Top 3 Castles around Dollar
Best castles around Dollar are situated amidst the Ochil Hills, offering a blend of historical architecture and natural landscapes. The region features Dollar Glen, characterized by forests, gorges, and waterfalls, providing a scenic backdrop to its historical sites. This area is home to several significant castles, reflecting centuries of Scottish history and strategic importance. Visitors can explore these structures, which range from well-preserved towers to atmospheric ruins, set within a diverse natural environment.
Best castles around Dollar
- The most popular…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Alloa Tower
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Old Tulliallan Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Castle Campbell
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Maintained by Historic Scotland, this castle can be visited along with an enjoyable walk up through the Dollar Glen.
0
0
This tower is in well kept grounds. OK, its only a tower, but it is a nice stop on the the amazing Scottish National Cycling Network. It was built in the 1300s so if you love history, you will love this. In summer, you can go inside.
0
0
Castle Campbell is a medieval castle situated above the town of Dollar, Clackmannanshire, in central Scotland. It was the lowland seat of the earls and dukes of Argyll, chiefs of Clan Campbell, from the 15th to the 19th century, and was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots, in the 16th century.
1
0
Opening Times Tower: 23 Mar to 29 Apr, Fri-Mon 1-5; 3 May to 31 Aug, Thu-Mon 1-5; 1 Sep to 28 Oct, Fri-Mon 1-5 (last entry 4.15).
0
0
Take a whistle-stop tour through 700 years of Scottish history at Scotland’s largest and oldest keep, the ancestral home of the influential Erskine family, the Earls of Mar and Kellie. The walls of this medieval tower tell some incredible stories and even come complete with their own dungeon! As you explore the tower’s four floors, you’ll hear tales of an abbot’s curse, crib ghosts, fortunes and titles lost and regained, and the building’s ruin and restoration. The tower is packed with arresting architectural anomalies, such as the stone well built into the tower walls and the magnificent vaulted beamed ceiling. You will see artworks on display by Henry Raeburn and Van Dyck, along with precious china, silverware, period costumes and furnishings. The ancestral home of the Erskine family, the Earls of Mar and Kellie, Alloa Tower is one of Scotland’s largest surviving medieval tower houses. It has been altered over the centuries and is now an 18th-century mansion contained within a medieval shell. The Tower is home to an important collection of portraits, silver and furniture, which are loaned from the family’s private collections.
0
0
Tulliallan Castle is a large house in Kincardine, Fife, Scotland. It is the second structure to have the name, and is a mixture of Gothic and Italian style architecture set amid some 90 acres (36 ha) of parkland just north of where the Kincardine Bridge spans the Firth of Forth. It is the home of the Scottish Police College and has been since 1954. On 1 April 2013, Tulliallan Castle became the headquarters of Police Scotland (the newly created national police service for Scotland), but as of 2014 the service's headquarters are temporarily relocated to nearby Alloa. It was built in 1812-1820 for George Keith Elphinstone, Admiral Lord Keith one time senior officer of Lord Nelson, from money received from prize ships, by a labour force said to include French prisoners of war. During the Second World War its history took on a further international dimension when it was used by the Polish Armed Forces in the West as their headquarters in Scotland.
0
0
Located amongst woodland a half-mile (1 km) north of Kincardine, Old Tulliallan Castle is an unusual 14th century hall-house surrounded by a D-shaped ditch and rampart. It comprises two storeys and a basement, with its principal rooms on the ground floor, modified through later additions and internal alterations. A castle was certainly here by 1304, when Edward I ordered it to be strengthened. Thereafter it became the property of the Douglas family, who granted it to the Edmonstones in 1402. In 1486, Tulliallan passed through marriage to the Blackadders, who were responsible for a major reconstruction. Finally, in 1605, the castle became the property of the Bruces of Carnock and was lived in until 1662. The estate was sold to Admiral Lord Keith in 1798 and he built a new castle a half-mile (1 km) to the southeast in 1820.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical figures are associated with the castles around Dollar?
