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.

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.

Ayrshire & Clyde Coast

Bachelor's Club

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	11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday	11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday	11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday	11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday	11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday	11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday	11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Dundonald Castle

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.

Opening Times

More in Ayrshire & Clyde Coast

Bachelor's Club

Get Off the Beaten Track

Doon Valley Railway

Kelburn Castle

Culzean Castle

Brodick Castle

Other Castles

Stirling Castle

Cubbie Roo's Castle

Neidpath Castle

Doune Castle

Scone Palace

Armadale Castle