On the 3rd of August 2020, my helper and I went down to Culzean Castle and Country Park as it was a nice sunny day, great weather for a drive along the coastal road overlooking out to the Ailsa Craig and Isle of Arran. Although the weather became overcast throughout the afternoon.
Culzean Castle and Country Park is one of my favourite locations to visit because it is stunning and there is lots to explore. This is where I used to volunteer as a Room Steward and also my brother got married to his wife in the picturesque surroundings.
Culzean Castle and Country Park is situated on the Ayrshire cliffs overlooking the Firth of Clyde with the park which is planted with conifers and beech trees, sandy coastlines and caves underneath the castle, and finished off with a Swan Pond, an ice house, walled gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses. Definitely, a must go to tourist attraction if you are planning a trip to the West Coast of Scotland, only a 1 hour 10 minutes drive from Glasgow. You will not be disappointed!
The 260 hectare estate which was once belonged to David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis, a gentleman who wanted to show off his wealth and fortune. The 10th Earl of Cassillis wanted the castle to be a luxury country home estate and commissioned Robert Adam to redesign the property in 1770s. Robert Adam was very creative with his architecture building around the Scottish tower house and structuring the main centre piece of the house, the Oval Staircase.
Visitors can enjoy going back in time experiencing the history of Culzean Castle and the Kennedy family in a 45 minutes guided tour around the castle. There is also a family tours where kids and adults can find the hidden Lego characters and learn about them. You don’t have to take the guided tour, there is an audio guide available or walk around at your own leisure using information cards which are available in various languages.
Entry Fees
Due to the COVID – 19 the castle is temporarily closed therefore, I am unable to provide you with museum prices.
Country park prices
ADULT £11.85
CONCESSION £8.50
FAMILY £27.05
ONE ADULT FAMILY £20.10
Please be aware prices may change.
Visitors can enter Culzean Castle and Country Park for free using a valid National Trust for Scotland membership card. The membership card can be bought on the official National Trust for Scotland website.
Accessible Information and Facilities
The Castle – There is wheelchair access to the castle and portable chairs for those with other mobility requirements at the front desk. Parts of the castle have low lighting and some of the rooms are a slightly narrow to move around in. The ground in the armoury and the in Victorian kitchen are a wee bit uneven, nothing to worry about. There is a lift in the castle for wheelchair users and people who may have other mobility restrictions. Culzean Castle is the most wheelchair accessible castle I have been to so far in Scotland.
Old Stables Coffee House – There is a smooth windy path down to the cafe however, there is gravel before the entrance which is pretty rough and uneven. It is small inside hard to move around when it is busy, especially if you an electric wheelchair user.
Home Farm cafe – The cafe is spacious with plenty of room for electric wheelchair users and for those with different mobility requirements.
Accessible Toilets – There are disabled toilets at the castle, Home Farm and at the Swan Pond. I have used the toilets at the castle and Home Farm. However, as an electric wheelchair user I did find them a bit narrow to move around in especially having someone assist me. Unfortunately, the disabled toilet facilities do not have large changing tables for those with different mobility requirements.
Walking Trails – Culzean Castle and Country Park has a wide range of walking trails which are great for exploring the estate and experiencing what Culzean has to offer. Some of the trails are not as easily accessible for all mobilities. This due to uneven ground with gravel paths, mud paths, cobbles paths and some tree roots causing obstruction, however there are smooth parts at certain areas. As an electric wheelchair user, I managed to over come these obstacles by going at a slower pace and was very cautious taking care at the tricky parts on the walks. Unfortunately, there is no access down to the beach for wheelchair users.
Walled Gardens – The Walled Gardens are beautiful to walk through with lovely flowers, fruit and vegetables, plants and fascinating trees which are protected by a Victorian wall. Some of the paths are slightly rough and some tree roots, electric wheelchairs would get over them no problem, manual wheelchair user may require some assistance over these obstacles.
Accessible Parking – There is accessible parking near Home Farm and Walled Gardens. Disabled passengers can get dropped up at the Castle.
Shops – Culzean Castle and Country Park has a great wide range of shops selling hand made souvenirs and food and drink they also have an art gallery and second hand book shop, I can spend hours looking through different books.
richietravel.com 