What's on in the area

Culzean Castle

Daily

Cost: Castle & park £12; concessions £8
Park only £8; concessions £5
Family tickets available

Hours: Castle: Apr-0ct: 10.30am-5pm (last entry 4pm) & for special events
Country Park 9.30am-sunset

Built by one of Scotland's oldest families - the Kennedy family, descendants of Robert the Bruce - Culzean Castle became the family seat from 1759. Nowadays, it is looked after by the National Trust for Scotland.

Robert Adam was commissioned in the 1770s by the tenth Earl to fashion a house fit for his political status and - later - the 12th Earl bought pistols and swords from the Tower of London to create what is now an armoury second only to the Queen's at Windsor Castle.

The castle itself can be viewed during the summer months (April to October), while the grounds - including deer park, swan pond, adventure playground, beaches and coastal walks - are mostly accessible all year round. There are even some caves beneath the castle's high perch that can be explored.

Culzean Castle & Country Park