Culzean Castle

 
Culzean Castle is one of Scotland's most popular castles. It is managed by the National Trust for Scotland and lies in a picturesque spot on the cliff tops about 12mi/19.2km south of Ayr.

A fortress had stood on this spot since the 14th C, but in the 18th C it was transformed into a "picture-book" castle. The ninth Earl of Cassillis Sir Thomas Kennedy had a new wing added on the seaward side and in 1777 his brother David the 10th Earl of Cassillis commissioned Robert Adam the celebrated Classical architect to rebuild it in Italian style.

Must-see attractions nearby:
Two wings were soon added complete with small corner towers, parapet and ornate window sills. In 1785 the "Sir Thomas" wing with a huge drum tower was built to overlook the cliff. Adam's strength lay in his ability to combine the elegance of Georgian symmetry with attractive Romantic features.

Enter the castle through the Front Hall (1870) and pass the Armory with its extensive collection of pistols before reaching the old Dining Hall where the ceiling is decorated with paintings by Antonio Zucchi.
Address: Culzean Castle and Country Park, Maybole KA19 8LE, Scotland
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 10:30am-5pm
Tips: Last admission 4 p.m. Combined ticket for castle and country park listed. Country Park and Walled Garden open all year, daily 9.00-dusk.
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides: Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities: Gift shop, Restaurant or food service
Transit: Ayr-Girvan
Typical Visit: 3 hours

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The imposing Culzean Castle.The imposing Culzean Castle.
Exterior of the Culzean Castle.Exterior of the Culzean Castle.
Canons at Culzean Castle.Canons at Culzean Castle.
Exterior of the Culzean Castle and canon.Exterior of the Culzean Castle and canon.
The Culzean Castle and Country Park.The Culzean Castle and Country Park.
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