Brodick Castle
Brodick, Isle of Arran, United Kingdom, KA27 8HY
Brodick Castle, a Victorian estate on the Isle of Arran, likely rests upon the site of a former Viking fortress, and some parts of the building are thought to date back to the 13th century. Visitors can explore grand interiors and discover rare artifacts such as porcelain, paintings, period furniture, and landscaped gardens.
The basics
Rather than going on an organized tour, many travelers spend an entire day exploring Brodick Castle independently, as there’s so much more than just the interiors to see. The garden, for example, offers 10 miles (16 kilometers) of trails to discover. Other highlights during a self-guided visit include a Victorian arcade, preserved period rooms, such as the Drawing Room and Library, the Duke’s Room, and a weapon and armor collection.
Things to know before you go
The castle has an on-site shop and a cafe that serves drinks, snacks, and ice creams.
Some areas of the site are suitable for wheelchair users; for example, the ground floor has a ramp, and the castle's first floor has a lift. The cafe and gift shop are also wheelchair-accessible.
Toilet facilities are available at the cafe, castle, and ranger center—with baby-changing facilities. The wheelchair-accessible toilets are at the castle and cafe.
How to get there
Situated on the Isle of Arran, most travelers get to the isle by ferry. Getting a ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick is possible, which takes around 55 minutes. A bus service is available from the ferry port, which travels directly to the castle—around 2 miles (3 kilometers away).
When to get there
The castle’s vast country park is usually open daily, but opening hours vary depending on the time of year, so it’s best to check the hours before you visit. The castle is typically open during the summer, from morning until sunset. To see the garden at its best, it’s advisable to come in the summer—but the warmer months attract bigger crowds, so get there early.
History of Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle was originally a Viking fortress site, and it experienced numerous battles over the years, including the Battle of the Largs in 1263. Passed between noble families—including James Hamilton, the Earl of Arran—it underwent extensive reconstruction in the 19th century. It was finally acquired by the National Trust for Scotland in 1958, who were able to open the castle and garden to the public.
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