provided us a lot of historic as well as factual information about the castle. The view from the castle is very scenic, the windy weather added extra adventure to our experience.
If you love castles and history, you must visit this castle. Steffany introduced us to join Historic Scotland Heritage Attractions Membership.
A huge thanks to Steffany and Dylan for their hospitality.
Written 13 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kindredpup
Pennsylvania262 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Castle in a Rock
June 2019
We were fortunate to tour the grounds of Dumbarton Castle via Scotland Travel Expert, Mark Allan. If you can make the trek up the relatively steep and narrow walkways, you will be privy to some fantastic views and wildflowers. But, as someone else mentioned, it's a shame more isn't done to improve the grounds. Still, a lovely, worthwhile visit.
Written 26 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
prophetB
hereandthere16 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
What we were able to do was worth it.
Apr 2024 • Couples
When we arrived we found that 2 out of the 3 paths up the Rock were closed due to high winds from one direction. Obviously that couldn't be helped, but putting a notice on the website to say 1) this CAN happen 2) check before you travel 3) when it IS closed, to say so! Felt sorry for the guy on the desk who had to deal with disappointed visitors when it was not his fault.
Upside was we weren't charged for entry as we could only climb one path which went about 2/3 way up. Worth going up there for the views even on a dull wet day.
Written 5 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oscardog16
Adelaide, Australia2,064 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Avoid visiting on windy days.
Aug 2024 • Couples
We had pre-booked and received an email advising that the upper Bailey would be closed due to strong winds. We went for a look anyway. We were able to see the lower areas and the wall walk. There was no entrance fee because of the reduced access. It was interesting to read the information boards about the building between the two crags. Great Medieval fortress.
Written 9 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom Price
94 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
History with a View
Mar 2023 • Couples
Excellently restored and maintained historic sight. Great facilities and friendly staff. Lots to learn and an excellent walk to the top of the rock. Great spots to have a picnic inside the castle walls. Parking is a bit limited right at the castle gates so maybe park at the football ground next door if you can’t find a spot.
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paws4thot
Dumbarton, UK44 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Interesting Monument
July 2020
Dumbarton Castle is a historic fortress, built on the basalt plug from an extinct volcano. The 2 tops of the plug are both about 250 feet above sea level, and accessible by stairways. They're well worth the effort though, for the panoramic views of the West of Scotland that they offer.

Other than the governer's house, which isn't normally open to the public, there is access to most of the historic fortifications, and even to the emplacement of the World War 2 ack-ack guns.

There's also a documented history as a fortress and settlement going back to the Neolithic Age.
Written 30 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale L
San Jose, CA3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Avoid This One; A Total Crapshoot
Sept 2024 • Solo
I booked online yesterday and arrived today by train, only to find out that the site was closed due to wind. I knew this could be a possibility but I assumed that they would notify ticket holders in the morning if they decided to close. I did receive an email, but only after I had left Dumbarton on the train to return to Stirling. The email did say I would receive a refund for my ticket but that it could take up to 30 days!

The sad part is that if it's closed, there's absolutely NOTHING to see--no displays, no view of the castle from the ground, not even a pamphlet---nothing. The woman working at the desk clearly knew nothing about the site to make matters worse. Even the toilets were shut--not sure how the wind affects that!

Given that this seems to happen with some regularity, you'd think Historic Scotland would come up with something to at least give visitors a token experience for their effort to get there. But no.
Written 10 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miss D
Lancaster, UK111 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Rainy day visit
Feb 2018 • Couples
Visited on a wet horrible day however still had a lovely time. Bought a coffee in the gift shop to keep our hands warm on the walk. Some lovely scenery from the rock and some very informative scenes. Would certainly recommend however as previously mentioned there are a lot of steps.
Written 16 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R G
Glasgow23 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Closed
July 2015 • Couples
Travelled through this afternoon all the way from Dundee to find out it was closed due to a shortage on staff (as the A4 bit of paper said)... It is a joke that nothing was posted online, on the website to notify people of this. I had been on it that morning to check the opening hours etc before we made the 1hr 50mins long drive, & that was only one way!
Written 9 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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