Dean Castle and Country Park
Dean Castle and Country Park
Dean Castle and Country Park
4.5
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Dean Castle Country Park is an excellent free day out for all the family. The Country Park boasts a 14th century castle and beautiful woodland walks. The Country Park has completed a project to upgrade its Rural Life Centre, play park and Visitor Centre. The Castle is now closed for restoration and works will begin in June 2018. From June 2018, you will be able to see the museum collections normally on display in Castle at the Dick Institute, Elmbank St, Kilmarnock. Join us for different holiday activities with the Ranger Service over Easter and summer.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Siona L12 contributionsA great day outHad a lovely day with a group of cubs scouts. They had a wonderful time. The staff were very helpful and nothing was too much trouble. The only criticism I have was that the gift shop was card only. When a lot of children, school trips etc visit here and there is a lot of pocket money toys available surely card only isn’t practical. The leaders had a tricky time and their own money making sure the children could get the gifts they wanted. Why can’t their be facilities for both.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 11 May 2024
- DTPybusDumfries, United Kingdom148 contributionsQuite a (pleasant) surpriseKilmarnock is quite a day trip from Dumfries so we hadnt been before but my Uncle and his partner were reminiscing from 50 years ago so we had a quick trip up to see Dean Castle. I was ever so pleasantly surprised - there isnt a lot there but what there is is worth the trip. Some early modern and 18thC armour, weapons (and a Viking sword) and a small but excellently presented and curated collection of 17-19th C musical instrumentsVisited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 June 2024
- hapiholsUnited Kingdom178 contributionsLoved our visit. Fabulous!Absolutely loved Dean Castle. Oldest part dates back to 14th century. The exhibits are fab and very interesting. The castle has been well maintained. Beautiful. Thoroughly enjoyed the castle and grounds. Definitely worth a visit. It’s also free!Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 August 2024
- RebeccaWinschoten, The Netherlands64 contributionsA beautiful Country Park!Such a beautiful country park. Unfortunately, didn't get to experience a full on "walk", per say, due to the really bad rain that hit during our visit. However, I got to experience the Dean Castle which was beautiful, as well as see the deer off to the side. Looking forward to coming back though 100% once the weather is better!Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 29 August 2024
- Alan HGlasgow, United Kingdom43 contributionsRare findReally enjoyed our visit. Haven’t been before and sure to come again. We arrived to the glorious sun ( very rare ) and visited the sites. There’s plenty of play areas for the kids and the slide looked very popular. Also plenty of toilets on site and a cafe. The scenery was amazing so there last plenty of pictures to be taken… My seven year old really enjoyed the visit and wants to come back again. Definitely worth a visitVisited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 August 2024
- JanandMikPrestwick, United Kingdom96 contributionsCastle Tour, park and cafeThe castle is fabulous with some great exhibits. Free to walk round some areas but my husband and I went on the very first castle tour (6/9/24) on which we got to see and experience some hidden parts of the castle and learn more about the history. Gary, our guide was very knowledgeable and humorous. Great park with lovely walks. The cafe is a treat too.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 September 2024
- Sharon G274 contributionsThere Is Something For All at Dean Castle Country ParkWe went for an experience... And got it! We went for Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream (although it was the Autumn Equinox). I go a LOT to Dean Castle Country Park for many reasons and with disparate groups of friends. It's a venue that had something for everyone. Wee weans love the park, I love an accessible walk in the forest with my son (who is a permanent wheelchair user), the museum in the castle is a treat for anyone that enjoys a bit of history.... But I seriously recommend tying up a visit to the Castle and its collections with an Event.. Halloween, Christmas, Easter. ... etc We did Fairies in the Forest. Magical.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 September 2024
- Beth M5 contributionsRecommend tour of Dean CastleI had a really informative, interesting and fun tour of Dean Castle on Friday. Our guide, Gavin shared many local anecdotes about the Boyd and DeWalden families. This tour is not to be missed. I would absolutely 💯 % recommend.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
541 reviews
Excellent
301
Very good
173
Average
43
Poor
13
Terrible
11
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Dennis Smalley
Glasgow, UK3,197 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Unfortunately the Castle area is fenced off and covered in scaffolding, so no luck there. There are some lovely trail and forest walks. Farm animals and plenty of activities for kids. On such a glorious weather day it was so nice just to walk in the peacful forest.The Treetops Cafe is very reasonable and has a good selection of mainly pre packed goods. Soup in a cup was great. Our walk ended with a visit to the mysterious Blue Angel(Google it). Very interesting piece of history. Entry to the park is free. Not the easiest place to find,so satnavs at the ready.😊
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn N
Livingston, UK17 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
We had a lovely day out despite the main cafe being closed due to a flood. The staff were very quick to set up a temporary cafe space with soup, sandwiches and snacks. I was also very pleased to find a warm and comfortable baby feeding and changing room in the visitor centre. It made things so much easier for us visiting with our wee one.
