Dean Castle

Dean Castle, home and stronghold of the Boyd family for over 400 years, is open all year round to visitors and is one of Ayrshire’s greatest free attractions. The Keep, dating to around 1350, and the Palace or Place, built about 100 years later, house spectacular displays of historic weaponry, armour, plus medieval tapestries and more. (Please note due to current building issues at Dean Castle the musical instruments have been temporarily removed from display).

Take a free guided tour and see the Great Hall where the Lords of Kilmarnock dined and entertained, the Dungeon where wrongdoers would be locked away, the Minstrel’s Gallery, and the Solar where the Lords and Ladies had their private chambers.

Our recreated Medieval Kitchen gives you a taste of the less glamorous side of life, and the Banqueting Hall and William Boyd’s chamber round off a truly special look at this unique building, spectacularly restored from ruins by the 8th Lord Howard de Walden.