Brodick Castle
is 2 miles north of Brodick on the Isle
of Arran with regular buses between the
two in summer. Brodick Castle grounds are
now open all year round from 09.00 -
17.00. Castle tours are available
throughout the summer with an entrance
fee, built from the 1500s for the
Hamiltons on the site of earlier Castles
dating back to the 400s.
For Images on Mobile swipe right
An ancient Irish tribe is believed to
have built the first fortified building
on this site in the 400s. That building
was probably rebuilt many times over the
years.
The original Castle, and Earldom of
Arran, were granted by James IV to his
cousin Lord Hamilton in 1503. The Castle
from that time was extended in 1544, with
work on the Tower begining in 1588 for
the second Earl of Arran.
The Castle was occupied by Cromwellian
troops after the first Duke was executed
during the Civil War in 1648, and the
second died in battle three years
later.
Brodick Castle eventually passed into
the hands of Mary, Duchess of Montrose
(daughter of the 12th Duke of Hamilton).
Her death in 1957, saw the Castle taken
over by the National Trust for
Scotland.
The Gardens are typical of many
Scottish country house estates, with
large trees and plants imported from the
1800s. There is a Kids Play area by the
Castle, and a Bavarian Summerhouse in the
woodlands.
You can also hike Goat Fell mountain
from Brodick Castle, as there is a trail
from up behind the Kids Play area that
takes you onto the main mountain trail.
Goat Fell Photo
Tour.
View a large image showing images of
the Castle as it was re-modeled over the
centuries, and its history: Large
Image.
For the other main attractions around
the island, view the Click On Arran
Attractions Map or Tour of Arran.
Brodick Castle from the gardens.
Large
Image
|