Dean Castle Country Park is a fantastic free day out for all the family. The country park, covering over 200 acres, is nestled in the heart of Kilmarnock and offers something for the whole family to enjoy.
Explore the recently renovated 14th century castle which houses world class collections and find out more about its rich and bloody history! Dean Castle was the home and stronghold of the Boyd family for over 400 years. The Keep, dating to around 1350 houses outstanding displays that tell the story of the Boyd family and medieval life, as well as East Ayrshire’s stunning collection of arms and armour. The Palace, which dates from around 1460 houses East Ayrshire's early musical instrument collection which has Recognition Status because of its importance.
If you're an Outlander fan, then a visit to Dean Castle Country Park is a must as the Castle and surrounding area was used as a filming location for S2 of the hit TV series. Fans can also enjoy the voice of actor Steven Cree who plays Ian Murray in the show. Steven, who hails from Kilmarnock, will talk you through the history of the Boyds in a brand new AV in the Keep.
Drop into the Visitor Centre to relax in the Treehouse Café while enjoying views over the country park and visit the Rural Life Centre where you can learn more about sustainable living and enjoy some beautiful woodland walks, learning more about the history of the estate and spotting local wildlife along the way before letting the kids burn off some energy at the Adventure Playground.
Directions
Kilmarnock sits on the A77 and can be accessed from Glasgow or Ayr.
BY CAR
From the North and South (Glasgow and Prestwick Airports). From A77, take the B7038 turn off,
follow the B7038/Glasgow Road towards the town centre and turn left onto Dean Road. The main
car park is on the left. For Sat Nav, enter KA3 1XB.
ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Dean Castle Country Park is a 15 minute walk from Kilmarnock Train Station and main bus terminal or a 5 minute walk from
the X76 Kilmarnock-Glasgow bus route. Alight on Glasgow Road, Kilmarnock, then follow Dean Road
to the Country Park.
BY BIKE
Dean Castle Country Park is on the National Cycle Network. Use Route 73 to get here.
DISABLED VISITORS & BLUE BADGE HOLDERS.
Disabled parking is available
ACCESS INFORMATION
The main entrance to the Castle courtyard is flat, with a mixture of surfaces, flagstone and tarmac. It is 400m from car park to courtyard, with benches along the flat route. There is disabled parking to the rear of the castle, from car park to entrance is 50m over tarmac. There is a 1.0 gradient to the courtyard. There is ramp access to the ground floor of the Keep and the Palace. In the Palace there is a fly through video showing the upper floors.
In the Keep, the Great Hall is accessed by a straight, stone staircase with a solid handrail. The Minstrels Gallery and above are accessed by a narrow spiral stone staircase with a rope that can be used for balance. Some of the stairs are worn. There are low stone benches in the Great Hall.
In the Palace, the Banqueting Hall is accessed by a wide spiral stone staircase with a solid handrail. Some of the stairs are worn. There are cushioned benches in the Banqueting Hall. The Lord’s Chamber is off the Banqueting hall down a narrow corridor.
Some parts of the Castle have low lighting to protect our delicate collections.
