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Cardoness Castle
Cardoness Castle
4.5
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles
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This site is closed for now. A fine example of a Scottish tower-house castle, Cardoness Castle was built in the later 15th century as the fortified residence of the McCullochs. Cardoness Castle is a well-preserved ruin where you can admire the exquisite architectural detail of this still magnificent structure, including the splendid fireplace and wall-cupboard where the family's best silverware was displayed, touch the intricate stone carvings and soak up the superb views over the beautiful Fleet Bay to the Solway Firth beyond.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
97 reviews
Excellent
55
Very good
38
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
TravelerMississippi
Mississippi1 contribution
In the 1987, 1989 and 1946, we were privileged to visit Cardoness Castle and were house guests at Ardwall with Alexandia and Fiona McCollough, the most gracious host and hostess you could imagine. Alexandra's mother, the former hostess of Ardwall descirbed Ardwall 'before the war' when things were so different. We walked through 'her garden' that was changed to Fiona's Garden, as we went down to the water's edge. Alexandria and Fiona's children were so precious also. We shall never forget the wonderful hospitality of this wonderful family. It was so special to be able to walk where my ancestors once walked.
Also, George McCollough, who had a print shop at the top of the town in Douglas, was our first 'tour guide' who introduced us to the host of Ardwall, where the records of the generations are kept. We have made many trips back to England and Scotland, and have appreciated the graciousness and kindness shown to these Americans. God Bless Scotland!
Douglas and Prudence McCullough Laird
Also, George McCollough, who had a print shop at the top of the town in Douglas, was our first 'tour guide' who introduced us to the host of Ardwall, where the records of the generations are kept. We have made many trips back to England and Scotland, and have appreciated the graciousness and kindness shown to these Americans. God Bless Scotland!
Douglas and Prudence McCullough Laird
Written January 18, 2007
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.
A Foggy Path
Austin, TX1,325 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
What a cool place! I love walking into a place and being able to see so much of it still there. The bones are solid and you can imagine it being whole, full of hustle and bustle. We very much enjoyed our visit, especially because we had the whole place to ourselves. It gave us tons of time without feeling rushed.
Written December 5, 2018
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.
Christine F
Westhoughton, UK27 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
We initially wanted to see Thrieve castle but it was closed so we looked up this one a few mile down the road. This castle was worth the visit with fantastic views of the North sea and lots of engravings in the walls which we love. We were there a good hour...the lady behind the till was lovely and recommended other places to visit and somewhere to eat at Garlieston called the Harbour Inn another lovely find..We then went to nearby Isle of Whithorn to visit chapel of St Ninians...surrounded in lovely coastal views overall we had a great day out
Written April 5, 2018
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.
Ross A
Coventry, England, United Kingdom27 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
This castle is full of history and the booklet cones with details of another castle nearby. Carluith which is smaller and FREE to walk round. Both are worth a visit. Take your time and enjoy the views. Dogs are also welcome.
Written August 6, 2016
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.
Barbara R
Blackpool, UK265 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
with our heritage passes we were able to visit for free,which was good.its a nice place,very helpful lady in the ticket place.She kindly told us that 6 miles up the road we would find Carsluith castle (free entry)with a lovely cafe next door.We had a great day visiting both these places and a nice coffee at carsluith cafe. Cardoness was easy to find easy parking ,clean toilets a good castle worth a visit,with great views from the top.
Written April 12, 2015
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.
Alderado
Blackpool, UK369 contributions
Good castle to look around. Small cottage building hosts the entrance shop as well as a mini museum with information boards. The building also has toilet facilities. Great views from the top of the castle and plenty of photo opportunities. The staff members were helpful & gave information of another castle named "Carsluith Castle" which is a short journey down the road and is free entry. Cardoness Castle is worth a look at & is a quiet place to stop at.
Written April 12, 2015
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.
Michelle G
Glasgow, UK6 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
love this castle, the history is fab the castle is fab, the staff are friendly and informative and i got to spend some one on one time with my kids exploring! fab fab fab!
Written April 22, 2013
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.
Dragonfly19802002
Telford, UK100 contributions
Aug 2019
This was our first stop on our honeymoon touring Scotland, we saw it from the road and just had to stop and have a wonder round. They lady in the shop was so friendly, helpful and signed us up to membership, but no pressure as it made sense as we would use it through out our time in Scotland. This Castle was small but really lovely and it was quite when we went, so we could take our time and look properly. Thanks
Written September 16, 2019
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.
TheOldMacs
Canberra, Australia353 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Cardoness Castle used to be sited beside Fleet Bay but due to canalisation is now a few hundred metres inland. Before heading up the hill to look around the castle sit in the little wildlife garden, and just admire the scenery and the wildlife.
Then head up the hill to the castle ruins where you find that the castle had been built as a simple tower, but one of many floors. The shell remains standing but little else. It was quite nice to explore, especially to see the prison/pit up on the top floor.
Then head up the hill to the castle ruins where you find that the castle had been built as a simple tower, but one of many floors. The shell remains standing but little else. It was quite nice to explore, especially to see the prison/pit up on the top floor.
Written April 18, 2019
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.
Julie I
Newton Stewart, UK99 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
Lovely place to visit and within walking distance of Gatehouse of Fleet. The views over fleet bay from the top are wonderful. The castle has a nice atmosphere and the history is well explained. Nice little garden with lots of birds and red squirrels if you're lucky.
Written September 29, 2018
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.
Karen M
Airdrie, UK1 contribution
Are dogs allowed
David_M186525
Edinburgh, UK14 contributions
Yes in the grounds but not in the castle itself the policy is on the Historic Scotland web site
Cardoness Castle (Gatehouse of Fleet) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardoness Castle
- Hotels near Cardoness Castle:
- (0.72 mi) The Ship Inn
- (0.62 mi) Cally Palace Hotel & Golf Course
- (0.32 mi) 5 bedroom accommodation in Gatehouse of Fleet
- (0.59 mi) Anwoth Holiday Park
- (0.52 mi) Treetops Holiday Home
- Restaurants near Cardoness Castle:
- (0.72 mi) No. 1 Fleet Street @The Ship Inn
- (0.84 mi) Galloway Lodge
- (0.78 mi) The Crafty Crow
- (1.01 mi) Masonic Arms
- (0.54 mi) Cally Palace Hotel