Threave Castle
Massive tower house on an island which was the home of Black Douglas in the C15th until 1455. Managed by Historic Scotland and excellent example of the mediaeval castle architects art.
You have to cross the river by boat even today which demonstrates what an excellent and defensible position this castle occupied. Even in semi-ruinous state, it is an impressive and forbidding site. The original tower was 100 foot tall and would have been surrounded by a range of other buildings which have now gone leaving the tower in solitary splendour.
The castle was built by Archibald Douglas as his main retreat against both the English and the men of Galloway who he was pacifying. The design was innovative and represents on of the first tower houses which was in refined form to become the dominant style of Scottish castles thereafter.
At the end of the day, the Douglas' grew too powerful for the Scottish kings and the castle was beseiged. In fact, it proved too strong for the Scottish attackers, but where power failed, bribery succeeded and the castle fell. After its fall, it remained a powerful reminnder of Douglas power but was never to play an important role in Scottish history.
Opening Times
Summer: 25 March - 30 September, Daily, 10am to last outward sailing at 4.30pm. Last return sailing at 5.00pm
Winter (Oct only): 1 - 31 October, Daily, 10am to last outward sailing at 3.30pm. Last return sailing at 4.00pm
A path and steep steps lead to a small boat making it unsuitable for visitors using a wheelchair. After a short boat trip, more mobile visitors can visit the ticket office and curtain wall. The castle has steep steps inside and out.
Parking available about half a mile from the boat dock. Please allow 15 minutes from the carpark to walk to the boat dock. The last boat departs at 4.30pm in summer, and at 3.30 in October.
Contact Phone Number
07711 223101Websites to Visit
Threave Castle Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
Featured Advertisers
-
Burnbrae Mill, nr Castle Douglas - Sleeps 6
Beatifully Converted Mill located in a rural location within a converted farm steading in south west Scotland. Sleeps 6.
- Sleeps: 6
Cottages Nearby
-
Lochenkit Farmhouse, Corsock, sleeps 8
Situated on the 6000-acre Lincluden Estate, these three detached properties have been refurbished to the highest standards. They are located in remote settings on the edge of the moors with delightful wood... -
Rose Cottage,Gelston, Castle Douglas, sleeps 8
Dating back to 1760 and located in a quiet backwater, this holiday cottage borders a stream and waterfall and the large garden has a gated area for younger children to play in. There are secluded sandy bea... -
The Carriage, nr. Castle Douglas, sleeps 6
Nestling in a quiet setting on the site of an old siding in the former Bridge of Dee station, with countryside views, this converted 1957 railway carriage is 3 miles from the market town of Castle Douglas,... -
The Courtyard at Low Auchenlarie - Cottage 5,Gatehouse of Fleet, sleeps 4
The Courtyard at Low Auchenlarie commands an impressive location overlooking the picturesque Wigtown Bay with access to a secluded sandy beach, private hot tubs (in refs 26823, 26825 and 26826), and unlimi... -
Broclach, Dalbeattie, sleeps 6
This Scandinavian-style, detached holiday lodge is located in an idyllic setting, surrounded by hills and forests teeming with wildlife, only 500 yards from Sandyhills beach. Guests have shared use of the indoor... -
The Courtyard at Low Auchenlarie - Cottage 3, Gatehouse of Fleet, sleeps 6
The Courtyard at Low Auchenlarie commands an impressive location overlooking the picturesque Wigtown Bay with access to a secluded sandy beach, private hot tubs (in refs 26823, 26825 and 26826), and unlimi... -
The Birks, nr. Loch Ken, sleeps 6
This attractive detached single storey holiday property is set in open countryside just outside the small Galloway village of Carsphairn. The outstanding beauty of the Galloway Hills and numerous lochs make it a... -
The Hass,Castle Douglas sleeps 6
Quietly set amidst glorious countryside, this very comfortable and spacious, 19th-century holiday property enjoys all modern day comforts, including a games barn. There are beautiful views from every room.... -
The Old Sunday School nr Castle Douglas, sleeps 4
Built in 1793 this detached holiday property has been tastefully converted and featured on the Home Show . Set adjacent to the owners’ home, its ground floor formerly housed cattle and the upper was... -
Low Auchenlarie Farmhouse - Sleeps 9-10
The Courtyard at Low Auchenlarie commands an impressive location overlooking the picturesque Wigtown Bay with access to a secluded sandy beach, private hot tubs (in refs 26823, 26825 and 26826), and unlimi... -
Stable Cottage, Crocketford - sleeps 2
Enjoying an idyllic situation on the 3000-acre Crofts Estate, surrounded by the Galloway Hills, these cottages have enviable dramatic views towards the Solway Firth and Cumbrian hills beyond. Accessed alon... -
The Nook, nr Castle Douglas - Sleeps 2
Situated in a peaceful location, this farmhouse and former smiddy and byre holiday bungalows boast stunning views over open countryside. A hugely popular area with walkers and cyclists of all abilities wit... -
Bartaggart Farmhouse, Nr Castle Douglas, sleeps 7-10
Situated in a peaceful location, this farmhouse and former smiddy and byre holiday bungalows boast stunning views over open countryside. A hugely popular area with walkers and cyclists of all abilities wit... -
The Old Smiddy, Castle Douglas, sleeps 2
Situated in a peaceful location, this farmhouse and former smiddy and byre holiday bungalows boast stunning views over open countryside. A hugely popular area with walkers and cyclists of all abilities wit... -
Gelston Cottage, Castle Douglas - Sleeps 8
Gelston village is a quiet backwater, the ideal place to relax amidst the green pastures and woodlands of rural Galloway. The area is beloved of birdwatchers and walkers, golfers and fishermen and .... -
Solwayside House, nr Castle Douglas - Sleeps 9
In the heart of the small, pretty village of Auchencairn, this listed Victorian terraced house offers spacious and well furnished accommodation for extended parties. Fishing, golf, cycling and bird watching are ... -
Marwhin House, nr Castle Douglas - Sleeps 6
Enjoying an idyllic situation on the 3000-acre Crofts Estate, surrounded by the Galloway Hills, these holiday cottages have enviable, dramatic views towards the Solway Firth and Cumbrian Hills beyond. -
Wellhill Farmhouse, Nr. Castle Douglas - Sleeps 6
Enjoying an idyllic situation on the 3000-acre Crofts Estate, surrounded by the Galloway Hills, these holiday cottages have enviable, dramatic views towards the Solway Firth and Cumbrian Hills beyond. -
The Old Doctor's Cottage in Douglas - Sleeps 6
Charming old Terraced cottage on Main Street Douglas in South Lanarkshire. Sleeps six people in three bedrooms.
