Scottish Castles

Local information

Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries and Galloway

Location: 13km south east of Dumfries, DG1 4RU (map and directions)

Caerlaverock Castle is a medieval stronghold located in what today is known as the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve near the border to England and is one of Scotland’s most magnificent castles. Built in the 13th century, this breathtaking triangular moated castle was first in the hands of the English, owned by the Maxwell family. The castle’s strong defensive walls made of red sandstone are unique in Britain due to their triangular shape, but did not prove imposing enough to avoid coming under attack.

Caerlaverock Castle - Wikimedia Commons

History of Caerlaverock Castle

In 1356 Caerlaverock was besieged by Scottish forces and the current design of the castle is a result of the refurbishments undertaken throughout the 1300 and 1400s. This would not be the last time that Caerlaverock saw battle, however. In 1544 the English captured the castle and though it was returned to the Scots, Caerlaverock was attacked a second time in the century in 1570.

After the union of the crowns in 1603, a period of peace between Scotland and England meant that Caerlaverock Castle was no longer in the line of fire, and Robert Maxwell converted the castle into a place fit for a family in 1634, adding comfortable lodging facilities and ornamental stonework to the castle’s interior. Just 6 years later Caerlaverock was attacked by an army of Covenanters who, after 13 weeks, finally surrendered to the Maxwells, who defended the castle in the name of King Charles I. Caerlaverock Castle was left unrepaired however, and slowly slid into ruin until Historic Scotland took over care of the castle in 1964.

Today the castle is a popular tourist attraction and home to nature trails, a children’s adventure park, and a shop with local products from Dumfries and Galloway.

Map and directions

Other castles in Dumfries & Galloway