Admission to Dumfries House is by guided tour only. There is no charge for admission onto the Estate.
Saved by the intervention of HRH the Prince of Wales in 2007, Dumfries House combines the architecture of Robert Adam with the furniture of Thomas Chippendale and leading 18th century Scottish cabinet makers. The house and original contents, which include nearly 10% of Chippendale’s surviving work, represent one of the most important documents of the Scottish Enlightenment. Recently having been fastidiously restored to its original splendour, the house is open daily to the public from April-Oct. and weekends only from Nov-March. You can take one of our expert guided tours around the stunning interiors and savour the delights of this now resplendent 18th century stately home.
The Dumfries House Estate retains much of the original 18th century landscape design and is open to walkers daily from dawn to dusk. The Main Gates close for cars at 6pm. Visitors can explore the beautiful setting with ancient trees, the Adam Bridge, river walks, a doo’cot and the wildlife. Exciting modern developments are also in progress supporting the social, educational and economical aspirations of the Dumfries House project. Please check our website for more details.
Tour Types
House Tour: A concise tour of the Principal Interiors . 1 hour.
Admission Prices: Adult: £12.00 Child: £6.00 Historic Scotland Members: £9.00 (25% discount) Art Fund Members: Free
Grand Tour: An extended House Tour which includes the Bedroom Floor and Picture Gallery . I hour 30 mins.
Admission Prices: Adult: £16.00 Child: £6.00 Art Fund: £8.00 (50% discount)
Chippendale Tour: A monthly tour with our head guide or senior guide focusing on the work of Thomas Chippendale, his life, work and the Dumfries House collection. 1 hr 30 mins.
Art Tour: A monthly tour focussing on the fine paintings in the House. Loans from the Royal Collection, National Galleries of Scotland and Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation will feature on this 90 minute tour of the Arts.
Clock and Mechanical Tour: A bi-annual tour held on the spring and autumn equinox focussing on the extensive clock collection and Grand Orrery. 1hr 30 mins.
Admission Prices(Chippendale, Art and Clock Tour): Adult: £20 Child: £6.00 Art Fund: £10.00 (50% discount)
Due to covid restrictions pre-booking is essential.
By Car
The arrival point is on the south side of the estate off the A70 Cumnock to Ayr road. Brown tourist road signs are situated locally.
SAT NAV: Use postcode KA18 2NJ.
Parking areas are signposted. Limited car parking is provided around the Visitor Centre with the Main Car Park approximately 250 metres from the House.
Disabled car parking is available in close proximity to the House, Visitor Centre and within the Main Car Park.
By Coach
Coach Parking is available in close proximity to the House by pre-booking only. Please follow brown tourist signs for coach access, which is off the A70 at The Dumfries House Lodge entrance.
From Ayr
Take the A70 signposted to Cumnock. Stay on the A70 travelling through Coylton and Ochiltree, and follow the brown tourist signs for Dumfries House thereafter.
From Cumnock
Take the A70 towards Ayr and follow brown tourist signs for Dumfries House.
So we can prepare for your arrival, Group Organisers are requested to confirm their expected arrival times in advance, where possible by calling 01290 425959 (Option 4). Coach drivers will be provided with complimentary tea or coffee in our café.
