Culzean (pronounced Cull - ane) Castle and estate was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945 by the Kennedy family. The estate comprises over 290 acres of woodland, gardens, ponds and streams situated on the coast of the Firth of Clyde and warmed by the Gulf Stream.
Culzean Castle
Culzean Castle, designed by Robert Adam and acclaimed as his masterpiece, was built in the late eighteenth century for the tenth Earl of Cassilis on the site of an older Tower House. The lands of Culzean have been associated with the Kennedy family for over 500 years, Sir Thomas Kennedy being gifted the land by his brother, the 4th Earl of Cassilis in 1569.
The castle is noted for the stunning Oval Staircase which stretches up to the second floor, giving light and a dramatic focal point to the interior. The Round Drawing Room looks out over the Firth of Clyde with dramatic views of the coastline and of the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig, a volcanic plug which is now a bird sanctuary,
The Eisenhower Apartments on the top floor were gifted to the then General Dwight D. Eisenhower in recognition of his assistance to the Allied forces during the Second World War. These apartments are available to rent and to savour the experience of living in the grand style of a country house.
Culzean Castle Country Park
The Park is open year round to visitors and there is nothing more pleasant than to wander its paths and avenues on a fine spring day when masses of daffodils and crocuses line the route. Later in spring, carpets of bluebells fill the woodlands and azaleas and rhodedendrons are in full bloom. Summer sees the magnificent castle gardens bright with many kinds of shrubs and flowers while autumn brings sharp colours to leaves and stems. In winter, a light dusting of snow is all this sheltered corner will receive and the stark, bare branches allow for a different panorama across the bay.
Walks in Culzean Country Park
Maps of the pathways are available to visitors and many a happy hour can be spent in Happy Valley among the huge specimen trees or meandering around the Swan Pond watching the birdlife which makes its home there. Walk past the Deer Park and observe the ever expanding family of hinds and stags and their offspring. Stride out along the Cliff Walk and feel the bracing westerly winds while enjoying the views across the water to Ireland on a clear day.
When in need of refreshment, there are coffee shops and tearooms throughout the estate as well as boutique shops selling Scottish produce, plants, souvenirs and even second-hand books.
Culzean Castle and Country Park is amongst the foremost of Scottish attractions and well worth a visit. To find out more about what Culzean has to offer, click on the link to their website.
 |
 |
 |
