National Trust of Scotland

A few years before his first collection of poems was published, Robert Burns co-founded the Tarbolton Bachelors’ Club in this curious red-shuttered, thatched 17th-century house. It was here that he learned to dance, became a freemason and created a men-only debating society.

Dundonald Castle is truly one of Scotland’s hidden gems, tucked away in the quiet, rural landscape in South Ayrshire.
The 14th Century hilltop fortified ruin is looked after on a daily basis by The Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, who also manage the attraction’s Visitor Centre.

Ayrshire & Clyde Coast

Dundonald Castle

Discover East Ayrshire.
First Class Attractions, stunning landscapes and unique experiences.

Get Off the Beaten Track

The Scottish Industrial Railway Centre is an industrial heritage museum operated by the Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group. The centre owns a number of standard gauge steam locomotives and diesel locomotives as well as some narrow gauge items and an extensive collection of photographs.

Doon Valley Railway

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. 

Kelburn Castle

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.

Culzean Castle

Teeming with history and surrounded by mountains, Brodick is every inch the quintessential island castle. The present building was fashioned in 1844, but the seat dates back centuries to when its strategic position overlooking the Firth of Clyde made Brodick a fortress to be reckoned with. The castle was the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton.

Monday	12:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	Closed
Friday	12:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday	12:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday	12:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Bachelor's Club

A few years before his first collection of poems was published, Robert Burns co-founded the Tarbolton Bachelors’ Club in this curious red-shuttered, thatched 17th-century house. It was here that he learned to dance, became a freemason and created a men-only debating society.

Opening Times

More in Ayrshire & Clyde Coast

Dundonald Castle

Get Off the Beaten Track

Doon Valley Railway

Kelburn Castle

Culzean Castle

Brodick Castle

Other Museums & History

Preston Mill

National Museum of Flight

Robert Smail's Printing Works

Iona Abbey

St. Magnus Cathedral

Dryburgh Abbey