Kelburn Castle & Estate
Kelburn Castle & Estate
Kelburn Castle & Estate
3.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Kelburn Estate is open to the public daily. Explore our unique Secret Forest - a fairy tale maze that twists through our woodland. Discover a Giant’s Castle, a crocodile swamp, a witch’s cottage, and much more! Conquer the Wild Wild West in our Saloon, complete with watch tower and jail. Test your agility and balance with tunnels, bridges and swings on our Adventure Course. The estate's 13th century Castle had an imaginative makeover in 2007, and has since been named as one of the world’s top 10 examples of street art. Situated in a woodland glen, Kelburn has several walks which showcase the stunning natural environment. FAQs: Dogs are welcome at Kelburn. We just ask that they are kept on a lead at all times, to keep our animals and the wildlife safe. Unfortunately the terrain is not suitable for wheelchairs or scooters. The estate features some narrow and winding paths which are not suitable for prams. You may leave your pram with staff on your arrival.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
44 within 5 kms
Attractions
51 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- C H7 contributionsCracking spotCracking area to spend a couple of days. I used the campsite. Cracking woodland walks which I utilised with my dogs. It has been interspersed with a modern touch but retains a genuine woodland surround. Wear decent footwear as it can be slippy but that’s about being sensible. Thankfully the place has not fully catered for those who cannot use common sense . Don’t change it !!! Oh and staff were lovely .Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 4 October 2023
- Rchard M7 contributionsSilver wedding, Golden night.I was at the Kelburn castle function hall for my cousins wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful night and great to catch up with all my extended family. The venue was fantastic ,ideal size for a crowd of 100 people. The decor and lighting was lovely and the buffet was delicious. A special mention to the service team lead by Louise and very ably assisted by Rachel and Lola.Very friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them.Well done guys ! I would highly recommend this venue for any party or event.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 April 2024
- Amb9218 contributionsNot as good as expectedI was very confused here, everyone raves about the place. To us the place was a let down, 45 minutes of walking around and not much to do compared to what was shown on the map and website. The play areas and animal area had so much potential but was run down.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 July 2024
- Nicola M1 contributionNot all it seemed but has potential!Watched a video online for this estate and it looked great from what I had seen, sadly didn't feel this way about it in reality. The secret garden really needed signs leading to the different attractions within it, we came across a ginger bread house that would be really inviting to children but probably scare them to death with the witch sitting in a corner etc (very pagan themed inside not what was expecting) The animal corner had potential but looked very run down and needing a bit of TLC. Walled garden in front of castle needed tidying up and could have done with signs on the plants & some of the spectacular trees grown in the area. The trail to the water fall was good. The café did a lovely toastie & coffee. With some improvements this place has real potential.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 August 2024
- Lorraine GMuirkirk, United Kingdom266 contributionsWell worth a visitFor just £5 to park, this is an excellent place to visit. The secret garden is £5 each and we skipped it because there's other things to see and do. We also missed the cafe - it closes at 4pm but was busy and people were enjoying the food and drink. Great for exploring. Naturally managed woodland - which means not all paths are open all the time and some people mistakenly think it's run down. Read about the castle - it's not too everyone's taste but such colourful fun and been done with care so hasn't ruined the building. Please stop your children climbing in the ancient trees....Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
3.5
490 reviews
Excellent
200
Very good
114
Average
61
Poor
47
Terrible
68
Harriet
Kilmarnock, UK1 contribution
Jul 2020
Enjoyed my day out. Went with my family made up of 3 adults and 3 children, and we spent about 4 hours there. The atmosphere is very pleasant, with nice walks - highly reccommend climbing up to the viewpoint, it is well worth it. However, the buildings are looking very dilapidated, and entry to the secret forest could be much cheaper. Also having more than one toilet would be useful. Overall, would return but could be so much nicer if it had a little bit of TLC!
Written 6 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fifeduo
Fife627 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Myself and husband decided to visit as part of our west coast staycation. Arrived at the park and paid £5 to park the car.
Went to the information office and the girl recommended the history trail for us as it took in waterfalls and the history of the park.
The walk took about an hour and was lovely and not too strenuous taking in the castle and gardens too. We managed to get some lovely pictures even though we weren’t able to go inside the castle.
We took our own picnic and sat in the grounds eating this. There was a cafe which was takeaway only and also toilets available. There is an adventure area for kids to play and a small area with animals that you can feed.
We then took in the secret garden which we enjoyed for £3 each and was worth the entrance fee.
