Paul's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Robert Adam’s cliff-top masterpiece rises above a world of woods, beaches, secret follies and play parks
Discover 40 buildings and secret follies in this country park, including the magnificent cliff-top castle.
Don’t miss Robert Adam’s Oval Staircase – the dramatic centrepiece of the castle.
Explore the woods, beaches, parkland, Swan Pond, deer park and cliffs.
Admire the enormous collection of flintlock pistols and military swords.
Run wild in the Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland play areas.
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.
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Culzean Castle
Robert Adam’s cliff-top masterpiece rises above a world of woods, beaches, secret follies and play parks
Discover 40 buildings and secret follies in this country park, including the magnificent cliff-top castle.
Don’t miss Robert Adam’s Oval Staircase – the dramatic centrepiece of the castle.
Explore the woods, beaches, parkland, Swan Pond, deer park and cliffs.
Admire the enormous collection of flintlock pistols and military swords.
Run wild in the Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland play areas.
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.
Dumfries House, Part Of The Prince's Foundation. Set in 2,000 acres, this stunning Estate and 18th-century house with its unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture has something for everyone.
Visitors can explore this stunning 2,000 acre estate 365 days a year, with free entry and parking.
lots to see and a good café for food and drink.
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Dumfries House: en del af Prinsens Fond
Dumfries House, Part Of The Prince's Foundation. Set in 2,000 acres, this stunning Estate and 18th-century house with its unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture has something for everyone.
Visitors can explore this stunning 2,000 acre estate 365 days a year, with free entry and parking.
lots to see and a good café for food and drink.
Birthplace of a genius – a celebration of the enduring legacy of Scotland’s national poet
Visit the humble cottage where Robert Burns was born and spent the first years of his life.
Explore the museum which houses more than 5,000 Burns artefacts including his handwritten manuscripts.
Follow in Tam o’ Shanter’s footsteps to atmospheric Alloway Auld Kirk and over the Brig o’ Doon.
Visit the Monument where Burns tourism began back in 1823.
Celebrate the legacy of Burns with haggis, neeps and tatties in the museum café.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers a truly unique encounter with Scotland’s favourite son. Robert Burns is Scotland’s National Bard, and his poetry and songs are known and loved the world over. But who was he and what made him tick? The best place to get close to Burns and his genius is his birthplace in the beautiful village of Alloway. Our flagship museum starts a journey that weaves through the village, taking you from historical buildings to landmarks known to Burns.
Whether you’re a die-hard Burnsian or brand new to the bard, a day immersing yourself here will open your eyes and ears to an enduring hero of Scotland’s literary heritage.
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Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
AllowayBirthplace of a genius – a celebration of the enduring legacy of Scotland’s national poet
Visit the humble cottage where Robert Burns was born and spent the first years of his life.
Explore the museum which houses more than 5,000 Burns artefacts including his handwritten manuscripts.
Follow in Tam o’ Shanter’s footsteps to atmospheric Alloway Auld Kirk and over the Brig o’ Doon.
Visit the Monument where Burns tourism began back in 1823.
Celebrate the legacy of Burns with haggis, neeps and tatties in the museum café.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers a truly unique encounter with Scotland’s favourite son. Robert Burns is Scotland’s National Bard, and his poetry and songs are known and loved the world over. But who was he and what made him tick? The best place to get close to Burns and his genius is his birthplace in the beautiful village of Alloway. Our flagship museum starts a journey that weaves through the village, taking you from historical buildings to landmarks known to Burns.
Whether you’re a die-hard Burnsian or brand new to the bard, a day immersing yourself here will open your eyes and ears to an enduring hero of Scotland’s literary heritage.
The Doon Valley Railway is operated by the Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group, which was formed in 1974 to keep steam alive in Ayrshire.
It's just a 2 minute walk from your lodge!
The Doon valley Railway is open to the public between Spring and Autumn.
They have regular passenger trains hauled by steam loco, NCB No.10 and heritage diesel locos.
Scottish Industrial Railway Centre
Dalmellington RoadThe Doon Valley Railway is operated by the Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group, which was formed in 1974 to keep steam alive in Ayrshire.
It's just a 2 minute walk from your lodge!
The Doon valley Railway is open to the public between Spring and Autumn.
They have regular passenger trains hauled by steam loco, NCB No.10 and heritage diesel locos.
