Culzean Castle and Country Park

Culzean Castle and Country Park is located on the South Ayshire coastline near Maidens and Maybole. Culzean Castle is owned by the National Trust and is pronounced by the locals as Kullayn Castle. Culzean Castle and Country Park encompass 600 acres of woodland, and include 5km of coastline, a deer park and beautifully laid out gardens.

Culzean Castle was built for the Kennedy family, the original house and tower structure were designed by Architect Robert Adams. The house was completed around 1778 and the three storey Drum Tower situated on the cliff edge for it's sea views was commisioned in 1784. The castle boasts a grand oval staircase, state rooms and a suite of apartments. The armoury display is second only in size to the Queen's collection held at Windsor Castle, after the 12th Earl purchased a large amount of pistols and swords from the Tower of London in 1812.

The National Trust took over the estate in 1945 and designated that a top floor appartment be given for the use of Dwight Eisenhower in recognition of his services as Commander of the Allied Troops in Europe during World War two. President Eisenhower visited the castle on several occasions, and in his honour an Eisenhower exhibition now occupies one of the rooms. Culzean Castle was also used as a back drop for the 1973 cult movie the Wicker Man.

Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle Gardens

Culzean Castle and Country Park is now open to the public and makes an enjoyable day out. The walled gardens are beautiful and there are paths through the woodland around the swan lake to the summer house and also down to the sandy beach. On leaving, if you head through Maiden towards the harbour town of Girvan you will pass the world famous Turnberry Hotel and Golf Course.

Girvan