This red sandstone castle nestles in dark trees at the foot of Goatfell mountain 1.5 miles out of Brodick, the main port on the
Isle of Arran off the west coast of Scotland.
The name Brodick comes from the Norse words, meaning 'broad bay'. Arran means 'peaked island' in Gaelic.
Those without transport can either take the north circular bus from Brodick which runs past the entrance or walk (part road and part footpath).
The castle is open daily from April to October 11am - 4.30pm.
The Country Park is open all year round every day from 9.30am until sunset.
Telephone: +44 1770 302202 / Fax: +44 1770 302312. There's a licensed restaurant and souvenir shop. Available for weddings.
The National Trust for Scotland has more details.
The site has been occupied by a stronghold of some kind since the fifth century, when an ancient Irish tribe came over and founded the kingdom of Dalriada.
It was probably destroyed and rebuilt many times during its turbulent history.
In 1503 the castle and the Earldom of Arran were granted by James IV to his cousin, Lord Hamilton. That structure was demolished in 1544.
Parts of the present castle date from the 1588 during the ownership of the 2nd Earl of Arran who was the guardian and regent of Queen Mary.
As the home of the Dukes of Hamilton, the castle was occupied by Cromwellian troops after the first Duke was executed during the Civil War in 1648 and the second died in battle just three years later.
Brodick Castle eventually passed into the hands of Mary, Duchess of Montrose (daughter of the 12th Duke of Hamilton) who revitalised the gardens.
Since her death in 1957 it has been owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
Inside are paintings, porcelain and furniture from the various owners.
It is also home to the art collection of 18th century author William Beckford of Fonthill whose daughter married the 10th Duke of Hamilton.
One of the rooms is known as 'Bruce's Room' but since the castle was all but destroyed in 1455 and 1544, it is unlikely that Robert the Bruce actually stayed in it.
The colourful gardens which feature lots of rhododendrons, include:
the walled garden,
the "Ice House" where they used to pack ice in the
winter in a hole in the ground and then store it ready for the
summer,
the Bavarian Summer House, a hexagonal wooden structure built
in 1845 and decorated with elaborate arrangements of fir cones.
Once you are inside the castle grounds, you can also take advantage
of several walking trails, including one leading up Goatfell mountain
(874 metres) and another to the intriguingly named "Duchesses'
Bathing Pool".
