Doune Castle, Doune (Stirling)
Built for the Regent Albany, Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle.
Summary
- Gift shop
- Information provided
- Free car parking (on site)
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Food and Drinks
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Introduction
Built for the Regent Albany, Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle.
Its most striking feature is the 100ft high gatehouse which includes the splendid Lord's Hall with its musicians' gallery, double fireplace and carved oak screen.
Discover the new nature trail in the castle grounds or take an audio tour of the castle narrated by Monty Python's Terry Jones. Hear the exciting history of the medieval castle and residents, as well stories of the making of Monty Python and the Holy Grail which was filmed at the castle. Visitors can hear clips from the film and find out about the alternative history of Spamalot, elderberries, African swallows and wooden badgers.
History to the present day
Doune Castle was built around 1400 by Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany, Earl of Menteith and Fife. Younger brother of the weak and feeble Robert III, he was the effective ruler of the kingdom from 1388 until his death in 1420. He is known to history as ‘Scotland’s uncrowned king’, and his seat at Doune was virtually a royal castle.
Only after Albany’s death did Doune Castle finally gain the status its builder had desired – it became a kingly residence. It never rivalled the great royal castles at Stirling and Edinburgh. Rather, it was used as a royal retreat from the burdens of state, a pleasant summer residence where the royal family could relax and hunt in the nearby forests in the Trossachs. Only when James VI left for London in 1603, to become James I of England also, did Doune’s role as royal retreat effectively come to an end.
A near-contemporary, Abbot Bower of Inchcolm, described Albany as ‘a big spender’. Albany certainly spared no expense on Doune. Even in its ruined state the castle inspires awe and wonder in those who visit it.
Exceptionally at Doune, we have a castle planned in a single episode. Almost all other great castles surviving today were the work of many hands over several centuries. Doune is essentially one coherent design. This gives the visitor a wonderful opportunity to see what the leading man of his day felt was appropriate for his needs and aspirations. This was an age when the conspicuous display of wealth and status was seen as vital in maintaining authority and good governance.
Albany’s vision for four ranges of buildings set around a central court was never completed. We shall never know what he planned for the south range, though the surviving windows suggest something grand. The principal accommodation was housed in the range along the north and west sides. This main range is as perfect a piece of medieval castle planning as one will find anywhere.
A lofty tower, the gate tower, provided the duke and duchess with a spacious four-storey apartment, with its own defended courtyard entrance and independent access from its first-floor ‘duke’s hall’ into the dais end of the great hall. At the other end of the great hall was the kitchen tower, smaller than the gate tower but housing an impressive kitchen and two floors of respectable lodging space. The entire ground floor was taken up by storage cellars.
Doune’s cathedral-like great hall impresses most. Measuring 170 sq m it rises 11m to the roof. Standing therein, the visitor begins to appreciate why Albany was described as a man noted for his ‘large tabling and belly cheer’!
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: Doune Castle, Doune, Stirling, , United Kingdom
Opening times:
1 April - 30 September: Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30am to 5.30pm
1 October - 31 October: Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30am to 4.30pm
1 November - 31 March: Mon Tue Wed Sat Sun 9.30am to 4.30pm
Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Admission prices:
Adult £4.20, Child £2.50, Concession £3.40
Directions: Doune Castle is located 16km north west of Stirling off the A84.
Public Transport:From Stirling bus station, take Addison News bus no 1 (Callander) to Doune, Main street library (22 mins). Walk 8 mins to Doune Castle.
