A Nature Lover's Dream at Culzean

             Culzean Castle and Country Park - Photo Credit: The Scotsman

Nestled in South Ayrshire, on the West Coast of Scotland Culzean Castle and Country Park ticks all the boxes for a perfect family day out.  Boasting a castle, visitor centre, second hand book shop, beaches, cliffs, woodland walks, playparks and unequivocal views of the Isle of Arran there really is something for everyone.

My partner and I visited in the Summer of 2021, this was my first visit but my partner had been several times in childhood.  Passing the popular Haven caravan resort Craig Tara, we drove another 10 miles before arriving at the woodland entrance and payment hut.  

As National Trust Scotland members, we didn't have to pay (click here for more info) but the day rate is reasonable at just £16 for the whole family.  

A Castle and A View (of the Isle of Arran)

We parked up and had a quick nosey around the Home Farm, then, after a longing glance at the Bookshop, we began walking for around 15 minutes through the woodland to the Castle. 

The outside of the 18th century cliff-top fortress is a sight to behold, only eclipsed by the breath-taking views of the Isle of Arran from the castle courtyard.

                                         View of Arran from Culzean Castle (Photo Credit: Eddie Conroy)

                                                                

Dragging ourselves away from the views and the summer sun, we entered the castle for our self-guided tour.  The coolness of the old stone rooms was a welcome break from the 27 degree heat outside that our Scottish skin is not accustomed to.

Each room was more mesmerising than the next, with the history brought to life with the stories and historic gossip from the guides who station themselves in each room ready to entertain and educate.  One fascinating tale spoke of how President Eisenhower's link to the Castle.  Check out this link for all the juicy details. The Castle keeps children engaged by hiding a Lego figure in every room for them to find... ok, ok I admit it us 30something "children" joined in with this too!

                                                                  Culzean Castle - Own Photo

A Woodland Walk and A Water Dragon

After admiring the Castle grounds we headed to the woodlands at the other side of the castle on the path to the Swan Pond.  The tree covered walk was on easy terrain, we kept a moderate place, slowing every now and then to admire a rare plant or nod and smile at walker's coming from the opposite direction. 

As we progressed we came to a fork and choose the left path.  Some time later we began to think we had chosen the wrong turn as there was no sign of the Swan Pond.  However a helpful passer-by soon assured us that we were going the right way as they were returning from there.  Sure enough within minutes the woods opened up to reveal the pond - complete with a water dragon!  

                                                        Water Dragon at Culzean Country Park - Own Photo

A Walled Garden And A Plan (to return)

We bought ice cream from the café and sat on a bench admiring the view before continuing our walk onto the Walled Garden.  

Strolling around the Walled Garden, we admired the wide range of flowers and wondered at the odd statues before heading back to the car already planning a return visit to explore the beaches and test out another walking route.

                                                           The Walled Garden - Own Photo

National Trust Scotland Membership Review

Why National Trust Scotland?

                                           Glencoe National Nature Reserve Photo Credit: NTS

A lot of my blog posts are about Castle and Country Parks, many of which are own by National Trust Scotland.  The pass allows access to over 100 historic places, with free parking, access to exclusive events, a copy of the magazine.  Another huge perk is that the membership gives free access to National Trust properties worldwide so can be useful when going on holiday as well.  The membership fees go toward conservation work to preserve heritage for future generations.

                                           Fvie Castle, Aberdeenshire Photo Credit: NTS

                                              

Whether you are interested in country parks, beaches, castles, museums, battlegrounds or hill climbing, there really is something for everyone with National Trust Scotland.

Value for Money

My partner and I have the Two Adult Family Member that allows up to six children which costs £9.80 a month..  My partner and I do not have children, however the Joint Adult Membership for two adults is £9.50 a month and we felt that it was worth paying the extra 30p a month for the odd occasion we may have someone else's children with us.

                                           Waterfall in Brodick Country Park Photo Credit: Walk Highlands

To put into context the value for money our visit to Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park would have cost us £29 plus parking fee (£14.50 per adult).  If we didn't see any other attraction for 3 months we would still break even on the membership vs paying on the day.  So even if you only use the pass on school holidays, depending on which sites you visit it could be worthwhile paying for a monthly pass to spread the cost rather than paying out lump sums in the holidays.

