Kelburn Castle and Country Park is a fantastic place to spend time with your family. On the edge of the Coastal town of Largs in North Ayrshire, Kelburn is recognised by many for its colourful Castle, where the South side of the Castle is painted in colourful graffiti. In 2007, Kelburn Castle gained international recognition through the Kelburn Graffiti Project.
The Earl of Glasgow invited renowned Brazilian street artists to paint the exterior of the Castle, creating a stunning and colourful mural. This bold artistic decision transformed Kelburn into a unique attraction. The Castle is still the private home of the Earl of Glasgow and his family. Due to this reason, the Castle is usually only open for tours on set dates in the summer.
Kelburn Castle's history dates back to the 13th century. For centuries, it has been home to the Boyle family, the Earls of Glasgow. Unlike many grand Scottish Castles, Kelburn retains a lived-in charm. The Castle's setting, surrounded by lush woodlands of the estate with coastal views and rolling hills, enhances its picturesque appeal.
With 350 acres to cover, this large and expansive estate offers plenty to do. Entry to the park is free; however, you pay £5 for car parking. Excellent value for money, considering that it covers you for the day.
The Castle is set within the expansive Kelburn Estate, which offers a range of activities for visitors. Walking trails meander through ancient woodlands, leading to waterfalls and viewpoints overlooking the Firth of Clyde, and you can see many different wildlife species, including alpacas, as you climb the hill away from the visitor centre.
Discover the Secret Forrest, a paid attraction within the Kelburn Estate. Discover the Giant's Castle and hope the giant is out. Cross the crocodile swamp over the wooden stepping stones to get to the grotto's entrance and visit the six-sided gingerbread house, but watch out for the witch.
The Secret Forrest is fantastic for the kids. Its small entry fee makes it well worth discovering.
Collect your map at reception when paying for the car parking, and be ready to discover the Neverending Glen. Open during the summer months, this walk through the estate grounds has murals and sculptures which blend in with the stunning landscape of Kelburn. You can find the details of the creators on the resort map.
Kids will have a great time at Kelburn because of the three play areas. The Indoor Play Barn is beside the gift shop; depending on age, you pay for access to the Play Barn. With a ball pit, climbing wall, steep slide and maze as you climb through the Castle.
The Wild West Saloon is just up the hill past the Indoor Play Barn and Cafe. This wooden fort has a jail, sand pit, andwalkway around the fort, taking you to the slide back into the edge of the fort.
Finally, the Adventure Course, which is again just a short walk up the hill from the Wild West Saloon, is another exciting area for the kids to discover and enjoy this Adventure Course.
The Cafe at Kelburn is just a short walk from the car park and beside the information centre. Open daily in season with plenty of seating inside and out. Serving hot meals, cakes, ice cream and more. Enjoy a seat on a picnic bench with views of Largs Golf Course and over towards Millport. The gift shop is at the entrance to the Play Barn, with toilet facilities close by.
Kelburn hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including music festivals. The estate also offers guided tours, providing insights into the history of the Castle, the Boyle family, and the creative inspiration behind the graffiti project.
Kelburn Castle and its Estate are open all year round, with many attractions open only seasonally. Guided tours of the Castle are available at select times during the summer months. The Cafe at Kelburn serves locally sourced food and is a great way to unwind after exploring the grounds. Whether history, art, or outdoor adventures, Kelburn Castle provides a unique Scottish experience. The onsite equestrian centre offers horse riding and pony riding for kids through the estate. The campsite, again open seasonally, makes staying onsite at Kelburn estate possible.
Kelburn Castle remains a must-visit destination on Scotland's west coast. Sitting on the edge of the wonderful seaside town of Largs, not far along the A78 from West Kilbride, which provides stunning views of the Isle of Arran. Glasgow to Kelburn Castle is around 35 miles and should take no longer than an hour, making Kelburn Castle a great day out of the city.
