Photo source: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Culzean Castle is a Category A listed castle in South Ayrshire, cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Culzean Castle
Robert Adam rebuilt Culzean Castle for the Earls of Cassillis starting in 1777, replacing an older tower house on the same clifftop site above the Firth of Clyde.
The castle stands near Maybole in South Ayrshire within a 240-acre country park of walled gardens, woodland and estate buildings.
An apartment on the top floor was given to General Dwight D Eisenhower in recognition of his role in the Second World War, and he used it during later visits as US President.
The National Trust for Scotland has owned and run the castle and its grounds since 1945.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Culzean Castle
The Kennedy family, chiefs of Clan Kennedy and later Marquesses of Ailsa, held land at Culzean for generations before Robert Adam's redesign gave the castle its present form. The 5th Marquess of Ailsa transferred the castle and estate to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945, the same year the Eisenhower apartment was created as a mark of gratitude. Culzean appeared on the reverse of Royal Bank of Scotland five-pound notes for several decades.
Architecture of Culzean Castle
Robert Adam's work from 1777 gave Culzean its Gothic-revival character, most notably the oval staircase and the circular saloon that looks out over the cliffs to the sea.
Worth knowing
General Dwight D Eisenhower was given lifetime use of an apartment in the castle as thanks for his wartime service and stayed there both before and during his presidency. The castle's image featured on Royal Bank of Scotland five-pound notes for several decades.
Gardens & grounds at Culzean Castle
The grounds include a walled garden and wider country park with woodland walks, estate buildings and a playground, open year-round even when the castle itself is closed.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Culzean Castle
Nearest station: Maybole Rail Station (4.1 miles)
Country park and grounds open year-round; castle open seasonally (typically April to October; check official website for current dates).
Places to visit near Culzean Castle
Crossraguel Abbey
View Crossraguel Abbey on heritage mapMaybole Collegiate Church
View Maybole Collegiate Church on heritage mapBachelors' Club, Tarbolton
View Bachelors' Club, Tarbolton on heritage mapCarn Ban
View Carn Ban on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Culzean Castle there are 2 historic properties, including 1 church and 1 abbey.
Within 10 miles of Culzean Castle there are 3 historic properties, including 1 church, 1 castle and 1 abbey.
Within 20 miles of Culzean Castle there are 8 historic properties, including 3 castles and 2 archaeological sites, across Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Stay nearby
Make more of your visit with an overnight stay near Culzean Castle.
Find places to stay nearby Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.Facts
A Robert Adam clifftop castle where Eisenhower kept an apartment as a gift from the nation.
- Type
- castle
- Location
- South Ayrshire, Scotland
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