 It is likely that if you see 4 or 5 paid attractions in the year then you will have made a saving.  There is also the option to pay for the year upfront and there are other membership options available such as single adult family, senior and life time memberships.

Go Explore

So what are you waiting for?  Head to the National Trust Scotland Website to sign up and get exploring today!

For the Love of Scotland  Video Credit:  NTS (Youtube)

Bright Skies and Beautiful Views at Brodick

                                                        Brodick Castle from the Water - Photo Credit: NTUSA

As the ferry pulls in towards Brodick terminal all eyes look to the right towards the majestic baronial castle that stands in perfect position to thwart its enemies of yesteryear.

It was late Summer 2021 when my partner and I took the ferry from Ardrossan in Ayrshire to the Isle of Arran.  A 55minute ferry journey followed by a short 3 mile drive and we found ourselves at the entrance of Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park.

A quick flash of our National Trust Scotland Membership cards and we were set for a wonderful day out.

Inside the Castle

                                                     

                                                  A room in Brodick Castle - Own Photo
                                            

The interior of the castle has a very Victorian feel to it, one of the guides told us that this was the work of Princess Marie of Baden, wife of the 11th duke of Hamilton.  

Going through the castle room after room is filled with an abundance of expensive cloth and ornaments, the wealth and status of the castle's former owners on display in a fashion as obvious as push up bra.

Moving further through the castle we cross into the servants quarts and down a newly fitted staircase to the kitchen.  Although the stairs are not original as you descend them you can almost imagine the cook, kitchen maids and other servants hurriedly going about their work.

                                                      Brodick Castle Kitchen - Own Photo

The National Trust has developed "The Dodo Trail" to keep young (and not so young!) visitors to the castle entertained by looking for stuffed Dodo birds as they go around the castle.  Can you spot the stuffed one? 

                                                      The Dodo Trail at Brodick Castle - Own Photo

The Castle Gardens and Country Park

 

                                           Brodick Castle: A Garden with a View - Own Photo

The attractive gardens were another by-product of the Princess of Baden's life at the Castle.  It is difficult to decide what is the most mesmerising the enticing garden or beauty of the sea and bright skies in the distance.

We took a stroll around the Castle grounds and gardens, passing an adventurous playpark.  Unfortunately we did not have time to experience a lot of Country Park as we wanted to drive around the island but what we did see was fabulous.  There are more than 10miles of signposted trails through woodlands, waterfalls and bathing pools.

I would thoroughly recommend a day at Brodick.. or even two! And if you can you should also drive the circumference of the island... the views are unbelievable.  You will not be disappointed.

                                                 

Raby Castle and Gardens

 

                                                           Raby Castle Photo Credit: castlesandgardens.com

Near the village of Staindrop in County Durham, England there is the most exquisitely preserved medieval castle. This privately owned estate is still a family home and remains the seat of the Vane family.  The grounds boast 200acres of deer park, gardens and a stable house.

It was a hot day in July 2017 when my partner and I visited Raby Castle, as a break from the 240 mile drive from Glasgow to Scarborough for a caravan holiday.  This slight detour turned out to be a great decision as the interior of the castle is historically immaculate.  

The Guided Tour

                                           A bedroom in the Castle Photo Credit: Raby Castle Facebook

We took the guided tour around the interior of the castle, room after room more impressive than the last.  The current castle was built in the 14th century by The Nevills.  In 1626 The Vane family purchased the Castle from the crown and have remained owners to this this day.

Our guide was fantastic and told us the enchanting (or perhaps disturbing?) tale of Sally, the favourite dog of the Duchess of Cleveland.  When Sally passed away the Duchess was so upset at the loss of her beloved pet that she had the animal made into a "lap rug".  The story goes that the Duchess would pet Sally every day until she died.  The "rug" remains part of the decor of the interior of Raby Castle.

The Grounds

                                                         A hedgehog in the Garden - Own photo

After the guided tour, we looked around the stable and stopped for a cup of tea in the tea room which was lovely.  After that we strolled through the garden, spotting a baby hedgehog and then went for a short walk around the deer park before heading back to the car to finish our journey.

It really was an excellent day out and I only wish we would have had more time to explore the grounds.  

If you are ever in the area why not pop in and have a look for yourself?  Or better yet plan a trip to visit.. you definitely won't be disappointed!

For up to date Raby Castle opening times check out this link.