The quintessential Victorian ‘Highland’ estate, Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park on the Isle of Arran is the perfect place for a family day out.
Dramatically set against the backdrop of Goatfell mountain, the grand red sandstone Scottish baronial-style castle has stunning views over Brodick Bay to the Firth of Clyde. The grounds and surrounds are worthy of a visit alone – from the W A Nesfield-influenced landscaped gardens to the woodland trails, wildlife ponds and waterfalls, there’s plenty to explore outdoors in Britain’s only island country park. Brodick Castle is packed full of treasures too – it’s renowned for its impressive collections of period furniture, silverware, porcelain, paintings and sporting trophies.
Hidden History of Brodick Castle
Hidden History
Today it is Brodick Castle’s 19th-century aspect that predominates, hiding its medieval origins and strategic role in the defence of the Clyde estuary – it suffered many attacks and attempted takeovers throughout its history. Particularly notable chapters include Robert the Bruce’s supporters wresting control of the castle back from the English in 1307, and Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads occupying it in 1652 before being ousted by the islanders.
One family owned the Isle of Arran and the castle for 400 years of its tumultuous history: the Dukes of Hamilton lived there from 1503 until the 12th Duke’s death in 1895. The castle then passed to his only child, Mary Louise Hamilton, who married the Duke of Montrose in 1906.
The original tower house was destroyed, rebuilt and added to many times throughout the centuries – including by Cromwell. In 1844 the 10th Duke commissioned Edinburgh architect James Gillespie Graham to transform it into the grand castle you see today.
The castle, gardens and surrounding grounds were passed to the National Trust for Scotland when the Duchess of Montrose died in 1957. It later became Scotland’s first island country park in 1980.
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Every effort is made to make sure that all the information is correct but we strongly recommend that you call Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park before you set off on your day out to confirm opening times and admission prices.
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Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park