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.
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.
Children can run wild in the adventure playground and explore the Urban Farm to meet our farm animals.
Drop into the Visitor Centre to relax in the café while enjoying views over the country park and pick up a souvenir of your visit from the gift shop.
The Country Park has an extensive events programme throughout the year too – from pond dipping and nature walks with the Countryside Rangers to Harvest Festivals, family fun days and more!
The Country Park also boasts a fantastic 14th century castle which is currently undergoing restoration to allow it to enjoyed by future generations to come. Whilst these works are taking place, the castle’s incredible collections of arms and armour, early musical instrument collections and more are on display at the nearby Dick Institute.
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.
Major repair and refurbishment works are currently taking place to the Castle. The Castle's collections of early musical instruments, arms and armour and tapestries have been taken to the Dick Institute for safe-keeping and display. The castle is due to reopen in the Summer of 2021. The restoration and modernisation of Dean Castle has been funded by the Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and East Ayrshire Council.
Dean Castle was the home and stronghold of the Boyd family for over 400 years. The Keep, dating to around 1350 will house 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, once restoration is complete.
