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 …
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4.5/5 · 546 reviews
5-star
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4-star
29%
3-star
6%
2-star
4%
1-star
8%
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Mar 1, 2025
Visited Dean Castle after its recent refurbishment and had a great little tour. Well worth the money . They hold a beautiful collection of armor and antique musical instruments. Definitely recommend …Full review by Nadine P
Dec 24, 2024
I have come to the dean castle and country park lots of the years. Tours in the castle and walks in the grounds. However I recently came here on a trip with my partner. She very much likes seeing pla…Full review by Lee_gray91
Dec 15, 2024
This was our first visit to Dean Castle which I'm sure is perfectly lovely however this event was tacky and busy and the opposite of magical. The so called trail was basically one long queue of peop…Full review by sarahhH4680YN
Does the new play park comply with all relevant health and safety legislation? It seems quite dangerous to me.
A:
I’m sure it will as the council and operators will have carried out all risk assessments. Personally I grew up climbing trees, jumping off bridges into rivers and wading through mud …
I’m sure it will as the council and operators will have carried out all risk assessments. Personally I grew up climbing trees, jumping off bridges into rivers and wading through mud and stinging nettles. Parents said not to and I told my kids to be careful but if you think there’s a problem I suggest you don’t go on it and do the council the courtesy of telling them what you think is wrong. They can then decide whether to remove it . Dozens of children were on it when we went and were having fun without thinking about the dangers and none were in bubbles or wrapped in cotton wool.
Is any part of the castle still inhabited and how old is it?
A:
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 …
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.
could you update me on the work being done and when it is likely to be finished ? Neili.
A:
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 …
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.
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