Claypotts Castle

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Visiting Claypotts Castle

Claypotts Castle in Dundee, Scotland, is a rare surviving example of a 16th-century z-plan fortified house. Situated just north of the shoreline of the River Tay, this historic site is now a Historic Environment Scotland site that is free and open to the public. 

Parking

There is no car park at the site. Free street-access parking is available next to the Castle.

 

Price

Claypotts Castle is free and open to the public to visit. 

 

Opening

Claypotts Castle is an open-access site that welcomes visitors from dawn to dusk every day.

Plan Day Visit

Location and Access

64 Claypotts Rd,

Dundee DD5 1LH,

UK

The Castle is around 3.9 miles (6.27 km) east of the city centre of Dundee via A92. 

It is only 0.7 miles (1.13 km) north of Broughty Ferry on the bank of the River Tay via B978.

Know Before You Go

  • The Castle's exterior is always open to tourists. Still, the interior is often closed for remodelling and redecoration, so make sure you call in advance if you want to see the castle from the inside. 
  • The nearest toilet facilities are on John Baldovie Road, 0.2 miles (0.32 km) from the Castle.
  • The exterior of the castle is wheelchair-accessible since paved sidewalks surround it.

Places To Stay Nearby

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The Fisherman's Flat

Right on the Broughty Ferry Coastline and 1.1 miles (1.8 km) south of Claypotts Castle, visit the Fisherman's Flat for a scenic view and a cosy home away from home. It offers free wifi, en-suite bathrooms, woodfire stoves, fully equipped kitchens, living areas, and TVs in its suites.

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The Fort Hotel

The Fort Hotel is 1.1 miles (1.8 km) from the castle. It is a beautiful 4-star hotel in the city centre of Broughty Ferry. Offering exceptional amenities like free wifi, free parking, complimentary breakfasts, an on-site restaurant, three bars, and beer garden, and much more, this hotel has it all. If you are looking for the last word in comfort, stay here!

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Jolly's HotelThe Fort Hotel

Jolly's Hotel, 1.2 miles (1.9 km) south of the castle, offers comfy suites with en-suite bathrooms, free wifi, accessible rooms, and a restaurant and pub downstairs. It is right in the city centre of Broughty Ferry, making it the perfect place to stay if you want to walk around town. 

The only downside to staying here is that there is no on-site parking. However, there is free city parking available just across the street, less than 0.1 miles (161 m) away, at Brook Street Car Park.

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History of Claypotts Castle

Claypotts Castle is a modest castle, and it historically belonged to the Strachan family. However, the castle was later owned by William Graham of Ballunie, William Graham of Claverhouse, and James Douglas.

Time Line

-1246

In 1246, the land that Claypotts Castle now stands on belonged to Lindores Abbey in Fife. During Medieval times, tenant farmers lived on the land. These tenants produced crops, wool, eggs, meat, and other products for the abbey. In exchange, the tenants had a home and enough food for their families.

-1511 (The Strachans Are Tenant Farmers at Claypotts)

In 1511, the Strachan family lived on the land at Claypotts. In exchange for their home at Claypotts, the Strachans paid £13, 12 cockerels, and four jugs of wine to the Lindores Abbey every year. They also had to pledge allegiance to the king and serve as cavalry in wartime.

-1560

During the Protestant Reformation, Lindores Abbey closed, which meant that John Strachan now owned the land he had been a tenant for most of his life. 

Because he now possessed his own land, Strachan gained wealth and set the plans for his new, improved home—Claypotts Castle. 

-1569–1588 (Construction of Claypotts Castle)

Based on the inscriptions on the castle's foundation stones, it was built between 1569 and 1588, taking 19 years to construct. No one is sure why it took so long to make this small castle, but it may have been due to the limited wealth of the Strachan family. 

-1601

John Strachan III sold the castle to Sir William Graham of Ballunie. 

-1620

The castle was sold to Sir William Graham of Claverhouse, viscount Dundee, also known as "Bonnie Dundee." 

Sir William Graham of Claverhouse never used Claypotts Castle as his primary residence, but he frequently visited the castle. 

-1689

Sir William Graham of Claverhouse died during the battle of Killiecrankie while serving as a Jacobite general. After Claverhouse's death, ownership of Claypotts castle passed to the crown.

-1694

The Crown gifted Claypotts Castle to James Douglas, Second Marquis of Douglas. James Douglas was a privy counsellor under James VII and Charles II of Scotland. 

