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Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle: Our most recommended tours and activities

Culzean Castle, Robert Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast

1. Culzean Castle, Robert Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast

Discover the charming Ayrshire Coast, birthplace of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, on this full-day tour from Glasgow. Venture into the Renfrewshire Hills where the first stop of the day will give you a glimpse into the future at Europe's largest windfarm – big enough to supply clean energy to over 180,000 homes. From here, the road into Ayrshire passes through rich farming country with many small towns and villages. On arrival at Culzean Country Park, you'll have the choice of visiting Culzean Castle and Gardens, or just the gardens and woodland walks. Culzean Castle dates from the late 18th century – a peaceful time in Scottish history, so it is less a defensive castle and more a great country house with fine furniture and beautiful architecture by Robert Adam. Sitting on the edge of cliffs overlooking the Firth of Clyde, the views from the castle are superb and the surrounding gardens are breathtaking. For those who enjoy walking, there are miles of tracks and footpaths through the grounds – taking in the Swan Pond, deer park, and walled gardens, as well as rocky coves and sandy beaches. After lunch, follow the coastline to the tiny fishing village of Dunure with its ancient ruined castle and dark history. Continuing on, the road leads down into the outskirts of the market town of Ayr. This is the countryside of Robert Burns, and you'll see many places mentioned in his poems and songs. The recently redeveloped Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway will tell you about the life of this remarkable man. There are also riverside walks, the Auld Brig, and the haunted ruins of an old church to explore before returning to Glasgow.

Isle of Arran: 3-Day Adventure Tour from Edinburgh

2. Isle of Arran: 3-Day Adventure Tour from Edinburgh

Marvel at the wild and windswept scenery of Scotland’s west coast on a relaxed 3-day sightseeing tour, traveling by small minibus for a more intimate and personalized experience. You will spend the night on the Island of Arran, one of Scotland’s largest and most beautiful off-shore landscapes. Discover Neolithic standing stones, ruined castles, artisan craft shops, and microbreweries. Cross the famous Rest and Be Thankful mountain pass, learn about Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns at his birthplace, and enjoy country walks in Culzean Country Park. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh at 08:30 and travel west to Glasgow, where you can visit Whitelee Wind Farm, Europe’s largest wind farm generating enough energy to power 180,000 homes. Travel into Ayrshire to visit Culzean Castle, associated with the Kennedy family since the 14th century. Enjoy its dramatic cliff top setting, fine furniture, and beautiful architecture by the famous architect Robert Adam. Enjoy the walks in Culzean Country Park (entrance fee), with nearly 600 acres of stunning countryside and paths through majestic woodlands and secluded ponds. There is a café for lunch, or you may wish to have a picnic in the castle grounds. After lunch, head into the heart of Burns Country and learn about Scotland’s national poet. Continue to his birthplace in Alloway and discover many of the places mentioned in his poems and songs. Stop at the redeveloped visitor center to find out more about this remarkable man. Continue to Ardrossan to catch the ferry to the Isle of Arran. Arrive in Brodick, the largest village on the island, with stunning views of the imposing Goatfell, Arran’s highest peak. You will be dropped off at your accommodation in Brodick for the night. Day 2: Known as “Scotland in Miniature,” Arran is alive with wildlife, rugged countryside, beaches, pubs, restaurants, and cottage industries. There are many options for your day, depending on the weather and the groups interest. Your driver will arrange the best day for you. Explore the mountainous north, including Goatfell, believed to mean “Mountain of Wind.” Go to the village of Corrie and neighbouring Sannox to find some of the nicest beaches on the island. Discover the ruins of Lochranza Castle, and visit Arran Distillery, one of the last remaining independent distilleries in Scotland. See some of the stone circles and standing stones of the Neolithic and early Bronze Age. Travel south through the harbor villages of Blackwaterfoot, Sliddery, and Kildonan, stopping at the Arran Cheese Shop to taste local cheeses, or the family-owned Arran Aromatics to purchase bath products made only from natural ingredients. Marvel at Brodick Castle, and sample the beers of Arran Brewery, a microbrewery located in the shadow of the imposing red sandstone castle. Day 3: Today, return to the mainland via the small ferry that runs between Lochranza and Claonaig. The 30-minute crossing takes you to the lush green landscape of the Kintyre Penninsula, where you will travel the coastal road to the charming fishing village of Tarbert on the narrowest strip of land between the 2 bodies of water. In the past, ships would dock in one loch before their loads were carried across the peninsula to the other loch, where they were reloaded and shipped onwards, thus avoiding the dangerous Mull of Kintyre. Follow Loch Fyne to the whitewashed village of Inveraray, with some free time to explore and have lunch. Continue over the mountain pass “The Rest and Be Thankful.” From here, it’s a short drive to Luss and the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, before returning to Edinburgh for an approximate 19:15 drop off.

From Glasgow: Private Culzean Castle & Robert Burns Day Tour

3. From Glasgow: Private Culzean Castle & Robert Burns Day Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through Scottish history and culture with our Culzean Castle & Robert Burns Day Tour. This immersive experience combines a visit to the splendid Culzean Castle, nestled on the breathtaking Ayrshire coast, with a celebration of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. Sit back, relax, and take in the stunning landscapes as we make our way to Culzean Castle, a true architectural gem. This 18th-century masterpiece, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Firth of Clyde, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of Scotland's noble families. Next, we'll delve into the life and legacy of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. As we venture to his birthplace in Alloway, you'll be transported back in time to the world that inspired his iconic works. Explore the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, a captivating tribute to the poet's life, and gain insight into the struggles, triumphs, and remarkable creativity of this literary genius. As the day comes to a close, filled with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for Scottish history and culture, we'll return to the city, leaving you with a newfound connection to the remarkable world of Culzean Castle and Robert Burns. Join us on this extraordinary tour and let the beauty of Scotland's past captivate your heart.

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What people are saying about Culzean Castle

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 58 reviews

The tour guide made the entire experience so exceptional. His knowledge/historical specifics on the places we were visiting and driving thru phenomenal. He answered all our questions, made it very clear on time frames and costs. His driving was safe and enjoyable at the same time he was relying information regarding places we were driving to and thru. Tour guide on this adventure made exceptional recommendations, was polite, knowledgeable and honest if he did not know the answer. He was genuinely amazing. We did have an incredible sunny day which was an added bonus. Loved it and would do it again.

What a great 3 day trip! We couldn't have had a better guide. Mac was fabulous and gave us a great Scottish history lesson! He is a story teller star and I will remember his engaging tales about the history of Scotland. He was very accommodating to the group needs and made us all feel comfortable and valued. He was very easy to talk with and learn from. The accommodations booked for us were comfortable and the breakfasts provided were excellent. We had plenty of time at each site and did not feel rushed at all. Definitely a worthwhile trip!

Really enjoyed this tour. It was nice to have a smaller coach with less people, we were able to get in and out of each location quickly, and make the most of the day! Our guide was great, good mix of historical information and humor.

It was amazing. The way that the tour was organised was well done. We did not spend a long time in the bus while going form one point to another and it passed quickly with our guide Stevie. Definitely recommend it.

Great content coupled with an entertaining and knowledgeable guide make for a wonderful day!