Dumbarton Castle

Impressively situated on a volcanic rock overlooking the Firth of Clyde, Dumbarton Castle was an important royal refuge in the Middle Ages.

About Dumbarton Castle

	Dumbarton Castle , Dumbarton G82 1JJ
	Dumbarton Castle Website
	Follow histenvscot on Twitter
	Facebook information can be found here

Listed Under Attractions - History and Culture / Attractions - Museums

Dumbarton Castle was once the capital of the Kingdom of Strathclyde, and it played an important role in Scottish history. It was besieged by Vikings in the 9th century, and it was also used by King Robert the Bruce during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

In the 17th century, Dumbarton Castle was captured by Oliver Cromwell's forces during the English Civil War. It was later restored by the Stuart monarchy, and it remained in use as a military base until the early 20th century.

Today, Dumbarton Castle is a popular tourist destination. It is managed by Historic Environment Scotland, and it is open to the public for guided tours.

Here are some of the things you can see and do at Dumbarton Castle:

• Explore the castle's ruins, including the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal, and the Governor's House.

• Learn about the castle's history through interactive exhibits and displays.

• Take in the stunning views of the River Clyde and the surrounding countryside from the castle walls.

• Enjoy a picnic lunch in the castle gardens.

Dumbarton Castle is a fascinating place to visit, and it is a great way to learn about Scottish history and culture.

Image Credit: Historic Environment Scotland

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Dumbarton Castle are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Glasgow Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatsOnGlasgow Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at Dumbarton Castle

Days Out

Visiting Vikings

8th June 2024 - 9th June 2024

Dumbarton Castle, Dumbarton

Dumbarton Rock was besieged several times by the Vikings and now the raiders, traders and invaders have returned to take over Dumbarton Castle!

Days Out

Holding the Rock for Scotland

23rd June 2024

Dumbarton Castle, Dumbarton

Hear the firing of the musket volleys and watch the clash of pikes and swords as you relive the Scottish civil wars of the 1600s at Dumbarton Castle!

History and Culture

Clydebank Heritage Centre

Clydebank Heritage Centre Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 1XH

Clydebank Heritage Centre is home to a unique collection of information on the history and culture of Clydebank and surrounding area including the villages of Duntocher, Hardgate and Old Kilpatrick.

History and Culture

Glasgow Western Necropolis

Glasgow Western Necropolis Tresta Road, Glasgow North G23 5AQ

The Western Necropolis is a large cemetery complex north of Glasgow City Centre.

History and Culture

Tenement House

145 Buccleuch Street, Glasgow West End G3 6QN

The National Trust for Scotland's Tenement House provides a rare glimpse into life in Glasgow in the early 20th century, in this faithfully restored four-room house!

History and Culture

Mackintosh Queens Cross

Queens Cross Garscube Road, Glasgow West End G20 7EL

Mackintosh Queen's Cross is one of Glasgow's hidden architectural gems. The only church in the world designed by the great Scottish architect, designer and artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

History and Culture

Provan Hall

11 Auchinlea Road, Glasgow East End G34 9PQ

Provan Hall is an A listed medieval building in the heart of Easterhouse, Glasgow.

History and Culture

Fairfield Heritage Centre

Fairfield 1048 Govan Road, Glasgow South Side G51 4XS

Fairfield Heritage is a community museum dedicated to telling the story of Govan’s outstanding role in world shipbuilding.

History and Culture

Crookston Castle

Crookston Castle Brockburn Road, Glasgow South Side G53 5RY

Get a sweeping view of the city from the only surviving medieval castle in Glasgow!

History and Culture

Riverside Museum

100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow West End G3 8RS

Visit the Riverside Museum for FREE and experience the wonder of Glasgow's industrial heritage in this striking building designed by internationally renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

History and Culture

St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art

2 Castle Street, Glasgow City Centre G4 0RH

The award-winning St Mungo Museum is a haven of tranquillity in a bustling city. This museum is named after Glasgow's patron saint, who brought the Christian faith to Scotland in the 6th century.

History and Culture

The Trades House of Glasgow

Trades Hall Glassford Street, Glasgow City Centre G1 1UH

Trades House is a charitable trust focusing on the assistance of the needy, encouragement of youth and support for education in the greater Glasgow area.

History and Culture

Provands Lordship

3 Castle Street, Glasgow City Centre G4 0RB

Step back in time and discover Glasgow's unique history with a visit to the oldest house in the city... The Provand's Lordship!

History and Culture

The Burrell Collection

2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow South Side G43 1AT

Housed in its purpose-built home surrounded by beautiful parkland, The Burrell Collections is ranked amongst the most significant civic museum collections in the UK!

All History and Culture listings in Glasgow