By the order of the 10th Earl of Cassilis, Culzean Castle was constructed as an L shape plan. The castle was built by architect Robert Adam in stages between 1777 and 1792. This castle is famous for its elegant oval staircase, circular saloon, painted ceilings, and delicate friezes. The success and beauty of this castle was one of its architect’s greatest creations. Former home of the Marquess of Ailsa, Culzean Castle is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The cliff-top of the castle lies within the Culzean Castle Country Park and is opened to the public. From 1972 through 2015, an illustration of the castle was featured on the reverse side of five-pound notes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland. As of 2021, the castle is available for rent. With its majestic architecture, antique furnishings immaculately kept gardens, and seaside location, Culzean Castle serves as a fine example of 18th-century high living. The Marquess of Alisa used to live here, and you can freely explore the castle and its surrounding grounds. On your self-guided tour, you can take in the views of the sea from the round drawing room and check out one of the world’s largest collections of swords and pistols in the armory. The castle is one of Scotland’s best places to watch bats, and you can also see a range of other wildlife along Happy Valley woodland trails.
Things to know before you go
• Culzean castle is open for all the days of a week from 9 am to 5 pm
• Parking space is available.
• Recommendation duration is 2hours and 30 minutes
• You can book yourselves rooms in the castle (not included in the ticket) and have an amazing bed and breakfast.
• If you think that children will get bored being dragged around the castle but you don’t have to worry because that castle often comes up with fun games for children like finding hidden figures like a treasure hunt.
• The guides are very knowledgeable and will be happy to answer your questions. You can explore on your own or can join a group.
• You can rent this amazing-looking castle for your dream wedding, feeling like a prince or a princess or maybe a queen and a king. Many weddings are held on the estate so the Eisenhower suite will be a beautiful place for a bride and a groom to honeymoon. Culzean Castle has the capacity of hosting a wedding for up to 60 guests and up to 80 guests for an evening event.
• There are many restaurants near the castle, so you can dine comfortably after visiting the castle.
Getting there
• If you are traveling by road, Culzean castle is situated on the A1719, approximately 12 miles south of Ayr, 4miles west of Maybole. It is signposted from the main road.
• By rail, Maybole railway station is approximately 4 miles from the castle.
• Culzean castle is approximately 50 miles south of Glasgow and Glasgow International Airport, 17 miles from Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and 100 miles from Edinburgh. There are railway stations at Ayr and Maybole.