Frommers.com Frommers.com
Most Recent Destination Forum Posts
Most Recommended Articles
Most Commented Articles
  Print This Article Print Get Frommer's RSS Feed RSS

Threave Castle Frommer's Highly Recommended

Hours Apr-Sept daily 9:30am-6:30pm. Last outward sailing at 4:30pm
Location 2.5km (1 1/2 miles) west of Castle Douglas on an islet in the River Dee
Prices Admission (including ferry ride) £4 ($7.60) adults, £3 ($5.70) seniors, £2 ($3.80) children under 16
Season Closed Oct-Mar

Frommer's Review

This is the ruined 14th-century stronghold of the Black Douglases. The seven-story tower was built between 1639 and 1690 by Archibald the Grim, Lord of Galloway. In 1455, Threave was the last Douglas stronghold to surrender to James II, who employed some of the most advanced armaments of his day (including a cannon similar to Mons Meg, the massive cannon now displayed in Edinburgh Castle) in its subjection. Over the doorway is the gallows knob from which the Douglases hanged their enemies. In 1640, the castle was captured and dismantled by the Covenanters, the rebellious group of Scots who questioned the king's right to make laws.

To reach the site, you walk .8km (1/2 mile) through farmlands and then take a small boat across the Dee. When you get to the river, ring a bell signaling the custodian to come and ferry you across. The last boat is at 6pm. For information, contact Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh (tel. 07711/223-101; www.historic-scotland.gov.uk).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


Back to Top


  Print This Article Print Get Frommer's RSS Feed RSS


Destination Guide
Destination Guide Destination Guide Destination Guide
Destination Guide Destination Guide Frommer's Scotland, 11th Edition Destination Guide Frommer's Scotland, 11th Edition

Author: Danforth Prince
Pub Date: December 21, 2009
Price: $21.99

Add to Cart
Destination Guide Destination Guide Destination Guide Related Titles:
England For Dummies, 4th Edition
Destination Guide
England With Your Family
Destination Guide
Frommer's 24 Great Walks in Dublin, 1st Edition
Destination Guide
Destination Guide Destination Guide
Destination Guide Destination Guide Destination Guide
Destination Guide
Destinations
Destinations

Frommer's Star Ratings

Frommer's Recommended 0 stars Frommer's Recommended
Frommer's Highly Recommended 1 stars Frommer's Highly Recommended
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended 2 stars Frommer's Very Highly Recommended
Frommer's Exceptional 3 stars Frommer's Exceptional

About Our System

Frommer's ranks every hotel, restaurant, attraction, shop, and nightlife establishment it reviews for quality, value, service, amenities, and special features using a star-rating scale, an expression of the strong compare-and-contrast opinions that are a brand hallmark.

Other ratings provide stars based primarily on price and amenities; the Frommer's star rating is meant to quantify the kind of intangible, experiential elements that help travelers make informed decisions.

The "baseline" recommendation is zero stars--every hotel, restaurant, attraction, shop, and nightlife establishment that Frommer's chooses to review is recommended; otherwise, we simply wouldn't include it.

Close Window