With springtime finally upon us, castles around Dumbarton are beginning to reopen to the public.

The town and surrounding areas have dozens of amazing sites, providing plenty of places for a family day out if the weather is good.

If you're looking for historic gems to explore near you, here are some of the most beautiful castles and estates open now.

The most beautiful castles and estates you can visit in and around Dumbarton

Here are some of the most beautiful castles in and around Dumbarton you can visit this spring and summer.

Dumbarton Castle

Opening times: April 1 to May 10 - Daily except Thursday and Friday - 9:30am to 5pm (last entry 4:15pm).

Description: Founded in the fifth century, Dumbarton was once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde.

Dumbarton Castle was placed at the heart of this powerful realm and sits upon a volcanic rock in the Firth of Clyde.

Historic Scotland members can visit for free with non-members aged 16-64 needing to pay £7.50 for admission.

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Mugdock Castle

Description: Mugdock Castle to the north of Glasgow was once at the centre of the administration of the lands of Mugdock.

While its true age is unknown, it is first mentioned in a document dating back to 1372, according to the Mugdock Country Park website.

Balloch Castle

Opening times: All year - 10am to 4pm

Description: Located on the southeast shore of Loch Lomond, the castle is surrounded by 200 acres of semi-natural woodland, parks and gardens.

The park is described by West Dunbartonshire Council as a "quintessentially [...] 19th-century private estate" that "was developed as a park at the beginning of the 20th century".

The design of the area remains largely unchanged from the early 1800s, when the current castle was built.