The castles in this region have a rich history. Castle Campbell notably hosted Mary Queen of Scots and the reformer John Knox. Alloa Tower was the ancestral home of the influential Erskine family for centuries. Old Tulliallan Castle Ruins was once owned by the Douglas, Edmonstone, Blackadder, and Bruce families. Clackmannan Tower was also a property of the Bruce family from the 14th to the 18th century.
What kind of architecture can I expect to see at the castles near Dollar?
The castles around Dollar showcase diverse medieval Scottish architecture. You'll find medieval tower houses, fortified keeps, and even an unusual 14th-century hall-house. For example, Castle Campbell features a main tower house dating back to the 1400s. Alloa Tower is Scotland’s largest and oldest keep, an 18th-century mansion contained within a medieval shell, with arresting architectural anomalies like a stone well built into its walls. Old Tulliallan Castle Ruins is a unique 14th-century hall-house surrounded by a D-shaped ditch and rampart.
Are there family-friendly castles around Dollar?
Yes, several castles offer an engaging experience for families. Alloa Tower, for instance, is categorized as family-friendly and features a dungeon, which can be a fun and educational experience for children. Exploring the grounds and imagining the history at Castle Campbell, with its dramatic setting and views, is also popular with families.
What natural features can I see around the castles near Dollar?
The castles are set amidst stunning natural landscapes. Castle Campbell is nestled high in Dollar Glen, characterized by lush green forests, deep gorges, and impressive waterfalls. The views from the castle encompass Dollar Glen and the surrounding Ochil Hills. Many of the castles offer panoramic viewpoints of the Forth valley and the surrounding countryside.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Dollar offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, from easy walks through Dollar Glen to more challenging mountain hikes in the Ochil Hills. There are also mountain biking routes available. For more details on routes, you can explore the MTB Trails around Dollar, Mountain Hikes around Dollar, and Easy hikes around Dollar guides.
Are there hiking trails near these castles?
Absolutely. The region is excellent for hiking. A popular option is the enjoyable walk up through Dollar Glen to Castle Campbell. There are also easy hikes like the 'Dollar Glen & Castle Campbell loop from Dollar' and more challenging routes in the Ochil Hills. You can find detailed information and routes in the Easy hikes around Dollar and Mountain Hikes around Dollar guides.
What is the best time to visit the castles near Dollar?
The best time to visit is generally during the summer months, from April to September, when sites like Castle Campbell are typically open to visitors. This period also offers more favorable weather for exploring the scenic walks through Dollar Glen and the surrounding Ochil Hills. However, the dramatic landscapes can be enjoyed year-round, with winter offering a different, often quieter, experience.
Are there accessible paths or facilities for visitors with mobility challenges?
While the approach to Castle Campbell through Dollar Glen involves scenic walks, which may have varied terrain, specific accessibility information for each castle should be checked directly with Historic Environment Scotland or the respective site. Some areas within the castles, being historic structures, may have limited accessibility due to stairs or uneven surfaces.
Can I bring my dog to the castles or on nearby trails?
Many outdoor trails in Dollar Glen and the Ochil Hills are dog-friendly, making it a great area for walks with your canine companion. However, policies regarding dogs inside the castles themselves can vary. It's advisable to check the specific rules for each castle, such as Castle Campbell or Alloa Tower, before your visit.
Where can I find parking for visiting the castles?
Parking is generally available near the main attractions. For Castle Campbell, there is parking available for visitors, often at the entrance to Dollar Glen or closer to the castle itself. For other sites like Alloa Tower, parking facilities are usually provided on-site or nearby. It's always a good idea to check the specific castle's website for the most up-to-date parking information.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Dollar?
Visitors frequently praise the dramatic locations and breathtaking views offered by castles like Castle Campbell, which overlooks Dollar and the Clackmannanshire countryside. The rich history and architectural interest of these medieval structures, along with the scenic walks through natural surroundings like Dollar Glen, are also highly appreciated. The komoot community has shared over 20 photos and given more than 50 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and historical significance of these sites.
Most popular routes around Dollar
Most popular attractions around Dollar
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Dollar:
