Dean Castle, Kilmarnock
The ancient base of the Boyd family now in a country park
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All images are © 400photos.uk
This is a beautifully restored 14th century castle, the long-term base of the Boyd family, located on what is now a 200-acre country park.
The palace, almost in ruins after a fire in 1735, was restored in the 1930s by the 8th Lord Howard de Walden while the keep was restored earlier in about 1908.
The castle houses a museum which has a superb collection of mediaeval musical instruments as well as armour and artifacts from 14th century living.
In the park there are also a Rural Life Centre and an Urban Park so there's lots to be seen by adults and children alike. All free. The staff are polite and helpful and keen to answer any questions you may have.
While taking these photos there were deer grazing in the woods nearby and the occasional squirrel on the grass by the trees. Cute.
Entry to the park and castle (with its museum) is free to all, with free parking and nearby bus services.