We had a lovely walk around the park. I used to come here a lot as a child and was pleased to see the chrome bumper dragon sculpture is still there, albeit it’s sadly worn and rusting in its old age. I was also sad that there weren’t as many animals as there used to be, but there’s still lovely wildlife areas.
We’re looking forward to going back for some longer walks and a look round the castle once it has reopened.
We had a lovely walk around the park. I used to come here a lot as a child and was pleased to see the chrome bumper dragon sculpture is still there, albeit it’s sadly worn and rusting in its old age. I was also sad that there weren’t as many animals as there used to be, but there’s still lovely wildlife areas.
We’re looking forward to going back for some longer walks and a look round the castle once it has reopened.
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Siona L
Skelmorlie12 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Had a lovely day with a group of cubs scouts. They had a wonderful time. The staff were very helpful and nothing was too much trouble.
The only criticism I have was that the gift shop was card only. When a lot of children, school trips etc visit here and there is a lot of pocket money toys available surely card only isn’t practical. The leaders had a tricky time and their own money making sure the children could get the gifts they wanted. Why can’t their be facilities for both.
The only criticism I have was that the gift shop was card only. When a lot of children, school trips etc visit here and there is a lot of pocket money toys available surely card only isn’t practical. The leaders had a tricky time and their own money making sure the children could get the gifts they wanted. Why can’t their be facilities for both.
Written 11 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
North Ayrshire, UK4 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Went recently with friends with young children and was somewhat underwhelmed.
We bought deer food from reception and attempted to feed the deer who honestly showed little interest in it. So we walked on, only to find a sign on the deer enclosure saying "do not feed the deer". A slight mixed message there. Ended up going home with a bag of deer food.
After this we walked on and saw the pigs, this was quite interesting but felt the fencing prevented the smaller children from seeing them very well.
When we reached the play park, which on first glance looked very nice, the kids took off to play. It was only when we got closer we saw just how dangerous and messy it is. The climb up the left side to the slide goes over a bridge with gaps large enough a small child could easily fall through,with nothing to prevent a 20 foot fall down the enbankment onto tree stumps that have been cut and left uncovered at the bottom. The right side cargo net and steps etc was better, but leaf up to a slippy mud bath the children have to negotiate to get across to the slide. A very poor design seemingly built with a 1970s attitude to health and safety.
I might go back to explore the rest of the country park but I will not recommend this to anyone with small children with the play park in the state it is in.
We bought deer food from reception and attempted to feed the deer who honestly showed little interest in it. So we walked on, only to find a sign on the deer enclosure saying "do not feed the deer". A slight mixed message there. Ended up going home with a bag of deer food.
After this we walked on and saw the pigs, this was quite interesting but felt the fencing prevented the smaller children from seeing them very well.
When we reached the play park, which on first glance looked very nice, the kids took off to play. It was only when we got closer we saw just how dangerous and messy it is. The climb up the left side to the slide goes over a bridge with gaps large enough a small child could easily fall through,with nothing to prevent a 20 foot fall down the enbankment onto tree stumps that have been cut and left uncovered at the bottom. The right side cargo net and steps etc was better, but leaf up to a slippy mud bath the children have to negotiate to get across to the slide. A very poor design seemingly built with a 1970s attitude to health and safety.
I might go back to explore the rest of the country park but I will not recommend this to anyone with small children with the play park in the state it is in.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon G
Darvel, Scotland, United Kingdom274 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
We went for an experience... And got it! We went for Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream (although it was the Autumn Equinox).
