While we were staying in Dumfries and Galloway at the beginning of September, we couldn’t resist taking a drive up the coast to Ayrshire to see Culzean Castle and Country Park. The drive itself was a pleasure, hugging the coast all the way whilst looking out to the granite island dome of Ailsa Craig in the distance.
Culzean Castle is a superb choice for a full day out and families will love it. Whether you have a tour of the castle itself or just mooch around the estate, you can easily spend a number of hours exploring the beach, gardens and the adventure playground.
Culzean Castle
We decided to do the whole shebang and arrived just in time to tag onto the end of a guided tour. This was a great place to start as we were able to glean plenty of information about this former home of the powerful Kennedy family and the creative genius of architect Robert Adam.
The castle was originally an L-Shaped tower house constructed in the 1500s but when Sir Thomas Kennedy became the Earl of Cassillis, he decided to improve it. It was his brother who had more grand ideas and it was he who enlisted Adam. Built between 1777 and 1792, Adam added a round drum tower and extra wings and ensured that rooms and windows were positioned so that you could look through from one side of the house to the other. His work was inspired by his Grand Tour of Europe he had embarked upon some years before so interior decoration was just as important as building design.
My favourite part of the castle was the magnificent spiral staircase. We discovered that this had initially been a large gaping hole left as other areas of the castle were built. It was the wrong shape for a traditional circular staircase, so Adam constructed an oval one and, although my photo doesn’t do it justice, it really is a wonderful centrepiece to the building.
We were also shown a number of paintings of the castle, commissioned by the Earl so he could show off to his London friends: the castle looks far larger than it really is and Ailsa Craig has been moved so it can be ‘in shot’. I loved discovering hidden doors in the rooms leading to servants’ staircases so staff could surreptitiously attend to their work without having to use the public areas. And who wouldn’t love a set of copper pans like these?
The Eisenhower connection
Culzean has a strong link with President Eisenhower who visited a number of times. The top floor apartments were presented to him for his lifetime in recognition of his role in World War Two. They are now open to paying guests so if you fancy self-catering on a presidential scale, they might be worth checking out.
Culzean Country Estate
Back outside, where’s the best place to start exploring? The visitor centre I think, especially if you want to see exhibitions about Culzean, or have something to eat in the restaurant. Don’t miss the second-hand bookshop which is unlike any other I have seen in National Trust properties or indeed, any second-hand bookshop anywhere. Housed in a large, bright, modern room, there was no mustiness you might normally expect. It looked more like a contemporary shop selling new books, to be honest. Lots of recent titles and all in excellent condition. We were welcomed by such a warm and friendly chap who obviously took great pleasure in his work. We left with about half a dozen novels and a very big smile.
We spent the remainder of the day bathed in gorgeous sunshine, walking along the trails, stopping to look at the ice house, the ruined arch, the deer park and the sweet shop or, rather, Candies@Culzean. And who wouldn’t fancy a gander around Lady Ailsa’s Pleasure Garden?
There wasn’t enough time for us to see everything at Culzean Castle and Country Park in just a few hours. We didn’t manage to spend any time on the beach and missed the Swan Pond, the pagoda, Happy Valley, the aviary and Swinston Ponds. I would recommend coming early and aiming to spend a full day to make it cost-effective. Even better, if you have membership of the National Trust for Scotland, use your free entry here and at nearby Souter Johnnie’s Cottage and Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.
Opening hours
Country Park
All year, limited facilities between Nov and Mar, usually 9.30am to sunset
Castle
25 Mar – 31 Oct, 10.30 – 17.00 (last admission 4pm)
Guided Tours of Castle
11.00 and 14.30 daily, Apr – Oct
Family Tours of the Castle
11.30 Sat & Sun, Apr – Oct
Prices
National Trust of Scotland Member: FREE
Culzean Castle & Country Park
Adult: £15.50 Family: £38.00 1 Parent: £30.00 Concession: £11.50
Culzean Country Park only
Adult: £10.00 Family: £24.50 1 Parent: £18.00 Concession: £7.50
Having worked with Visit Scotland before on a trip to Glasgow and Edinburgh, the team there were happy to provide Dougie and me with a media pass from their partner organisation, ASVA (Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions) to gain complimentary entry into a number of places on our trip, including Culzean Castle.
Weren’t you lucky with the weather? It looks lovely all bathed in sunshine.