The Scottish Maritime Museum is based in the west of Scotland, with sites in Irvine and Dumbarton. At these two sites, the Museum holds an important nationally recognised collection, encompassing a variety of historic ships, artefacts, shipbuilding machinery, machine tools, and fascinating personal items. Many of these exhibits can be found inside the Linthouse Building in Irvine, a unique Grade A listed, 19th-century historic building known as the Linthouse Engine Shop 'Cathedral of Engineering and at the Denny Tank in Dumbarton, the world's first commercial ship model experiment tank.
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Scottish Maritime Museum
Harbour RoadThe Scottish Maritime Museum is based in the west of Scotland, with sites in Irvine and Dumbarton. At these two sites, the Museum holds an important nationally recognised collection, encompassing a variety of historic ships, artefacts, shipbuilding machinery, machine tools, and fascinating personal items. Many of these exhibits can be found inside the Linthouse Building in Irvine, a unique Grade A listed, 19th-century historic building known as the Linthouse Engine Shop 'Cathedral of Engineering and at the Denny Tank in Dumbarton, the world's first commercial ship model experiment tank.
Rozelle House Galleries is set in 37 hectares of woodland, which originally belonged to the Hamilton family who also owned three estates in the West Indies. Rozelle was named after one of the Hamilton family estates in Jamaica.
There are also a number of art workshops and classes held at Rozelle House which are open to people of all abilities. Bookings for workshops must be done through reception at Rozelle House before attending.
Rozelle House is home to the Ayrshire Yeomanry museum, Rozelle Craft House and Rozelle Coffee Shop. All three are open to the public during normal opening hours.
The Rozelle Estate plays host to various events throughout the year including the Ayr Flower Show the premier event of its kind in Scotland. Rozelle House Galleries are operated by South Ayrshire Council.
Rozelle House Museum and Galleries
Monument RoadRozelle House Galleries is set in 37 hectares of woodland, which originally belonged to the Hamilton family who also owned three estates in the West Indies. Rozelle was named after one of the Hamilton family estates in Jamaica.
There are also a number of art workshops and classes held at Rozelle House which are open to people of all abilities. Bookings for workshops must be done through reception at Rozelle House before attending.
Rozelle House is home to the Ayrshire Yeomanry museum, Rozelle Craft House and Rozelle Coffee Shop. All three are open to the public during normal opening hours.
The Rozelle Estate plays host to various events throughout the year including the Ayr Flower Show the premier event of its kind in Scotland. Rozelle House Galleries are operated by South Ayrshire Council.
This beautiful fairy walk was first discovered back in 2015 when the local people of Troon were desperate to meet some fairies - and who can blame them! So the fairies who were known to fly over Troon decided to land in the woods and make it their forever home. Awww!
Throughout this local woodland area in Troon, the whole forest has been decorated with fairy doors and homes - there's even elves! The trail which allows people and children to walk along and find out all about the local fairies is extremely popular.
There's even a special area which has been created for the fairies to remember other fairies that died long ago and is the ideal place to take little ones to if they have lost a friend or relative.
This is the perfect day out to help inspire your imagination, no matter what your age!
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Fullarton Fairy Trail
This beautiful fairy walk was first discovered back in 2015 when the local people of Troon were desperate to meet some fairies - and who can blame them! So the fairies who were known to fly over Troon decided to land in the woods and make it their forever home. Awww!
Throughout this local woodland area in Troon, the whole forest has been decorated with fairy doors and homes - there's even elves! The trail which allows people and children to walk along and find out all about the local fairies is extremely popular.
There's even a special area which has been created for the fairies to remember other fairies that died long ago and is the ideal place to take little ones to if they have lost a friend or relative.
This is the perfect day out to help inspire your imagination, no matter what your age!
Less than 20 years after Burns’s death, a committee made up of some of his most ardent supporters began to make plans to memorialise the great poet.
The result is this 21m (70ft) high Grecian-style temple, designed by Sir Thomas Hamilton Junior and complete with nine pillars representing muses from Greek mythology.
The monument was funded by subscriptions and opened in 1823. There’s no admission fee for the monument and gardens, but we still raise funds today to help conserve this mighty memorial for everyone to enjoy.
Just along from the monument in the gardens is a small statue house, displaying sandstone likenesses of Souter Johnnie and Nance Tinnock, crafted by self-taught sculptor James Thom.
You can climb up the monument staircase to take in the spectacular views of Alloway and the surrounding landscape, and then enjoy a stroll around the landscaped gardens. Here the rose is a main feature, in homage to Burns’s famous poem
Burns Memorial Gardens
Less than 20 years after Burns’s death, a committee made up of some of his most ardent supporters began to make plans to memorialise the great poet.
