Complete Visitor Guide to Dunmore House – Falkirk’s Abandoned Mansion
Falkirk, Scotland is famous for many things, but did you know that Dunmore House, one of Scotland’s most impressive, abandoned mansions is located close by?
Most visitors to Falkirk will likely pay a visit to the extravagant and unusual Pineapple House located in Dunmore Estate, close to the village of Airth.
However, what most people don’t know is that with a little exploration (and some bravery), they can venture through the woodlands behind the Pineapple to discover the abandoned 19th century mansion known as Dunmore House.
For years, Dunmore House was almost unknown outside of the local area. However, recently it has gathered some more attention due to being a filming location for the hit show, Outlander.
This all means whether you’re into urbex, history or Outlander, you’re sure to love your trip to Dunmore House.
History
For hundreds of years, this area near Falkirk was owned by a just a couple of wealthy families that found themselves mingling with the most prestigious people in Scotland (including kings and queens).
Before Dunmore, the area was controlled by the Elphinstone’s. Since 1510, they resided at Elphinstone Tower which is close by to Dunmore House. You can still visit it although these days it is in a much more dilapidated state.
In the mid-18th century, John Murray, heir to the Earldom of Dunmore purchased the Tower and its surrounding land. The Dunmore reign saw many improvements to the local area and it was during this time that the magnificent Pineapple House was built in addition to Dunmore House.
At one point in time, Dunmore House was the jewel in the crown of the larger Dunmore Estate.
Built in the 1820s by the extremely wealthy Earl of Dunmore, Dunmore House was their family home for around one hundred years before eventually being sold.
The house was still fully functioning all the way into the 1960s where for a brief time it was used as an all-girls school.
However, since 1964, Dunmore House has laid empty, abandoned and at the mercy of the encroaching woodland that surrounds it.
To get an idea of what Dunmore House would have looked like in its prime, you should pay a visit to Dalmeny House near Edinburgh as they were built in an almost identical style.
As with everything in Scotland, there is always more to the story. If you want to find out more information on the estate and the hundreds of years of history that predate it then check out this great article by the Falkirk Local History Society.
How to get there
For first time explorers, finding the abandoned Dunmore House can be a little tricky. That is why we’ve put together this complete step by step guide to help you find it.
The journey starts once you reach the car park at the Dunmore Pineapple:
1. Head through the door to the left of the Dunmore Pineapple
2. Follow the path through the woods – it might be muddy!
3. At the path intersection, head right and keep walking past some abandoned buildings
4. Once you reach the abandoned stables, you’ll know you’re on the right path
5. Walk a little further and you will arrive at Dunmore House
Dunmore House in Outlander
Upon arrival at Dunmore House, Outlander fans may have a feeling that they’ve been here before.
That’s because the main entrance at Dunmore House featured in the very first episode of Season One and was decorated to resemble a WW2 field hospital that Claire was a nurse at!
Top tips for visitors
- The car park at the Dunmore Pineapple is small and can fill up fast in summer. Consider parking on the north side of Airth and taking the short walk up instead.
- Even on a nice day, the woods behind the Pineapple can be very muddy and waterlogged. Remember to wear appropriate clothes when you go.
- Dunmore House is abandoned and therefore you need to take extra precaution when you visit. Be vigilant for long drops, falling masonry and the usual dangers that come from urban exploration.
- Make a day of it and don’t just visit the house. You can also see the Pineapple, Elphinstone Tower and the quaint Dunmore Village which is across the road.
Nearby things to do
The Pineapple
In order to get to Dunmore House, you will most likely park your car next to The Pineapple, of the most extraordinary buildings in the UK.
At over 45 feet tall, this unusual piece of eccentricity has been interesting visitors since it was built way back in 1761.
For a fee, you can even stay the night inside The Pineapple, however make sure you book early as it can be difficult to secure a space.
Elphinstone Tower
Before Dunmore House was built, Elphinstone Tower was the home of the wealthy family that used to own the estate.
Although much of it is now overgrown and damaged, if you are careful then you can still make your way to the upper floors.
If you are after a little scare, then the ground floor entrance leads straight into what at one point was the family crypt – I’m sure there will still be some ghosts around there!
Stirling Castle
To continue your exploration of historic sites then we recommend you make the short trip over to Stirling Castle – one of Scotland’s largest and most famous.
Throughout its long history, Stirling Castle has been home to many kings and queens. However, it has also been home to even more bloodshed and conflict. In fact, during a short time in the Scottish Wars of Independence, the castle’s ownership changed eight times between the Scots and English! Apart from the castle there are plenty of other things for you to see and do in Stirling so definitely aim to spend more time in the city known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’.
