Threave Castle
The great tower of the Black Douglases on an island in the River Dee near Castle Douglas, reached by a short boat trip.
On a green island in the River Dee, west of Castle Douglas, the grey tower of Threave Castle rises thirty metres high, as tall as a ten-storey block of flats.
You reach it the old way, by boat, ringing a bell to call the ferryman.
The castle was built in 1369 by Archibald the Grim as a stronghold of the Black Douglases, and for twenty-one years it was the seat of Margaret, Lady of Galloway. Around the tower you can still see the artillery defences that held off the forces of James II, far ahead of their time.
Today it is a peaceful place to explore and picnic. The island is full of wild flowers in summer, and ospreys and otters hunt in the river. Walks lead along the Dee, and Threave Garden is close by.
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Daily, 10am to 3.45pm, with the boat across; check Historic Environment Scotland and book ahead.
- Where
- Near Castle Douglas, DG7 1TJ.
- Built
- 1369, by Archibald the Grim.
- Height
- 30 metres.
Opening hours
Their website- Monday
- 10am–3.45pm
- Tuesday
- 10am–3.45pm
- Wednesday
- 10am–3.45pm
- Thursday
- 10am–3.45pm
- Friday
- 10am–3.45pm
- Saturday
- 10am–3.45pm
- Sunday
- 10am–3.45pm
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Add your reviewOn an island in the River Dee west of Castle Douglas, reached by a walk from the car park and a short boat crossing, DG7 1TJ.
Threave Garden and Nature ReserveThe National Trust garden nearby.2 miles 5 min by road
Designs Gallery and CafeA gallery shop and cafe on King Street in Castle Douglas since 1998, with books, crafts and jewellery and a cafe with a garden.2 miles 3 min by road
Orchardton TowerThe only free-standing round tower house in Scotland, built two centuries after round towers went out of use.7 miles 13 min by road
Galloway Kite TrailA circuit of Loch Ken under a sky that has red kites in it again.8 miles 11 min by road
Jake Irving CeramicsA potter's shop on St Mary Street in Kirkcudbright, with hand-made pottery in sea blues and greens and little glazed animal figures.9 miles 13 min by road
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