Whilst we were camping on Arran during the summer we visited the beautiful Brodick Castle and Gardens Country Park. This is the only island country park in Britain and reminds me of a highland estate. The castle has medieval origins, although most of what you can see is of 19th century origin when the estate and island was owned by the Dukes of Hamilton.
We started off at the castle and had an explore around the inside. No photos of the internal areas of the castle as it’s against National Trust for Scotland policy due to the restrictions on lenders collections and for security reasons.
We had a lovely (if quick, we have two small and fast children who can’t read yet!) walk around the building. The boys were given a quiz to find different little ‘people’ in each room and extra clues to find another item. This was great to keep them interested in moving round the house, however it did mean we had to move fast as they would quickly move from one room to another.
After we had left the building we decided to explore the surrounding gardens, which are looked over by the tallest mountain, Goatfell.
There are some beautiful ornamental areas of the gardens and 3 large collections of Rhododendron’s along with 10 miles of way marked path between the shores and mountain top.
We weren’t going to get too far with our two, especially not when they spotted the little park area. That kept them entertained for a good hour or two.
There were slides, nets, a flying fox and a little obstacle course to go around. Enough to keep them busy and even a smaller slide area for little ones, although the bigger area was good for our 2 year old too.
We only managed to explore a tiny area of the gardens, but with older children you could easily go further and up to the summit of Goatfell too.
Scottish castles you may want to visit:
- Huntingtower Castle in Perthshire with it’s ‘maiden’s leap’ legend.
- Stirling Castle is a fun family day out, with excellent re-enactors.
- Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven is an impressive cliff top fortress.
- Craigmillar Castle is Edinburgh’s second castle and well worth exploring.
- Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull has great history and excellent views.
- Visit Tantallon in East Lothian for a dramatic view to Bass rock.
- Edinburgh castle is great to explore during the day, with the Scottish Honours on show too.
- Edinburgh Castle of Light is all lit up in the winter months!
- Crathes Castle and Gardens in Aberdeenshire is stunning.
- The strange shape of Blackness castle is almost ship like as a fortress.
- High up above Dollar is Castle Campbell, a fantastic lookout castle.
- Brodick Castle on Arran is popular with visitors, it’s more of a mansion house than castle.
- Inchcolm Abbey and Island in the Firth of Forth, day trip from Edinburgh Queensferry.
David - Potty Adventures says
This looks a beautiful castle. What a setting as well! It’s great that the kids had a little quiz to do that would have certainly help my toddler.
David - Potty Adventures says
Apologies, I forgot the #whatevertheweather .
Elizabeth Newcamp says
This looks like a wonderful castle to explore! I love that it has a playground. I love the gardens. I hope we can make it here one day – looks like a perfect outing for the family. Thanks for sharing. #WhateverTheWeather
Sarah says
I do miss my kids being littler but it’s great now that we can spend a bit more time exploring places as they don’t run off quite so much now! It looks like a lovely castle – I’m hoping to take mine off to a castle soon. Sarah #WhateverTheWeather
Midge says
Wow what a fab place! Gorgeous gardens and what a view!
becky @lakessinglemum says
I love Scottish castles and the grounds are always fab for families
Baby Isabella says
What beautiful grounds and a fantastic building full of history! We would have loved to see inside 😉 Goatfell sounds like an interesting climb, we’d be too knackered after the play area xx #whatevertheweather
Emma - Hip2trek says
I love castles and the scenery in your photo of the gardens with the sea behind looks great, I bet the summit of Goatfell is spectacular. Great idea to have the kids looking for things as you go round. #Whatevertheweather
Helena says
Ah yes little ones stop for noone do they! #Whatevertheweather
Caroline (Becoming a SAHM) says
Sounds like a lovely day out, we only ever manage quick looks around national trust houses too with the small ones but sometimes that is nice enough 🙂 xx
RachelSwirl says
This reminds me of Muncaster Castle which is close by to us.
Stephanie Moore says
Another great National Trust place! I love the little park, and no wonder they were happy in there!
James Harding says
Looks like an amazing place to visit with some amazing grounds.