dumbarton castle

There are spectacular views over the Clyde Estuary from Dumbarton Rock, although climbing to the top can be a bit tiring. It is a pity that more of the buildings, such as the Prison are not opened up to visitors.

Well what a hidden gem currently undergoing some repair work however definitely worth visiting. The history is fascinating the views are superb all around, helpful staff a tranquil setting with hidden facts - I would say there is a lot of steps to get upto the points so if you had issues walking then I would take a flask and break don't let it put you off it's gorgeous just be prepared for a walk the historic data around is very good glad we took a detour and visited

Having lived in Dumbarton all my life there was a very easy choice as to where I got Married. Dumbarton Castle staff made it a day to remember. Photographs are stunning as is the view. It is a gorgeous place to spend a few hours for anyone visiting the area especially on a clear day as you can see for miles around. You won't be disappointed. :-]

Dumbarton Castle - Beautiful Setting, Views, History and Lay OutWe thoroughly enjoyed our visit!The scenery from the top was beautiful. It was fun exploring the different levels and structures. First time here - really a nice find.Great walk ... lots of stairs, but worth every step!

Be prepared for the long climb to the top of the Rock but it is well worth it for the view from the top.

Dumbarton castle was covered in scaffolding when we went but you can still climb to the top of the summit. It's a lot of steps but not all in one go. It's quite windy as you'd imagine for an island in the intersection of two rivers. The view from the top is great though the industrial areas kind of spoil it.The guide book is well worth the money for more information about the castle and you can be in and out in about an hour. It's worth the visit if you have an explorer pass and are heading up from Glasgow

I visited Dumbarton Castle for the first time today with my girlfriend & I had a fantastic time The weather was lovely (if not a little windy) The views of Dumbarton The River Clyde & surrounding areas were fantastic The Staff were friendly & helpful This is a great place to visit as a couple or a family.

Entry feeThe Castle is signposted from the main road , the car park is quite small -but is FreePerched high up upon a dead volcano you can see the Castle, with its darkened walls.For those who don't like climbing or are disabled - there are no lifts - this is not for youFor those who enjoy exercise and like to investigate -this ones for youYou start the viewing by approaching the Castle via the front entrance and go up steps to the pay point. There is a small museum with military items and information about the Castle. I would recommend a guide book -priced reasonably. We visited in 2012There is one way to get to the main part of the Castle and thats up a steep stairway under an inner defence. You keep going upward until you come to the main level of the Castle -where the main guns were and the strong wall. The view even on a miserable wet day is just incredible. It feels like you are so high above the surrounding countryside. The Castles history -well visit and find out, or just use a search engine. Personally, I enjoyed this Castle for its history, but i have to admit mainly for the view. It would have been just awesome on a warm sunny day. The Castle looks down the firth of Clyde one way and over Dumbarton the other way. A great place for a picnic if you can get a day when its not raining or blowing a gail -we went on the day it was doing both. There were about 8 people there during our visit. On a warm summers day i can imagine it can get busy.

A visit to Dumbarton Castle is well worth it! We took our 2 boys, aged 8 and 6 here for a visit and they loved it! The castle is steeped in history and there are lots of things to see and do. If you can manage to climb up all the steps to the very top, the view is well worth it! You can see for miles in all directions - absolutely stunning! There is a fantastic grassy area in front if the castle on the waterside for a picnic.

Been years since i was up the castle but took a trip up it this year and it was lovely, cracking views and lots to see from different sides.

Dumbarton Castle has a long history, going back 3000 years and more. Vikings stormed it, starving the defenders into surrender and slavery in the Dublin market. William Wallace and Queen Mary were imprisoned here prior to their execution in London. French prisoners were held during the Napolionic wars.Great views are to be had over the Firth of Clyde and Loch Lomond following a climb up the spiral steps. It is a convenient attraction in the urban zone of Strathclyde. A short walk from the railway or bus route. I visited by bike from Glasgow via the canal path.

Visited free as part of Historic Scotland's annual Ticket Giveaway on St Andrews Day. Signposting from the main road was reasonably good. Plenty of stairs to climb but the fantastic views of the Clyde and nearby mountains from the top more than made up for it. The site is of considerable historic interest, dating back more than 1500 years. Quite a lot of people there, some of whom who would not probably have visited had there been an entry fee (although usual charge is pretty modest).How good it would be if the Scottish Government made entry to all its properties free all year round, perhaps by cutting back on free bus passes. Better educated population, more fit?? Controversial..!!

Though this is not a castle in the true sense of the word it is very old historic site and well worth a visit.Its more a 18th century fort (with cannons) built on an older site in the wake of the Jacobite rising.There is a fair amount to explore with good views of the river estuary (you can see Newark castle if you know where to look), there are a lot of stairs to climb if you want to get to the very top of the mound.There are a lot of boards around the place giving good information about the site and its history.It is signposted and off the main road that goes through the town , and there is a car park.and a shop and i am sure there are toilets.Dont let the fact that its not a 'proper ' castle put you off, its well worth a visit and buy a guide book ,reading it you will understand and see the layout of the site so much better.

Great place to visit, inexpensive and informative. There are a lot of stairs, but the views are outstanding. Well worth a visit, we recommend this castle and we will be returning again.

We visited Dumbarton Castle in Sept. 2014. Like so many historic sites in Scotland, this one is not well marked from the roadways. We didn't know ahead of time that it was undergoing renovations. There is a lot of scaffolding and construction going on, which is necessary, but unfortunately it spoils a lot of the photographic opportunities for visitors. It certainly is worth checking out, Dumbarton was an important place in its day and there are some stunning views from its ramparts, but be aware of what's going on there. The castle will be great to visit once the renovations are complete.