Location: South Ayrshire
Top Things to do in South Ayrshire
10 Castles in South Ayrshire That You Shouldn't Miss
The village of Alloway is home to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and the Robert Burns Heritage Trail. Highlights of the trail include Auld Kirk Alloway, Burns Cottage, Burns Monument Gardens and the 13th century Brig O'Doon. South of Alloway along the attractive A719 coastal road is Culzean Castle and Country Park which offers much of interest all ages. En route is an unusual roadside attraction called Electric Brae, a 'magnetic hill' where a car left out of gear will appear to go uphill due to an optical illusion. A few minutes drive from Culzean Castle is the famous Open Golf championship course at Turnberry where the clubhouse is open to the public.
Restaurants in South Ayrshire
1. Blairquhan Castle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
5 Star Exclusive Use Venue Ideal For Weddings, Private Parties, Corporate Meetings & Events, Golf Parties.
Reviewed By AlanWilliamTait
We had a wonderful family holiday in one of the apartments in the Stables. The estate is a great oasis of peaceful walks, with a wide range of mature trees particularly noteworthy. Blairquhan staff were helpful and welcoming. The apartment was simply furnished but perfectly adequate for us. The area was new to us and we loved it, the beaches on the Ayrshire coast, the wilderness in the Galloway National Park, and the rolling hills all round Blairquhan. And we had a memorable day on the Isle of Arran.
2. Carleton Castle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Culzean Castle and Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,378 reviews
This glorious 260ha estate was once the playground of David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis – a man who was keen to impress with his wealth and status. Opulent to the extreme, the park is planted with conifers and beech, sculpted around miles of sandy coastline dotted with caves, and finished off with a Swan Pond, an ice house, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses. The castle itself is perched on the Ayrshire cliffs, incorporating everything the earl could wish for in his country home. It was designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century and is filled to the turrets with treasures that tell the stories of the people who lived here.
Reviewed By Trip238396
Lovely country walks, fresh air, scenery, an extensive variety of flaura, fauna within a well managed and maintained country park, on the South Ayrshire coast.
4. Dundonald Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Built in 1371, Dundonald Castle is a splendid example of a medieval tower house, with a fine barrel-vaulted ceiling in the lower hall. Sitting on a prominent hilltop in Dundonald village, Dundonald Castle commands fine views over the Firth of Clyde. The castle was built on the site of earlier castles belonging to the High Stewards of Scotland and can be regarded as the cradle of the Stewart Dynasty. Explore the high-vaulted halls and gloomy dungeons of this splendid stronghold, perched on a hill above the village. The main tower was built in the 1370s by King Robert II to mark his succession to the throne. The Castle Visitor Centre includes an exhibition illustrating the history of the site and a display of some of the artefacts found during archaeological excavations on the hill. There is also a souvenir shop and a small coffee shop which also sells cakes, soup and sandwiches. The Castle and Visitor Centre are open all year round.
Reviewed By Fifetrio
As historic Scotland members entry is included with membership even though this castle is run by friends of Dundonald castle. Parking wasn’t great here but parked on the Main Street and walked to the visitor centre where there is a small cafe and exhibition of the castle history. Quite a steep walk up to the castle where we were met by our tour guide Blythe. Due to covid restrictions there was only another couple on the tour which made it lovely and personal. Wasn’t rushed in any way and enjoyed finding out about the history. A good few steps up the spiral staircase takes you to the top and Blythe walked behind us sanitising the railings. My husband is very intrigued about the European cave spiders she told us about and is gutted he couldn’t get down to see if he could see any. There’s a donation box for anyone looking to contribute to the upkeep and we really enjoyed this visit. Keep up the good work and thank you.
5. Dunure Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By doofvfood
We really enjoyed the coastal route between Stranraer & Ayr and stopped by Dunure to have a look at the castle. It was a rare, sunny afternoon and it was so beautiful! We parked on the road rather than pay for the car parking. There is a nice view of the coast & castle and we also had a wander to the little harbour which was really pretty. The paths past the beach through town to the harbour are really well set out & Dunure is such a picturesque village. So glad we found it on the off chance & it was definitely one of our fave sights of our time in Dumfries and Galloway. Must visit!!
6. Culzean Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Reviewed By lauriepops
We recently stayed in Culzean Caste for a dinner bed and breakfast deal bought through itison/groupon. Deal included afternoon tea/coffee and cream scone on arrival, then tour of the castle which was very interesting. We later had a lovely meal and complimentary drink. Stayed overnight in the castle guest rooms. Nice grand country house feel with very comfy beds. Followed by a delicious breakfast then a lovely walk in the grounds the next morning. David the duty manager was a lovely young man who was very good at his job and made us very welcome. Thoroughly enjoyable stay and great value for money. Would recommend.
7. Ardstinchar Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
8. Thomaston Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
9. Greenan Castle
10. Dalquharran Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By darrendaz1979 - Stonehouse, United Kingdom
Went a trip here as from a search it looked stunning. You take a walk along a dirt track for about quarter of a mile through a forest and then all of a sudden this gem in the forest is in front of you. There are two castles the oldest one known as dalquharran old which is dated 1679 and dalquharran new built 1790 approx. The new castle is a stunning building with courtyard and outhouses which are very well preserved. The interior is ruined now due to roof being taken away and some vandals trashing it. The area is so peaceful and you easily can spend a few hours just walking round. The old castle is more of a ruin very nice to walk round and some stunning photo opportunities of the crest, old original fire surround. Highly recommend a walk here before it is not possible.
