Brodick Castle


This elegant castle 2 miles north of Brodick evolved from 13th-century origins into a stately home and hunting lodge for the Dukes of Hamilton. You enter via the hunting gallery, wallpapered with deer heads. The rest of the interior is characterised by fabulous 19th-century wooden furniture and an array of horses 'n' hounds paintings. Helpful guides and laminated sheets – the kids' ones are more entertaining – add info. At last visit it was closed for renovations, due to reopen in spring 2019.

The extensive grounds, now a country park with various trails among the rhododendrons, justify the steep entry fee.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Isle of Arran Brewery

0.27 MILES

This brewery, 1.5 miles from Brodick off the Lochranza road, produces the excellent Arran beers, which include the addictive Arran Dark. Tours run daily:…

2. Arran Aromatics

0.46 MILES

Near Brodick Castle is this popular shop and visitor centre where you can purchase any number of scented items and watch the production line at work (it…

3. Isle of Arran Heritage Museum

0.83 MILES

This museum has a varied collection of historical and ethnographic items, from prehistoric stone tools to farming implements. There's quite a bit to see…

4. Holy Island

5.78 MILES

Just off Lamlash, this island is owned by the Samye Ling Tibetan Centre and used as a retreat, but day visits are allowed. A tide-dependent ferry zips…

5. Machrie Moor Stone Circle

7.38 MILES

On the western side of Arran island is Machrie Moor Stone Circle, a pleasant 1.2-mile stroll from the parking area on the coastal road, or an extended…

6. Isle of Arran Distillery

8.67 MILES

The Isle of Arran Distillery produces a light, aromatic single malt. The tour is a good one; it’s a small distillery and the whisky-making process is…

7. King's Cave

9.26 MILES

Arran is one of several islands that claim the cave where Robert the Bruce had his famous arachnid encounter: the story goes that watching a persistent…

8. Lochranza Castle

9.46 MILES

Photogenic 13th-century Lochranza Castle is said to have been the inspiration for the castle in The Black Island, Hergé’s Tintin adventure. Standing on a…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "scotland/brodick/attractions/brodick-castle/a/poi-sig/495590/1318958",
      "position": "superzone"
    }