Dumfries House & Grounds
In a remarkable 21st century country house success story, Georgian mansion with exceptional collection of Chippendale furniture saved from dispersal.
Cumnock, Ayrshire, KA18 2NJ
Facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Guide dogs welcome
- Hearing loops
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Georgian Gem, nestling within 2,000 acres of scenic Ayrshire countryside in south-west Scotland. Commissioned by William Crichton Dalrymple, the 5th Earl of Dumfries.
The House was designed by renowned 18th-century architect brothers John, Robert and James Adam and built between 1754 and 1759.
Recognised as one of the Adam brothers’ masterpieces it remained unseen by the public since it was built 250 years ago until it opened its doors as a visitor attraction in June 2008. The former home of the Marquesses of Bute, it was saved for the nation at the eleventh hour by a consortium of organisations and individuals brought together by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay.
The house holds the most important collection of works from Thomas Chippendale’s ‘Director’ period. It is widely recognised that Scotland was a testing ground for Thomas Chippendale’s early rococo furniture and the Dumfries House collection is regarded as his key project in this area.
Dumfries House also holds the most comprehensive range of pieces by Edinburgh furniture makers Alexander Peter, William Mathie and Francis Brodie.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
Spring/Summer/Autumn 2025 Tour Schedule
1st March – 31st Oct 2025.
Generally open every day. First tour normally 10:45am, last tour normally 3.30pm.
Some exceptions and time changes may apply on specific dates – please call 01290 421742 or check the website for availability before travelling to avoid disappointment.
Winter 2025 Tour Schedule.
7th Jan – 31st March and 1st Nov – 22nd Dec 2025 – Tours available at weekends only.
House tour: £13.50
Grand tour: £17.50
Child (under 16): £6.75
Child (under 5): free
Art tour: £13
Group visits can of course be arranged, and can normally be accommodated at any time of the year and at times of the day.
Our minimum group size is 12 but there is no maximum.
Please contact us on tours@dumfries-house.org.uk or by telephone on 01290 427975.
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Guide dogs welcome
- Hearing loops
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Getting here
Cumnock, Ayrshire, KA18 2NJ
Dumfries House is just off the A70 about 1.5 miles west of the junction with the A76. There are two entrances – one clearly marked ‘coaches and deliveries only’ and the other, slightly further west, marked ‘cars only’.
The nearest bus station is in Cumnock and the nearest bus stop is on the B7036 at the Barony Rd entrance, approximately a 1 mile walk from the house on an unmade road.
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