Tailor-made travel itineraries for Scotland, created by local experts
The Rough Guides to Scotland and related travel guides
In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.
written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 26.04.2021
Caerlaverock Castle is a picture-perfect ruined castle, moated, built from rich local red sandstone, triangular in shape and with a mighty double-towered gatehouse. The most surprising addition, however, lies inside, where you’re confronted by the ornate Renaissance facade of the Nithsdale Lodging, erected in the 1630s by the first earl of Nithsdale. The decorated tympana above the windows feature lively mythological and heraldic scenes. Sadly, six years later Nithsdale and his garrison were forced to surrender after a thirteen-week siege and bombardment by the Covenanters, who wrecked the place. It was never inhabited again.