Would have done another trail if we didn’t have to leave for other commitments. Would recommend this park for families and couples and would certainly visit again if in the area although I have heard that there were additional charges per covid.
There is also a Glamping area with fab looking yurts for hire.
Went to the information office and the girl recommended the history trail for us as it took in waterfalls and the history of the park.
The walk took about an hour and was lovely and not too strenuous taking in the castle and gardens too. We managed to get some lovely pictures even though we weren’t able to go inside the castle.
We took our own picnic and sat in the grounds eating this. There was a cafe which was takeaway only and also toilets available. There is an adventure area for kids to play and a small area with animals that you can feed.
We then took in the secret garden which we enjoyed for £3 each and was worth the entrance fee.
Would have done another trail if we didn’t have to leave for other commitments. Would recommend this park for families and couples and would certainly visit again if in the area although I have heard that there were additional charges per covid.
There is also a Glamping area with fab looking yurts for hire.
Written 25 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review!
Written 18 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
worldgirl87
Dumfries, UK182 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
Decided to come for a visit for my 3 year olds birthday as had fond memories of coming here about 20 years ago as a child. At that time I remember it was fantastic the magic Forrest. Sadly nothing has been done to maintain and improve it in 20 years. All looking very run down and tired. Poor selection of food in the cafe and a lot of the bits which you climb on felt unsafe. Wire peeling away from the stepping stones or missing. The saloon play area was also a safety hazard with planks of wood missing. Wasn’t the only parent who felt this way as one other parent said “expected there to be a play
Park here so now promised ds we will find one on way home. Lovely setting for a walk but won’t be rushing back.
Park here so now promised ds we will find one on way home. Lovely setting for a walk but won’t be rushing back.
Written 14 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wanderer_scotland
West Kilbride, UK1,527 contributions
Sept 2020
I used to go to Kelburn Castle a lot as a kid, but the price always put me off going with my kids, but with the current COVID19 restrictions, they have reduced their entrence fee to just £5 for using the car park.
I decided to grab this chance, and visited for the first time in what must have been close to, if not over, 25 years since my last visit.
Maybe not as good as remember it (i seem to recall as a kid there was a zip line and slide area.... but looks like they are long gone, though I did notice the platforms for them were still there and brought memories flooding back!) but my kids loved it.
We just walked around the estate taking in the stunning scenery, and then we let our two daughters play in the wild west saloon and then the secret garden.
All in all a great day out for the family, as we spent a lot longer there than we had originally planned to.
Nice little cafe area which does a good cup of coffee.
I decided to grab this chance, and visited for the first time in what must have been close to, if not over, 25 years since my last visit.
Maybe not as good as remember it (i seem to recall as a kid there was a zip line and slide area.... but looks like they are long gone, though I did notice the platforms for them were still there and brought memories flooding back!) but my kids loved it.
We just walked around the estate taking in the stunning scenery, and then we let our two daughters play in the wild west saloon and then the secret garden.
All in all a great day out for the family, as we spent a lot longer there than we had originally planned to.
Nice little cafe area which does a good cup of coffee.
Written 8 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert W
London, UK3,808 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
This is an estate just outside Largs which features entertainment for the family and other visitors. It’s free to enter with certain facilities chargeable. There’s a feeding station where you can buy food to feed the chickens. Many of whom are rare and exotic breeds.
However I wanted to see the castle and the grounds. The grounds are beautiful woodlands featuring loads of charming waterfalls and statues. The estate isn’t really suited for those with mobility issues but I enjoyed it. The castle is worth a look as it’s unique as the walls are covered in graffiti art.
However I wanted to see the castle and the grounds. The grounds are beautiful woodlands featuring loads of charming waterfalls and statues. The estate isn’t really suited for those with mobility issues but I enjoyed it. The castle is worth a look as it’s unique as the walls are covered in graffiti art.
Written 25 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karyn D
Motherwell, UK7 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
This is not the first time I have visited Kelburn Estate but it is the first time staying in the yurts. It was a great experience. The bed was more comfortable than I expected. There was a nice decked picnic area outside which was also set up for a camp fire. There is a stove and you are supplied with logs, paper for kindling etc but my kids loved going into the “forrest” looking for logs. The composting toilet was closed due to Covid so the toilets and showers were a wee bit of a hike away but they were spotless. They are building more yurts (workers started at 8am on the Sat which was a bit early but they had notified us that work was going on) and a communal area which is much closer and will make the experience even better.
