Castle House Museum
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Castle House Museum
Discover the fascinating history of Dunoon, in a historic building with unparalleled views over the Clyde. We are less than two hours away from Glasgow, whether you drive or take the train, And we are a stone's throw from Loch Lomond National Park. We would really appreciate your support. All fees and donations go towards maintaining our collection and ensuring a high standard for our visitors.

Discover the history of Dunoon and Cowal from Neolithic settlers, through Highland clan battles, Victorian expansion, the Clyde Steamers in their heyday, to both World Wars and the Cold War. Our Museum immerses your senses in historic reconstructions, interactive exhibits, an extensive photo archive, and a cornucopia of original memorabilia.
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Discover the fascinating history of Dunoon, in a historic building with unparalleled views over the Clyde. We are less than two hours away from Glasgow, whether you drive or take the train, And we are a stone's throw from Loch Lomond National Park. We would really appreciate your support. All fees and donations go towards maintaining our collection and ensuring a high standard for our visitors.
Click to play the videos, or double-tap if you're on mobile (it may take a while to load). You approach Castle House though Castle Gardens, a great place to picnic and watch the ferries come and go on a sunny day. You will see Castle House cresting the hill ahead of you, resplendent in its castellated Gothic style, as designed by David Hamilton in 1822.
Dunoon originally became a thriving tourist town because of its temperate climate, natural beauty and easy access from Glasgow. Nowadays it has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We have plenty to offer - even Mediterranean weather if you come at the right time of year - although it's probably best to pack an umbrella just in case!
Because we are tucked into a peninsula in the Scottish Highlands, people often assume Dunoon is hard to reach. And whilst it is true that our unspoiled Cowal peninsula feels like it is a million miles away from the big city, Castle House Museum is well served by road and ferry. You can get here in under 2 hours from Glasgow.
Our season runs from Easter through to mid October. You can pop in between 10am and 4pm to chat with us about family tree research, clan histories, or whatever you fancy. We are especially interested in seeing your historical items and documents; the more locally found the better, as that's what we are all about.
Reviews (13)
Anni Eira
Anni Eira
Nov 08, 2021
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Lovely place, nice vibe. Most memorable was one tree, what I call Tree of Joy.
Cass Pullman
Cass Pullman
Sep 16, 2021
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Beautiful place to visit. Not had the chance to go inside yet but have been told it lovely to walk round.
Bel Kent
Bel Kent
Aug 20, 2021
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Having to catch the ferry across which costed a fortune the castle wasn’t open as due to building work which is disgusting as it never said on the website at all as it said it was open. Wouldn’t recommend at all
Scott Wilson
Scott Wilson
Jul 07, 2021
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Amazing scenery from the view points, actually got married here 2016. Definitely a place to visit to soak up some history and explore. Lovely staff and well kept grounds
John Edward Openshaw
John Edward Openshaw
Feb 03, 2020
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Interesting displays very informative Great friendly staff please visit us.
Sharif Shahwan
Sharif Shahwan
Dec 02, 2019
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As others have noted, this is a lovely little museum. The enthusiastic staff of volunteers make it. Books of photos were great to lead through.
Would be nice to see it receive a bit of investment but in the meantime, give it your support and learn about the area while you visit.
The location is also a great spot for some photos of Dunoon and the surrounding coastline.
Graeme Henderson
Graeme Henderson
Nov 28, 2019
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Very enthusiastic and informative staff. Well laid out in an impressive setting and equally impressive views.
Lisa Burton
Lisa Burton
Oct 30, 2019
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So much to see with helpful and enthusiastic staff who clearly have a passion for Dunoon and it’s history! Great place and well worth several visits 😊
Stevie Nagel
Stevie Nagel
Jul 29, 2019
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Enjoyable museum though small. Very informative of Dunoon in the past. Not expensive for entry to museum but I think it is charged correctly for the things it has to exhibit. Glad we spent some time there this morning.
Emma Carli
Emma Carli
Mar 22, 2019
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Even though the museum was closed, the owner took us round the whole place. An amazing museum and castle. You can tell a lot of careful work was put in ! Thank you very much.
Betty Berry
Betty Berry
May 31, 2018
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The museum is very interesting i have visited many times and John makes you very welcome and his staff
Mike Condy
Mike Condy
Apr 02, 2018
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Great, after 20 years living in the town I made it through the doors today and wish I had done so sooner. Many thanks to John Stirling for answering my many questions and finding out extra materials. Way too much to get through in one visit so I'll be back.
Sam Palmer
Sam Palmer
Aug 25, 2017
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Lovely little museum with some interesting artifacts and information. Especially liked the stuff on Harry Lauder and the big photos of Dunoon that could be back lit. Friendly, helpful lady on the desk. Worth a visit.