Dean Castle is a beautiful, sprawling historical part of Scotland. It lively people and past have been at the heart of many events in the history of Scotland. It lies just to the north of Kilmarnock and the earliest known part of the castle is the large square called “The Keep”. In the year 1316 the Boyd family was handed the large parcel of land and estate by Robert I. He gave it to the Boyd’s for their loyal backing and support of him, during two important wars. The castle was then built in 1350.

The palace part of Dean Castle was not added on until about the year 1468. The reason behind its expansion, was that the head of the estate, Lord Boyd wanted an area he could go to for privacy and total relaxation. No amenity was spared. In 1735, the castle caught fire and was seriously gutted and it lay dormant and in ruins for a couple of hundred years. The Boyd family sold the estate in 1749 and since then it has had numerous owners, some of which were very prestigious and important people.

Inherited, Lord Howard de Walden the 8th restored the estate and its castle to its former glory and it was completed in the year 1908. Today, the castle is home to his extensive collection of armour, weapons and many wall tapestries, which is proudly on display today. His wife’s father kept his gathering of musical instruments there for all to see and is still there to this day also. Total restoring of the place was completed in total in the year 1946 and the estate and Dean Castle and all its belongings were given to the township of Kilmarnock by Lord Howart de Walden the 8th’s son.

Presently, visitors and guest is welcomed by a beautiful Visitors Centre located within the estate’s Country Park. It is home to much wildlife and let’s all who visit, get close and interact with the animals. You can also learn much information about the wildlife you will find there on the grounds in the Discovery Room and Auditorium as well. There is even a centre for rare breeds of animals, kept there on the grounds, which allows for a Children’s Corner and Riding Centre as well. A tea room has been added, so after walking and exploring its beautiful ground at leisure, you can take you a hot, relaxing cup.

September 19, 2002, the Robert Burns World Federation, alongside East Ayrshire Council, commemorated a plaque for the United States tragedy that occurred on Sept 11, 2001. It sits peacefully in a memorial garden of beautiful roses out in the front area of Dean Castle.