Culzean Castle

Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. With gardens, beaches, woods, trails and new adventure

playgrounds to explore, and to crown it all, a cliff-top castle of monumental size: there’s no doubt you’ll have a fantastic day out at Culzean. There really is something for all the family in this wildlife-rich 260ha estate, which is opulent to the extreme.

Once the playground of David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis – a man who was keen to impress with his wealth and status – the park is planted with conifers and beech, sculpted around miles of sandy coastline dotted with caves, and finished off with a Swan Pond, an ice house, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses. The castle itself is perched on the Ayrshire cliffs. It was designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century and is filled to the turrets with treasures that tell the stories of the people who lived here. Take a guided tour and learn about the best features of the castle, including Adam's masterpiece, the oval staircase, as well as the fine collection of paintings and furniture.

Culzean also has a strong link with President Eisenhower, as the top-floor apartment was presented to him for his lifetime in recognition of his role during World War II. Now, you can stay in the impressive Eisenhower Apartment as a paying guest.