I go a LOT to Dean Castle Country Park for many reasons and with disparate groups of friends. It's a venue that had something for everyone. Wee weans love the park, I love an accessible walk in the forest with my son (who is a permanent wheelchair user), the museum in the castle is a treat for anyone that enjoys a bit of history....
But I seriously recommend tying up a visit to the Castle and its collections with an Event.. Halloween, Christmas, Easter. ... etc We did Fairies in the Forest. Magical.
I go a LOT to Dean Castle Country Park for many reasons and with disparate groups of friends. It's a venue that had something for everyone. Wee weans love the park, I love an accessible walk in the forest with my son (who is a permanent wheelchair user), the museum in the castle is a treat for anyone that enjoys a bit of history....
But I seriously recommend tying up a visit to the Castle and its collections with an Event.. Halloween, Christmas, Easter. ... etc We did Fairies in the Forest. Magical.
Written 23 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CapeTownian-NRWler
72 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Free entry, beautifully renovated, rooms very authentic, impressive musical instrument collection, volunteers let you try on a chain mail or sword. There are many rooms upstairs (not wheelchair accessible). The park is rather small but beautiful. We saw pigs, ducks and deer, a farm exhibition for small children and a walk along the river are possible. All free of charge.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloz
Glasgow, UK49 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Lovely walks, farm animals and a play park. However the castle has been closed for renovation for years now, the park is closed off regularly and the breastfeeding room in the cafe the seats need a good clean. Otherwise is usually a nice day out.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jimmags12
Kilmarnock, UK7 contributions
Mar 2020
A good park to visit close to the centre of town. Some good walks around park but can also be extended out into the country north of town. Castle well worth visiting when open(getting worked on just now) and some animals for the kids to see. Lots of locals use it for picnics in summer and popular for school parties. A nice convenient place to get out in the fresh air
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JanandMik
Prestwick, UK96 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The castle is fabulous with some great exhibits. Free to walk round some areas but my husband and I went on the very first castle tour (6/9/24) on which we got to see and experience some hidden parts of the castle and learn more about the history. Gary, our guide was very knowledgeable and humorous.
Great park with lovely walks.
The cafe is a treat too.
Great park with lovely walks.
The cafe is a treat too.
Written 10 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe S
Kilmarnock, UK4 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Revisited this lovely park and always impressed by its history and upkeep. A sunny day rounded off with a snack on the cafe terrace, with a view to the castle as a bonus. Made me a little regretful at complaining about my council tax which helps maintain this treasure.
Written 11 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the new play park comply with all relevant health and safety legislation?
It seems quite dangerous to me.
Written 18 February 2018
Hi. I have never been in the play park as I don't have children. I presume it will comply with health and safety guidelines. I suggest you contact East Ayrshire Leisure who run the Castle and country park. The play park is currently undergoing renovation at the moment. Have a look at their website which is:
Written 21 February 2018
Will people still be able to get married in the Dower House after the restoration works are completed?
Written 21 July 2017
Hi Connie,
People will definitely be able to get married at the Dower House again next year. Earliest dates are likely to be spring 2018.
Written 1 August 2017
Is any part of the castle still inhabited and how old is it?
Written 12 June 2017
Hi William,
Great question! The castle is no longer inhabited by the Scott-Ellis family, who carried out the restorations, or the Boyds, who built it. The castle and estate were given to Kilmarnock Council (as it was then) to be for the people of Kilmarnock forever. Parts of the castle that aren't open to the public are used as staff offices.
The oldest part of the castle is the Keep, which dates from around 1350. We also have the Palace built in 1460.
Written 20 June 2017
could you update me on the work being done and when it is likely to be finished ? Neili.
Written 3 February 2017
Hi Neili,
Thanks for getting in touch. The building works to the Visitor and Rural Life Centres are progressing well. The path network is being upgraded on a rolling basis, at the moment, the paths north past the Rural Life centre and east toward the paddocks for the animals are closed for upgrading and for the installation of new bridges. Hopefully all of the work will be completed by summer. You can keep up to date on progress on the East Ayrshire Leisure website and view the plans for the buildings and new paths.
Written 7 February 2017
Good evening, I am wondering why after 4 days of having no toilet facilities or hand washing facilities at your animal park during the Easter holidays you did not instal porta loos.
Written 11 April 2015
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