The result is this 21m (70ft) high Grecian-style temple, designed by Sir Thomas Hamilton Junior and complete with nine pillars representing muses from Greek mythology.
The monument was funded by subscriptions and opened in 1823. There’s no admission fee for the monument and gardens, but we still raise funds today to help conserve this mighty memorial for everyone to enjoy.
Just along from the monument in the gardens is a small statue house, displaying sandstone likenesses of Souter Johnnie and Nance Tinnock, crafted by self-taught sculptor James Thom.
You can climb up the monument staircase to take in the spectacular views of Alloway and the surrounding landscape, and then enjoy a stroll around the landscaped gardens. Here the rose is a main feature, in homage to Burns’s famous poem
Open daily – 10am to 6pm – last entry to the car parks is 5pm!
Entry to the grounds is FREE but there is a vehicle parking charge.
It is £5 per car payable cash or card on arrival.
There is no written record of when Kelburn Castle was first built, but it is thought to be have been around 1143, with the first structure being a wood tower.
This wooden tower was replaced in the 1200s with a stone Norman Keep, sections of which are still in use today. The Castle enveloped the stone tower in 1581 so the two periods are now difficult to distinguish from the outside.
In 1700, the 1st Earl doubled the size of the building by adding a William-and-Mary style mansion house onto the Castle at a slight angle, built to the Earl’s instructions by the well-known mason, Thomson Caldwell.
The Victorian Wing was built in 1879-80, possibly by Alexander Crum, M.P. for Renfrew, who rented Kelburn from 1875 to 1886 from the 6th Earl of Glasgow, who spent most of his time in one of his other Scottish homes.
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Kelburn Castle & Estate
Open daily – 10am to 6pm – last entry to the car parks is 5pm!
Entry to the grounds is FREE but there is a vehicle parking charge.
It is £5 per car payable cash or card on arrival.
There is no written record of when Kelburn Castle was first built, but it is thought to be have been around 1143, with the first structure being a wood tower.
This wooden tower was replaced in the 1200s with a stone Norman Keep, sections of which are still in use today. The Castle enveloped the stone tower in 1581 so the two periods are now difficult to distinguish from the outside.
In 1700, the 1st Earl doubled the size of the building by adding a William-and-Mary style mansion house onto the Castle at a slight angle, built to the Earl’s instructions by the well-known mason, Thomson Caldwell.
The Victorian Wing was built in 1879-80, possibly by Alexander Crum, M.P. for Renfrew, who rented Kelburn from 1875 to 1886 from the 6th Earl of Glasgow, who spent most of his time in one of his other Scottish homes.
Heated outdoor swimming pool, 25 metre.
The Tamar Manoukian New Cumnock Pool. Having been fully refurbished by the Dumfries House Trust in June 2017, this outdoor swimming pool, opposite the New Cumnock Town Hall, is for the community to enjoy.
New Cumnock Outdoor Swimming Pool
22 CastleHeated outdoor swimming pool, 25 metre.
The Tamar Manoukian New Cumnock Pool. Having been fully refurbished by the Dumfries House Trust in June 2017, this outdoor swimming pool, opposite the New Cumnock Town Hall, is for the community to enjoy.
Nestling in a hidden valley by the River Garnock in the village of Dalgarven, the restored mill buildings house an important collection.
The Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume is a treasure trove, created in a group of outstanding historical industrial buildings in a gorgeous rural location in Ayrshire, south west Scotland.
Beautifully restored buildings offer the visitor a chance to step into the past. Experience the sight and sound of the water wheel and the machinery of a Victorian Grain Mill. The granaries on three floors have exhibitions which tell the story of the rural community over the last century, their work, pastimes, dress and life.
Nine galleries over three floors of the main building house permanent and temporary exhibitions of rural life, clothing and textiles in common use in the villages and agricultural hinterland of Ayrshire over the last century.
The Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume
Nestling in a hidden valley by the River Garnock in the village of Dalgarven, the restored mill buildings house an important collection.
The Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume is a treasure trove, created in a group of outstanding historical industrial buildings in a gorgeous rural location in Ayrshire, south west Scotland.
Beautifully restored buildings offer the visitor a chance to step into the past. Experience the sight and sound of the water wheel and the machinery of a Victorian Grain Mill. The granaries on three floors have exhibitions which tell the story of the rural community over the last century, their work, pastimes, dress and life.
