Castledykes Park - A lovely little corner of Dumfries
Castledykes Park is a lovely little corner of Dumfries. A local park packed with history, nature and lovely flowers. Definitely worth a visit.
Castledykes has to be one of the most unique public parks in Scotland. Very few parks are as lovely and history-filled. Especially given it is in Dumfries a small town by anyone's standards.
History of Castledykes Park
Castledykes Park was originally a Norman castle built after the invasion of 1066 to guard the entrance up the Nith River on the Solway Firth.
The remains of the hill on which the castle was built are still there.
The reason for its importance, at the time, was the majority of trade took place via close coastal sea transport or up and down rivers. When you climb up the hill (which has a very Lord of Rings Death of Boromir feel to it during the Autumn) you can see up and down the river for a long while.
Later on during the Wars of Scottish Independence the Norman castle had developed into a more robust knights and ladies castle. After Robert the Bruce had murdered his rival for the throne of Scotland, he stormed Castledyke castle and raised his Royal Standard.
This action set into motion the Wars of Scottish Independence and the ultimate victory for Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn.
Later the castle at Castledykes was dismantled as part of an agreement between the English and Scottish crowns.
Later in its life, the park at Castledykes becomes a quarry and a manor house. In the Quarry is the Sunken Garden a rather lovely garden that has flowers blooming all year around.
The Mannorhouse set out the basic blueprint of the park grounds as they stand today.
In the 1960's the Sunken Garden was created and the park started to take the shape and form that it has today.
The Grounds of Castledykes
The Grounds of Castledykes Park are similar to the grounds of the Manorhouse, with rolling hills, mature grass, stepped hills, small wooded hills of the former castles, a sunken garden and a secret garden.
Interspersed amongst these gardens, small hillocks and
Additionally, the park forms part of the 'Bruce's Trail' a walking route through the history of Robert the Bruce in Dumfries.
Sunken Garden and Robert the Bruce Statue
The Sunken Garden is the highlight of the park with a lovely abundance of flowers and trees with a statue of Robert the Burns in the centre.
Robert the Bruce Infomation boards
Throughout the park are information boards that highlight the park's history and focus specifically on Robert the Bruce, and are detailed with lovely locally created artworks.
Hills, Trees and Playpark
Most of the park is set to hills and trees and there is a nice but small playpark for kiddies.
Why it is great with a toddler
Castledykes is a great place to take a toddler, as it has all the ingredients for a good time out with a toddler, trees, grass, mud, a playpark, nooks and crannies to explore and it a series of hills that are great for tiring them out.
How to get to Castledykes Park
Walking from the Robert the Burns statue, head down the Vennel towards the Nith. When you hit the river Nith, head down the river. When you reach Dock Park go until the end of Dock Park and CastleDykes is just past the next bridge. You will see a
When is the best time to visit?
Summer and Autumn are the best times to visit as the park is in full fettle, however, as it is just a normal park and is open all year round, visiting anytime is recommended.
What else could you do with Castledykes Park
One of the best features of Castledykes Park is its proximity to Dock Park, the Nith, and the Crichton, allowing you to add it to a riverside walk or a loop.
**Where can I find more information? **
You can find more information about Castledykes Park here.
This is part of the Dumfries and Galloway Bucket List. Take a look at our other Galloway Bucket List articles here