Dean Castle & Country Park in Kilmarnock is one of Ayrshire’s most popular and well-loved destinations. 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.
Dean Castle is one of Ayrshire’s best preserved castles and free attractions and was the stronghold of the Boyds, Lords of Kilmarnock, for over 400 years. Their connections with Robert the Bruce made them one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Steeped in history, with world class collections and regularly changing exhibitions, Dean Castle and its estate was gifted to the people of Kilmarnock in the 1970’s by Lord Howard de Walden and has been enjoyed by millions of visitors since. Explore the beautiful country park using scenic paths and trails - each season brings with it ever changing plants and wildlife that you might spy along the way. Explore the History Trail and discover formal gardens, the Pinetum which dates back to 1918, the newly planted arboretum, deer park, Kitchen Garden and Motte and Bailey, thought to be the site of the original Kilmarnock Castle.
With over 80 hectares of countryside within a very urban area, the park is also a great place to get away from the stresses of everyday life and see some fantastic wildlife. Don’t forget to stop off at the urban farm and meet some of the residents - from rabbits and guinea pigs to llamas and donkeys.
Dean Castle & Country Park also offers a fun and varied events programme for families throughout the year
In July 2015 Dean Castle & Country Park was awarded £3.34m from Heritage Lottery Fund towards a £4.7m development programme. This ambitious multi-million pound development programme, which is subject to various permissions, will redevelop the whole area to create a 5 star visitor attraction which will encourage visitors to participate in and enjoy our local and natural cultural heritage.
The project consists of 5 elements
- A New Rural Life Centre
- Upgraded and extended visitor centre
- Improved Green Network
- Restoration of the Designed Landscape
- New Activity Programme
Works will be completed by Autumn 2017 and there's a host of events organised to showcase the newly developed country park. Access to some areas of the park are restricted whilst works are completed. Visit eastayrshireleisure.com for the most up to date information.
The Dean Castle is also about to undergo a multi million pound redevelopment. The project, due to run between 2018 and 2021, had a total cost of £5.2m, with funding received from Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and East Ayrshire Council. The funding will allow for essential stonework restoration to the external fabric of the castle buildings to be carried out, alongside the internal modernisation and redisplay of our world class museum collections and exhibition areas. Access to the castle is limited at this time - please visit eastayrshireleisure.com for the moist up to date information on the project and any restrictions.
