Culzean Castle & Country Park

Maybole, South Ayrshire KA19 8LE

Once the home of the Kennedys of Cassillis, Culzean Castle and its core designed landscape was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945.

The castle, set in a picturesque designed landscape, is perhaps the most iconic masterpiece of the architect Robert Adam. The Adam family of architects influenced many of the garden buildings and features across the historic landscape. Wind, weather and changes of light make the landscape of Culzean change from day to day and sometimes from hour to hour. The views to Ailsa Craig, the Holy Isle, Arran, the Mull of Kintyre and smaller islands are unforgettable.

The garden is divided into distinct areas and horticultural interests across the site are varied. Fountain court provides an ideal microclimate for tender plantings to flourish in the shelter of the Castle terraces. It is also the site of the recently renovated orangery, which hosts a small but varied selection of citrus.

The walled garden at Culzean built in 1782 is one of the largest in Scotland and is divided into two sections by the spine wall. The north walled garden is currently being renovated to become a space focussed on production. A wide variety of fruit and vegetables will be grown to be used in the onsite eateries and to make chutneys and jams. Soon to be planted trees include a variety of plums, cherries and medlars to name just a few. A nuttery is also being planted.

The south section of the walled garden is a pleasure garden and includes a large glasshouse range, a folly which provides the ideal conditions for growing alpines, and a half hardy border that offers fantastic summer colour.

A walk around the swan pond and a visit to the café at home farm is also a must for visitors.

Website: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culzean

Telephone: 01655 884455

Opening times: See- https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culzean/planning-your-visit#entry-prices

Admission costs: See- https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culzean/planning-your-visit#entry-prices

Garden of the Week is in association with Discover Scottish Gardens. For more information, advice and day-out ideas, visit discoverscottishgardens.org