Holiday cottages near Culzean Castle to rent

Holiday Cottages near Culzean Castle

Perched on the Ayrshire cliffs and towering over the Firth of Clyde, this impressive country home is now managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Designed by Robert Adam in the 1770s in one of Scotland’s most scenic spots, highlights include the dramatic oval staircase and a well-stocked armoury. This estate is made up of 40 buildings housing an unrivalled collection of paintings, furniture and other fascinating historic artefacts.

There’s plenty to discover in the surrounding castle grounds too, with 600 acres of country park woodland and formal gardens, a deer park and a swan pond. Children can run wild in the adventure playground and Wild Woodland areas. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, relax in the highly recommended cafe, browse the gift shop or even enjoy your own picnic on the lawn.

Culzean Castle is definitely a must-see attraction for anyone planning to book holiday accommodation in Ayrshire. Maybole is within easy reach and the town hosts a decent range of local pubs, restaurants, cafes and holiday homes. Its quirky architecture reveals its once-grand past, while its historic 19th century Town Hall is currently being refurbished after a major investment.

Getting to Culzean Castle

You can find Culzean Castle at the following address: Maybole, Carrick, South Ayrshire KA19 8LE

Travelling by car to Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle is off the A719, 12 miles south of Ayr and 4 miles west of Maybole. There’s plenty of parking available on site.

Travelling by train to Culzean Castle

Maybole is the nearest train station and is a two-minute walk to Culzean Castle. The town is situated 9 miles south of Ayr and 50 miles southwest of Glasgow.

Find train times and prices at Scotrail.

Travelling by bus to Culzean Castle

Buses are another good transport option and the area is well connected by a regular service which also links to Glasgow and Kilmarnock.

Towns to stay near Culzean Castle

Ayr

This traditional seaside resort is bursting with sandy beaches, golf courses and a racecourse. Ayr is also blessed with shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as ample family attractions. The area was additionally once home to Scotland's most famous poet: Robert Burns.

Girvan

The harbour town of Girvan boasts beautiful coastal scenery against a backdrop of the rolling green hills of Carrick Fores. Visitors can discover 20 castles in the local area, plus the town features lots of eateries and shops.

Cumbrae

Millport is the main town on the Isle of Cumbrae on the Ayrshire coast. It’s a lovely seaside town with a Victorian promenade curving around its hilly bay.

Skelmorlie

Skelmorlie Castle and its tower house were built by the Clan Montgomery in the 15th century. Nowadays, the charming town boasts lots of lovely independent shops and places to eat. There’s a history trail in the village for visitors to follow, too.

Stranraer

Known locally as ‘The Toon', the historic port of Stranraer lies in the county of Wigtownshire on the shores of the picturesque Loch Ryan. The centre features St John's Castle with its 15th-century tower, streets lined with artwork and the Stranraer Museum.

Things to do near Culzean Castle

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Situated in Alloway, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is near the site of the humble thatched-roof dwelling where Scotland’s national poet was born in 1759. This modern visitor centre has an unrivalled collection of manuscripts and personal items from Robert Burns.

Galloway Forest Park

A thirty-minute drive away is Britain’s largest forest park. It was the first area in the UK to be designated as a Dark Sky park. During daylight hours, Galloway Forest Park is a wonderful place for walking, cycling and mountain biking.

Heads of Ayr Farm Park

This former family-run sheep farm is now an award-winning attraction featuring 80 different species of animals. The Heads of Ayr Farm Park also includes a soft play area, quad bikes, train rides and regular themed event days. There are cafes, a gift shop and lots of different attractions and activities on offer.

Ayr Beach

One of the finest beaches in Scotland, the award-winning Ayr Beach is family friendly and ideal for enjoying picnics, flying kites and building sandcastles. There’s more traditional seaside fun to be had on the seafront, too. Think an entertainment centre, crazy golf, a cafe and more.

AD Rattray Whisky Shop

Whisky lovers won’t want to miss this specialist shop situated in a former village school. Knowledgeable staff guide visitors to their perfect bottle and there’s a private tasting room where you can pre-book a tasting experience. As well award-winning whiskys, AD Rattray Whisky Shop also stocks a selection of wines, spirits, Scottish delicacies and gifts.