Secrets of the Crookston Castle Hill

Explore Crookston hill and Glasgow’s last medieval castle! An exciting doors open day reveals its ancient Bronze and Iron Age secrets.
About this Event

Hosted by The Village Storytelling Centre & Friends of Crookston Castle, enjoy storytelling and arts activities bringing land, deep local history and community together.

Secrets of the Crookston Castle Hill

Celebrate the Autumn Equinox & Glasgow’s Deepest Roots

Step onto land that has gathered communities for millennia. This Doors Open Day, join us on Crookston Castle hill to honour the Autumn Equinox—the turning of the seasons and natural balance of day and night.

Inspired by the recent discovery of five ancient Bronze and Iron Age roundhouses right here on the hillside—the oldest homes in Glasgow—we invite you to experience the timeless power of community. Walk through our Five Circles of Roundhouse Life, where ancient heritage meets modern celebration:

• The Circle of Story & Song – Share timeless tales, local memories, and community music.

• The Circle of Dance & Movement – Join hands for community dancing on the hill.

• The Circle of Exploration – Take a guided tour of the castle and the newly discovered Glasgow urban prehistory site.

• The Circle of Ritual – Connect with autumn through rituals of Gratitude, Letting Go, and Looking at the Future.

• The Circle of Craft & Play – Enjoy arts, crafts, and games for all ages.

Bring along: Your friends, family, a picnic blanket, and your favourite cakes or autumn fruits to share.

Come gather in the circle, be inspired by Glasgow's ancient past, and welcome the autumn with us!

Timings:

13.00 - 16.00 - Drop In - Activities and workshops around the castle on the hill and at the foot of the hill

13.00 - 13.50 - Free ticketed - The Circle of Exploration - Castle and Hillside Tour 1

14.00 - 14.50 - Free ticketed - The Circle of Exploration- Castle and Hillside Tour 2

16.00 - 15.50 - Free ticketed - The Circle of Exploration -Castle and Hillside Tour 3

All activities are drop-inn, except the Circle of Exploration - guided tours of the castle and the newly discovered Glasgow urban prehistory site - you need to book a free of charge ticket to secure your space as places are limited.

The event is family and children friendly. Children should always be accompanied by adults.

The castle is a ruin so it is open to the elements and can be quite windy, clothing for the weather is recommended. Comfortable and weather appropriate footwear is recommended.

The castle and hillside tours will take place around and in a medieval castle of which, the ground floor has two steps to get in to. The rest of the floors are up several flights of stairs including a spiral staircase and ladders for the top two floors. The Castle is not wheelchair accessible and those with mobility issues will struggle to access all areas. The path that leads to the castle is uneven, the grounds around the castle are covered with grass and is uneven too.

There is no dedicated parking area near the castle. Please park in the nearby streets or choose traveling by public transport - buses and a train with the nearby Crookston train station.

Photo by Karen Gordon