Nine galleries over three floors of the main building house permanent and temporary exhibitions of rural life, clothing and textiles in common use in the villages and agricultural hinterland of Ayrshire over the last century.
Portencross Castle is situated overlooking the Firth of Clyde near West Kilbride in Ayrshire. It is a scheduled ancient monument, a recognition of its national importance.
Portencross has been inhabited for thousands of years. An archaeological dig found evidence of an Iron Age settlement on Auldhill, just behind Portencross Castle. The Iron Age lasted from around 800 BC to 100 BC.
Portencross Castle was constructed in three phases starting around 1360. It was the home of a branch of the Boyds.
Photograph showing Portencross Castle undergoing conservation
Portencross Castle underwent major building conservation works during 2009 and 2010 all thanks to the fund-raising efforts of the local community of Portencross and through generous donations from various organisations and the public.
Read about how it all happened.
The lands around Portencross were given to the Boyds of Kilmarnock by King Robert I as a reward for their help at the Battle of Bannockburn. A number of Royal Charters were signed at the castle and it had close links with King Robert II during that period.
After the 1600s, it was occupied by local fishermen. The roof was destroyed in a gale in January 1739. By the 20th century, the Adams of Auchenames owned the castle. It became a scheduled ancient monument in 1955.
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is situated overlooking the Firth of Clyde near West Kilbride in Ayrshire. It is a scheduled ancient monument, a recognition of its national importance.
Portencross has been inhabited for thousands of years. An archaeological dig found evidence of an Iron Age settlement on Auldhill, just behind Portencross Castle. The Iron Age lasted from around 800 BC to 100 BC.
Portencross Castle was constructed in three phases starting around 1360. It was the home of a branch of the Boyds.
Photograph showing Portencross Castle undergoing conservation
Portencross Castle underwent major building conservation works during 2009 and 2010 all thanks to the fund-raising efforts of the local community of Portencross and through generous donations from various organisations and the public.
Read about how it all happened.
The lands around Portencross were given to the Boyds of Kilmarnock by King Robert I as a reward for their help at the Battle of Bannockburn. A number of Royal Charters were signed at the castle and it had close links with King Robert II during that period.
After the 1600s, it was occupied by local fishermen. The roof was destroyed in a gale in January 1739. By the 20th century, the Adams of Auchenames owned the castle. It became a scheduled ancient monument in 1955.
Food scene
Food? We love food. Some of our favourites.
Situated in the heart of Ayrshire, close to the village of Ochiltree, we have easy access from both the A70 and A76 main roads with seating for 80 people, ample customer car parking and easy disabled access.
A cosy Coffee House, exclusive Gift Shop and rustic Function Suite, lie in the heart of the 500 acre estate – where customers can explore the romantic and atmospheric ruins of the original 13th century medieval Auchinleck Castle and the 17th century Old House or Place of Auchinleck.
The stunning Ayrshire countryside, dramatic wooded gorges, caves and cliffs can all be enjoyed by customers on one of their Woodland Walkways.
Boswell's Coach House
Barony RoadSituated in the heart of Ayrshire, close to the village of Ochiltree, we have easy access from both the A70 and A76 main roads with seating for 80 people, ample customer car parking and easy disabled access.
A cosy Coffee House, exclusive Gift Shop and rustic Function Suite, lie in the heart of the 500 acre estate – where customers can explore the romantic and atmospheric ruins of the original 13th century medieval Auchinleck Castle and the 17th century Old House or Place of Auchinleck.
The stunning Ayrshire countryside, dramatic wooded gorges, caves and cliffs can all be enjoyed by customers on one of their Woodland Walkways.
The Coo Shed was opened in April 2017 as an 'add-on' to the already successful and well established plant nursery Corton Plants.
Set in the rural Ayrshire countryside on South Corton Farm, The Coo Shed has proven to be a very popular destination for many.
With its warm and inviting interior it is the ideal place for people to come and meet up with friends and family and enjoy our delicious home-made food and mouth-watering cakes.
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The Coo Shed
The Coo Shed was opened in April 2017 as an 'add-on' to the already successful and well established plant nursery Corton Plants.
Set in the rural Ayrshire countryside on South Corton Farm, The Coo Shed has proven to be a very popular destination for many.
With its warm and inviting interior it is the ideal place for people to come and meet up with friends and family and enjoy our delicious home-made food and mouth-watering cakes.
