Threave Castle — Attraction in Scotland

Threave castle was about a 2hr drive from the East of Glasgow / where I live. There is a good size car park for the castle and it is certainly family and child friendly. My partner and I have Historic Scotland passes so when we arrived we went to the desk and bought out tickets. We asked when the next boat was the gentlemen who served us, informed us we would follow a 800m board walk (this is also wheel chair friendly as it is all flat). Once we arrive we will see a bell which we will need to 'ring' then someone will come and get us. It was a lovely day so we did not mind the walk at all. There are serval gates you must close behind you during the walk once we arrived I rang the bell and shortly after a lady came over in a small boat. She was friendly and informative. She gaves us some life jackets to wear then we got into the boat. The journey is a short 2 minute boat ride at the very most. Like all Historic Scotland castles, this castle had connotations and information boards as you walk around the castle. The castle itself or what is left of it is like a shell with some areas of access and some boarded off. Threave castle is definately a ruin. On our journey back on the boat it was the same lady. She asked if we wanted to do a short loop on the boat and we did. I thought this was a very nice touch and my partner and I knew this is out with the norm so we both really...

Firstly not expensive to visit. Easy to visit by car. Free car parking. I'd buy the guide book as it gives background to your visit and how this fits in to history. And with a good walk away from the car park and the road the countryside is so quiet except for the birds. Best to visit on a blue sky day for photos. Ring the bell and a small motorboat comes to collect you and be taken to Black Douglas's former castle. Not so much to see, but more to appreciate with the guide book. On this occasion part was closed off for repairs and the upper part was closed due to nesting birds. If you are in to bird watching there are some hides and telescopes with the guide to advise on. For me it was a photo and history outing. Nice also for the country walk. Not sure this would suit wheelchair users - you may wish to contact them before travelling. Bring your own food and drink, as shop only had a few souvenirs. By the way - castle and grounds have no toilets, so use the facilities at the info centre before you trek to the castle. For overseas tourists this would be worth a look at for the novelty of a Scottish castle on an island and the little ferry boat crossing. Enjoy your...

This was a superb castle to visit, from the walk between fields to get to the boat where we saw Red Kites, to the crossing itself over to the island where the castle sits. If it's a good day, take a picnic as the grounds are grassy and wonderful. The castle itself is spectacular, inside and out. When we visited there was restricted access to the tower due to Peregrine Falcons nesting. We were totally fine with it, but could see that folks could be displeased with not getting full access. Once back on the main land we visited the Osprey viewing point and saw the mother feeding her chicks. Very, very special! Altogether an excellent trip. Also, Dylan, who works for Historic Scotland is a font of information and can tell you about surrounding hillforts and other hidden...