Culzean Castle & Country Park Maybole

The former home of the Marquises of Ailsa, Culzean Castle, located near Maybole on the Ayrshire cost of Scotland, is now in the care of The National Trust for Scotland. The Castle, dramatically perched on a Clifftop with breathtaking views over the Firth of Clyde and the Island of Arran, is open to the public and you may recognise it as the one that features on the back of the £5 note issued by Royal Bank of Scotland.

Compared to other Scottish Castles, Culzean is relatively new. In the latter part of the 18^th Century, David Kennedy, 10^th Earl of Cassillis, commissioned the immensely fashionable architect Robert Adam to redesign and rebuild the existing castle. Over the course of 15 years, the original 4 storey tower was transformed into an elegant yet dramatic home, worthy of the Earl's status in society.

In 1945, the Kennedy Family entrusted the Castle, the policies, the gardens and the Home Farm to the care of The National Trust for Scotland. However, at this time it was stipulated that the tenancy of the upper floor of the Castle be gifted to General Eisenhower for his use during his lifetime as a gesture of thanks for his efforts commanding Scottish batallions during World War II. When you visit the Castle you can view the exhibition dedicated to the General. The Eisenhower Apartment is now a unique venue for corporate and private hospitality and is also one of the Trust's flagship holiday properties, run as a 6 bedroom Country House Hotel.

Knowledgeable Guides will be pleased to tell you about the many fine features within the Castle, including the impressive Armoury (with it's display of one of the most important collections of flintlock pistols in existence - it is the largest collection of these arms apart from those belonging to Her Majesty the Queen, on display at Windsor Castle), the magnificent Oval Staircase (Robert Adam at his innovative best), the elegant Round Drawing Room and grand Blue Drawing Room.

The Castle grounds will enchant you as you explore the Victorian Walled Garden, with its recently renovated winery. With miles of woodland walks, the cliff top path, beaches, the Fountain Court garden, Camellia House, Adam's ruined arch and Roman Viaduct, the Swan Pond and Gas House to name but a few of the attractions, Culzean is certainly a place where you can lose track of time - there's so much to see.

Although the Country Park is open all year round, the Castle is only open from 1^st April to 31^st October each year, apart from special events held at Christmas. Guided tours of the Castle are available at 3.00pm during April, July, August, September and October. There are several car parks within the Country Park, offering ample spaces for both cars and coaches.

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