A popular ballad called "Waly, Waly," also known as "Jamie Douglas," was written about his first marriage to Barabara Erskine, who was reportedly unfaithful to him.  

Under the ownership of the Douglas family, farm labourers lived in the castle. These labourers returned to the castle every day after working the fields on the Claypotts Estate and in the nearby properties owned by the Douglases.

-1962

The Douglas family still owned Claypotts Castle, although it had been passed to the Earls of Home by marriage in the 19th century. The Earls of Home still own the castle, but in 1962, they registered it as a Historic Site under the protection of Historic Environment Scotland.

Claypotts Castle Occupants

 

The only actual residents of the Castle were the Strachans, who lived at the estate and worked the land. As for the other owners living at other nearby castles, they used the estate to house servants and labourers.

16th Century

  • ca. 1508–ca. 1593: John Strachan I
  • Unknown dates: John Strachan II
  • ca. 1540–1594: Gilbert Strachan, Canon of Aberdeen
  • 1585–1601: John Strachan III

17th Century

  • 1601–1620: William Graham of Ballunie
  • 1620–1698: Sir William Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, "Bonnie Dundee."
  • 1694–1700: James Douglas, 2nd Marquess of Douglas

Claypotts Castle Facts

  • There is a legend that, once, a brownie lived in the Castle to help the farm labourers clean, but he was so disgusted by a lazy maid that he left. 
  • Some people believe that the Castle is haunted by a white lady who looks out from the tower, but as far as I know, no one ever died a cruel death in Claypotts Castle. 
  • Most of the structure is entirely original, including the timber roof. 

Images of Claypotts Castle

Claypotts Castle Claypotts Castle
Claypotts Castle

Images Supplied and licensed from Shutterstock Standard Licence Package

Claypotts Castle Facts

Do you still have some questions about your visit to Claypotts Castle? Well, I'm here to help you find answers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the site. 

Can You Bring Dogs to the Castle? 

Dogs are not allowed on the castle premises, but you can still walk around Claypotts with your furry friend. Service dogs are welcome, though. 

Is Claypotts Castle Handicap-Accessible? 

The Castle's interior is not wheelchair or handicap-accessible, as it has many steep stairs and narrow doorways. However, the outside of the Castle features even ground and a sidewalk.

Are Guided Tours Available at Claypotts Castle?

Claypotts Castle is a one-of-a-kind sight to see, with its unique architecture, well-preserved structure, and beautiful interior. Tours of the interior are available to those who call ahead to schedule one. To schedule your tour today, call +44 1241 878756 or visit the Historic Environment Scotland website for more information.

Claypotts Castle Q&A

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Location of Claypotts Castle

Claypotts Castle, originally used as a farmhouse by the Strachan family, has not changed much in its 500+ years of existence. However, it is now surrounded by a suburban residential area.

You can find it at: 

64 Claypotts Rd,

Dundee DD5 1LH,

UK

Plan your trip to Claypotts today to enjoy the stunning coastline and the River Tay, the historical sites in the area, and all of the fantastic attractions in Dundee. 

Other Places To Visit Near Claypotts Castle

There are tonnes of things to do surrounding Claypotts castle, whether you want to see more historic sites, soak up the sun, or take a stroll. Make your visit to Dundee memorable, and check out some of these other popular tourist attractions nearby!

Broughty Castle

1.4 miles (2.25 km) southeast of Claypotts Castle, visit Broughty Castle, a 15th century fortified tower house situated on the River Tay beside the town of Broughty Ferry. 

As a military fort built under the direction of King James II, Broughty castle is evidence of the turbulent military history of the Scottish border and its conflict with England. After its use as a fort, it became a Royal Navy base. Nowadays, Broughty Castle is a listed Historic Scotland site with an open and free museum to the public. 

Dundee Museum of Transport

If you are interested in cars, visit the Dundee Museum of Transport, 2.7 miles (3.86 km) west of Claypotts Castle. The museum has a vast collection of vintage cars and trucks, and they also have tonnes of activities and interactive exhibits for kids! It also has a pleasant cafe that serves coffee and tea, so you can relax and learn about the transportation history of Dundee here!

Broughty Ferry Beach

While you are so close to the coast, head on down to Broughty Ferry beach to enjoy the beautiful coast just 1.6 miles (2.5 km) south of Claypotts Castle. The beaches are immaculate and family-friendly, so stop by for a perfect way to end your day after visiting the Castle!

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