Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries, Scotland

🐶 - Dog friendly grounds, outdoor picnic tables so your furry friend can join you for lunch and a coffee outside.

🚗 - Plenty of parking on site

🚽 - Yes, toilets are clean and well maintained

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Scotland is a country rich in history, and a lot of this history is based in and around its hundreds of castles. Caerlaverock Castle is one that is only a stone's throw from my home, so what better way to spend a bank holiday than exploring the castle grounds?

There are actually 2 castles on the site: the remains of the "old" castle, which was built in the early 1200s, and the "new" castle, as it is today, which was built.. well.. late 1200s! It was built as both a stronghold and a family home for Sir Herbert Maxwell, and it was an important site for the Wars of Independence, which broke out in 1296.

The siege of Caerlaverock brought an English Army to the door in July 1300, and the castle's defences were put to the test. Whilst not much is known about the Scots that held down the fort from inside the castle walls, the Siege itself was so well documented that according to the on site exhibition, not only were all the names of the 87 English knights known, but also the colour of their shields! The exhibition is a little walk through history, with descriptions, artwork, artefacts and even a video presentation.

Caerlaverock Castle itself is currently closed for restorative work, The masonry was starting to fall, and it was deemed unsafe for the public, so it was closed off so that examinations and inspections can take place. Historic Environment Scotland (the body that cares for the castle and grounds) is finding the works, and hopes to reopen as much of the castle as the can, as soon as they can, and are prepared to open it up in sections to allow the public access to some areas of the castle sooner.

The grounds are still lovely for strolling, sitting, and admiring the view, though, and there is a lovely shop on site that sells local produce, as well as drinks and ice cream!