GRO Coffee
142 Harbour StNewly opened. Great coffee and cakes!
https://www.chestnutshotel.com/
Just a nice place to eat if you are in Ayr.
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Chestnuts Restaurant & Hotel
52 Racecourse Rdhttps://www.chestnutshotel.com/
Just a nice place to eat if you are in Ayr.
Treehouse
67-69 SandgateNice place to eat.
https://www.thetreehouse-ayr.co.uk/
Stage Door Cafe
12 Carrick Sthttps://www.facebook.com/stagedoorayr/
Good food. Go when you are hungry...
If you fancy getting dressed up and going for a special meal we would recommend the Brig o' Doon House Hotel. Lovely food served in a stunning location of Alloway.
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Brig o' Doon House Hotel
High Maybole RoadIf you fancy getting dressed up and going for a special meal we would recommend the Brig o' Doon House Hotel. Lovely food served in a stunning location of Alloway.
City/town information
If you don't know the area then here's a few places to go and visit.
Ayr is the closest town to us. It talks about 20 minutes to get there from Dunaskin.
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Ayr
Ayr is the closest town to us. It talks about 20 minutes to get there from Dunaskin.
Prestwick beach can le less crowded that the one in Ayr. Some interesting small shops and places to eat.
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Prestwick
Prestwick beach can le less crowded that the one in Ayr. Some interesting small shops and places to eat.
Troon
Alloway is a beautiful village 15 minutes drive from your lodge. It's the place to go and get your Robert Burns fix and soak in the Ayrshire countryside. The old Kirk and Bridge is a must visit.
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Alloway
Alloway is a beautiful village 15 minutes drive from your lodge. It's the place to go and get your Robert Burns fix and soak in the Ayrshire countryside. The old Kirk and Bridge is a must visit.
Golf
If you love golf then you don't need us to tell you that Ayrshire is the place to be!
Royal Troon Golf Club
Craigend Road
Trump Turnberry Ailsa Golf Course
Troon Darley Golf Course
Harling DriveDundonald Links
Ayr RdPrestwick St. Nicholas Golf Club
31 Grangemuir RdWalking
You can just walk out of your lodge and walk straight in to the countryside. Discover the abandoned iron works. Hit the hills and see the remains of Dunaskin's industrial heritage.
Loch Doon is a 10 minute drive from the Lodge. Head towards Dalmellington until you reach the signs for Loch Doon. Have a coffee at the Roundabout Café, walk Glen Ness, discover the Castle ruins or just hit the hills for a long walk.
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Loch Doon
Loch Doon is a 10 minute drive from the Lodge. Head towards Dalmellington until you reach the signs for Loch Doon. Have a coffee at the Roundabout Café, walk Glen Ness, discover the Castle ruins or just hit the hills for a long walk.
Drive or walk along the old railway line to Dalmellington then head onto the hills to the lost village of Benwhat (or Benquhat). Walk a bit further and see the war memorial. With a bit of hunting there you will find some interesting remains.
Benwhat monument
Drive or walk along the old railway line to Dalmellington then head onto the hills to the lost village of Benwhat (or Benquhat). Walk a bit further and see the war memorial. With a bit of hunting there you will find some interesting remains.
5 minute drive to the outskirts of Dalmellington is Craigengillan Estate. Some beautiful walks to be had.
The extensive network of footpaths at Craigengillan offer wonderful opportunities for walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
As you wind your way through unspoilt countryside, you will discover an amazing variety of natural habitats rich in wildlife and archaeological interest as well as taking you to spectacular places including Dalcairnie Falls and the famous Ness Glen, so do not forget to bring your camera.
There is no entry fee to the estate — They welcome visitors at any time.
Craigengillan Estate
5 minute drive to the outskirts of Dalmellington is Craigengillan Estate. Some beautiful walks to be had.
The extensive network of footpaths at Craigengillan offer wonderful opportunities for walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
As you wind your way through unspoilt countryside, you will discover an amazing variety of natural habitats rich in wildlife and archaeological interest as well as taking you to spectacular places including Dalcairnie Falls and the famous Ness Glen, so do not forget to bring your camera.
There is no entry fee to the estate — They welcome visitors at any time.
Walk out of the lodge through the abandoned ironworks and into the hills to Dunaskin Burn. In places you can see the coal seams in the rock.
Dunaskin Burn
Walk out of the lodge through the abandoned ironworks and into the hills to Dunaskin Burn. In places you can see the coal seams in the rock.