Brodick Castle

Brodick Castle is located on the edge of Brodick and is one of the most popular attractions on the island. Run by the National Trust for Scotland it is a wonderful visit for all ages. As well as the castle there are some wonderful grounds and gardens to explore.

Brodick Castle from the town.

The castle area has been occupied since at least the 5th Century. Since the early 1500s it has been the property of the Duke of Hamiltons family.

The earliest parts of the exisiting castle date back to 1588. However the main structure that exists today dates largely from 1844 onwards.

In 1895 Lady Louise Hamilton married the 6th Duke of Montrose and the castle as it is today is the family home that they lived in for many years.

Later in her life Lady Louise worked with the National Trust for Scotland to allow them to take over the castle and its grounds, Following her death in 1957 the estate did indeed become their responsibility.

The Castle

Visiors to Brodick Castle can see a whole range of impressive rooms. The first thing to catch your attention is sure to be the 87 stags heads mounted on the wall in the hallway.

From here the tour takes you through a series of private apartments and then on to the main rooms.

Then we head on hrough the library, drawing room and dining room, which like most stately homes are full of artefacts and souvenirs collected by the family over the years.

Then it is on to the working part of the building with the kitchen and scullery rooms. Included in this area is a room discovered around 30 years ago and known as Bruce's Room. Any link with Robert the Bruce who spent time on the island can not be true as he predates the building.

All in all it is a fascinating insight in to a past life for the elite ofthe time and well worth the visit.

Gardens and Country Park

Brodick Castle gardens date back to the early 1700s, but the main work you can see today was done from 1844 onwards. The gardens are a delight to wander around.

Don't miss the surrounding country park. There are a number of waymarked trails to explore and several sights to see along the way. These include an ice house used before the days of fridges and the Bavarian Summer House.

The Summer House is a very unusual building. The outside has been made to look like tree roots and the inside is lined with pine cones. It's a building that looks more like it has come out of a fairy tale. It's something the kids will love (or it will scare them !)

If you fancy a more energetic walk the estate also includes Goatfell, Arrans highest mountain at 874 metres. This is a serious walk and should only be undertaken with proper hiking equipment. You should allow at least 5 hours for the round trip.

Visitor Centre and Tearoom

The visitor centre sells all the usual souvenirs associated with any National Trust property. There are also plants for sales as well as a coffee shop.

The Tearoom is located in the old servants hall and sells soups, snacks and home baked cakes. There is a mix of indoor and outdoor seating.

This completes the tour of Brodick Castle and its gounds, I hope you enjoy the real thing