One of Kelburn Castle’s claims to fame is that it’s the oldest building in Scotland to have been continuously inhabited by the same family. The Boyles of Kelburn took up residence nearly 900 years ago and have been here ever since. The 10th Earl of Glasgow, Patrick Boyle, still lives at the castle with his family.
Although the same dynasty has lived in the castle since 1143, these days their ancestral seat is so much more than just a home; it has now become a fabulous day-trip destination for families.
Thanks to a unique graffiti mural, the castle – and this is another of its claims to fame – can categorically declare itself the most colourful in Scotland. As well as a fascinating history, the estate also boasts lovely gardens with some ancient and extraordinary plants. And, for younger visitors, there’s also a spooky forest that’s been turned into one of the country’s largest and most imaginative play areas.
Where is Kelburn Castle?
Kelburn stands on a dramatic stretch of the Ayrshire coast, looking over the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran (one of the best Scottish islands to visit). The best way to explore it is to follow the waymarked History Trail, which starts at the converted farm buildings that now serve as a café, information point and petting zoo.
History and architecture of Kelburn Castle – and its unusual graffiti
The chief landmark, of course, is the castle itself. This intriguing building (which is generally not open to the public, as the Boyles still live here) comprises a 13th-century Norman keep enclosed in a 16th-century castle alongside an 18th-century century mansion house.
Remarkably, parts of the castle have been decorated (with permission) by a squad of Brazilian graffiti artists who have turned the walls and turrets into a riotous hotchpotch of characters.
This was undertaken in 2007 as part of the Castle Graffiti Project, an idea that came from the vibrant art form of Brazilian graffiti. The family wanted to take graffiti out of its usual urban context and apply it to the ancient and permanent walls of this historic rural castle. Brazilian graffiti artists worked alongside Scottish talent to create a riotous burst of colour on the walls and turrets of the south side of Kelburn Castle.
The castle's walled garden
Nearby is the Plaisance, the castle’s walled garden, where colourful flowers and shrubs thrive, sheltered from the salty westerly gales. Particularly impressive are two 1,000-year-old yew trees and the Weeping Larch, a 200-year-old specimen that has re-rooted in spectacular fashion.
Trails, grottos and woodlands to explore
Another waymarked path, the Natural History Trail, follows a tree-lined gorge containing the Kell Burn. En route you can see the Waterfall Pool (one of the best spots for wild swimming) and enjoy gorgeous mature woodlands. There are also longer trails that venture to the furthest boundaries of the estate, while for children over eight there’s an adventure course, and for the very youngest there’s an indoor play barn.
The Secret Forest
Perhaps the most magical part of the estate is the Secret Forest – a huge fenced-off area of dense woodland with a network of paths and boardwalks leading to a bewildering variety of hidden places to explore. The Maze of the Green Man is a bamboozling puzzle, while the Chinese Tower contains a steep staircase that leads to a superb view of the forest as well as totem poles and a witch’s cottage.
How to get to Kelburn Castle
Kelburn Castle and Country Centre lies two miles south of Largs on the A78.
Contact Kelburn Castle
Address: Kelburn Castle, Fairlie, Ayrshire, KA29 0BE
01475 568685
www.kelburnestate.com
Open Apr-end Oct, 10am-6pm daily; plus restricted opening in winter.
Entry into the glen and grounds of Kelburn Castle is free. Parking £6 per car.
Kelburn Castle tours are bookable online: Adults £12, children £8.
Where to eat
Kelburn Estate Cafe
A courtyard of old farm buildings on the estate has been converted to a visitor centre, which now houses an ice cream parlour plus a licensed café (open 10am-5pm) serving breakfast, sandwiches and main meals.
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Top image credit: Getty Images