We had amazing weather and that day in particular was like being in the Med!
Ah I love beautiful homes like this! Always reminds me of Downton Abbey! I’m so fascinated about that time period! #FarawayFiles
I know what you mean. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have that whole house to live in with a beach and woodlands for the kids! Plus cooks and nannies 🙂
beautiful castle!I love visiting castles and period homes in England:) I’ve done a few:) #farawayfiles
This one really took my breath way – I think the location had the wow factor.
National Trust properties are always so satisfying to visit, and something the UK does so well (much better than stately homes/castles in France which are often rather dreary). Looks like a lovely day out #farawayfiles
I think the National Trust realise that when you are visiting with families, it’s nice to have a few extra add-ons to keep everyone happy. Makes for a great day out and doesn’t spoil the history or beauty of the castle itself.
I would love to do a Mary Poppins down that staircase Trish although I suspect it would not end elegantly! I always like visiting noble kitchens too because I absolutely covet those copper pans. Sounds like a lovely day out. Thanks for sharing with us on #farawayfiles
Now that’s an idea – the banisters were particularly shiny, Katy.
I would like the copper pans but not the job of keeping them gleaming, can I have the staff as well?
I think the pots come with servants: I’m sure it’s a BOGOF deal, Catherine 😉
Culzean has been on my castle wishlist ever since hearing about its children’s trail to look for the Lego mini figures in each room. That adventure playground and beach are just the thing for kids after exploring the castle. Thanks so much for taking me on a tour for #FarawayFiles
It really is a cracker of a castle. We were amazed at how much there was to do in the grounds. It felt quite magical.
I’d be joining Katy and sliding down that banister! I love a second hand bookshop too so would easily while away some time in there. #Farawayfiles
You and Katy would get chucked out!
Honestly the book shop was unbelievably good, Christine.
I don’t know if I was more impressed with the staircase or the collection of pans hanging on the wall!
I wish I had taken more photos of the staircase as it really was wonderful – but I agree, those shiny pans are very special.
I love the look of “mooching” around the estate – the gardens look lovely and there is a beach and a pagoda as well? My kids would probably prefer the sweet shop! Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, cheers from Oregon this time! Erin
If we’d mooched a bit quicker we might have been able to see more! Too long spent over breakfast in our hotel and eager to be back for an early evening sherry on the lawn at Knockinaam Lodge.
I love a day out at a castle estate like this – heaven on a sunny day. Especially when the drive there is also scenic and hugs the coast all the way (adore those roads) – you can’t ask for more #FarawayFiles
If only we could plan the weather to always be like this when we have a day out! You’re right, the drive was just as enjoyable as the destination.
That looks such an interesting place! Really hoping to get to Scotland this year! I am ashamed to say I have never been (which I have probably already told you at some point!) 😀
There are so many gorgeous spots in Scotland – you will be in your element with your camera, Emma xx
We visited Culzean castle when we lived in Dumfries and Galloway. I agree there is so much to do there. The spiral staircase was one of my favourite things too #culturedkids
I loved our time in Dumfries and Galloway – such a lovely region of Scotland. I imagine it’s a super place to live.
What a huge house! I love that staircase – I can see myself swooshing down it in an enormous dress. My grandfather was a butler so I’m always interested in seeing ‘below stairs’ in the servants quarters. With the gardens as well I imagine I would be there the whole day #culturedkids
Oh your grandfather must have some fascinating stories to tell – no wonder you have an interest in ‘below stairs’!
Honestly I think you could spend the whole week there and never be bored.
We definitely need to visit Culzean Castle -looks so grand and very different from the Castles in the North of East of Scotland. The gardens and estate look lovely for a walk around. #culturedkids
Culzean sounds perfect for a day out. It sounds as though you could spend several days there, in fact. The bit about the castle looking bigger in the paintings made me smile. Like feature-enhancing selfies from the past! Thanks for linking up with #CulturedKids
Ha! Yes a castle selfie, that’s just what it is – a bit of vintage photoshopping!
Wow, it does indeed sound like you could spend several days there, another castle to add to the list! #culturedkids
If you’re like me, your list will be ever-increasing!
Now I could quite fancy that as a holiday rental! #CulturedKids
When we were there we thought – oh we’ve missed a trick. Although we had such fab hotels during our trip so couldn’t really complain. But would definitely look for availability if we were up there again.