Moffat is a great place to find yourself if you enjoy visiting Historic Houses and Castles. There are many within the town or a short drive away
Drumlanrig Castle, ancient Douglas stronghold and Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry.
Surrounded by the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate, country park and grand victorian gardens, Drumlanrig Castle was completed in 1691 by William Douglas, 1st Duke of Queensberry and is one of the first and most important renaissance buildings in the grand manner in Scotland. There isn’t just the castle to see – there are many activities and events also there.
Traquair House was originally a castle owned by the kings of Scotland. It later became the home of the Earls of Traquair and is still lived in by their decendants, the Maxwell Stuart family. It is well known as the oldest inhabited and most romantic house in Scotland.
Secluded in woodland gardens and forest less than 30 miles south of Edinburgh, Traquair stands serene; this is one place in Scotland you will always remember with happy affection. Many activities and events also take place here – watch out particularly for their Books, Borders and Bikes literary festival. Traquair also has its own Brewery.
Caerlaverock Castle is one of the finest castles in Scotland. Its most remarkable features are the twin-towered gatehouse and the Nithsdale Lodging, a splendid Renaissance range dating from 1638.
Access to a children’s adventure park and replica siege engines in front of castle and nature trail to the old castle is included. Recent excavations are currently being laid out for visitors.