We also enjoyed exploring the estate: the play park, the secret garden and the waterfalls.
I would recommend them.
We also enjoyed exploring the estate: the play park, the secret garden and the waterfalls.
I would recommend them.
Written 19 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon D
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
We visited Kelburn Castle with our two sons and felt that overall the place is very neglected. The secret garden is expensive for what is a collection of dilapidated attractions that all need maintenance and painting. The walks around the estate are pleasant but everywhere you go, signs, paths and gardens need painting, replacing and general improvement.
It’s an interesting place but as others have said, it has lots of potential but has seen better days and is in need of some significant investment.
Overall we felt disappointed that despite previous good reviews the estate had a feeling of neglect despite friendly staff who seemed very helpful.
It’s an interesting place but as others have said, it has lots of potential but has seen better days and is in need of some significant investment.
Overall we felt disappointed that despite previous good reviews the estate had a feeling of neglect despite friendly staff who seemed very helpful.
Written 20 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheila Mcpherson
North Ayrshire, UK10 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Cafe area good and as we had 3 adults and 6 children I had picnic which kids loved
Secret Forrest very disappointing as nothing signposted as how to get to certain attractions. Understand that maps are available but when you’ve 6 kids to keep your eyes on it would be much better if signs where up.
Didn’t even make it to house with witch and all the sweets on it and even asked people where it was and they were just as lost as we were!
Very tired looking and definitely needs tidying up and bits and bobs painted.
Will probably go again at some point but only if signposted
Secret Forrest very disappointing as nothing signposted as how to get to certain attractions. Understand that maps are available but when you’ve 6 kids to keep your eyes on it would be much better if signs where up.
Didn’t even make it to house with witch and all the sweets on it and even asked people where it was and they were just as lost as we were!
Very tired looking and definitely needs tidying up and bits and bobs painted.
Will probably go again at some point but only if signposted
Written 31 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Random Jenny
Gourock, UK252 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Fantastic country park and castle.
Trails are very well marked and location is dog friendly.
Had a lovely roll and sausage out of the cafe.
£5 charge for parking is a bargain given the size of the country park shame on anyone who complains of this!
Trails are very well marked and location is dog friendly.
Had a lovely roll and sausage out of the cafe.
£5 charge for parking is a bargain given the size of the country park shame on anyone who complains of this!
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona P
15 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
We camped for a night at Kelburn, 2 adults + 2 children.
For the money it was a fantastic experience. The woods, parks and view available were wonderful, plenty of room on pitches for tents and cars side by side.
Towards the castle area had a snack van, ice cream shop, cafe etc all reasonably priced.
The only downside for me was the distance to the toilet/shower blocks (albeit we did pick a pitch further down the camping field) when it was dark there wasn't a single light between us and the toilets (lots of lights strung all over but not connected sadly)
I felt very nervous on a 11pm stroll to the toilets alone in the dark.
Toilets had an all day/night key code lock which once you'd learn wasn't awful but trying to get the kids to remember the 6 digit code (11 and 8) so they could go independently was tough.
One shower also wasn't enough as there was a constant queue in the morning and I just gave up and waited until I was home although I would of been nice to drive home clean.
I suggest if going especially with children to take a pop up toilet tent and toilet (we have one just no room in the car as we shared) but I'd definitely say it's a must.
All in all though I'd return just for the amount for children to do, it makes it worth the money.
For the money it was a fantastic experience. The woods, parks and view available were wonderful, plenty of room on pitches for tents and cars side by side.
Towards the castle area had a snack van, ice cream shop, cafe etc all reasonably priced.
The only downside for me was the distance to the toilet/shower blocks (albeit we did pick a pitch further down the camping field) when it was dark there wasn't a single light between us and the toilets (lots of lights strung all over but not connected sadly)
I felt very nervous on a 11pm stroll to the toilets alone in the dark.
Toilets had an all day/night key code lock which once you'd learn wasn't awful but trying to get the kids to remember the 6 digit code (11 and 8) so they could go independently was tough.
One shower also wasn't enough as there was a constant queue in the morning and I just gave up and waited until I was home although I would of been nice to drive home clean.
I suggest if going especially with children to take a pop up toilet tent and toilet (we have one just no room in the car as we shared) but I'd definitely say it's a must.
All in all though I'd return just for the amount for children to do, it makes it worth the money.
Written 27 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelburn Castle and Country Park
Largs, United Kingdom
Yes, dogs are welcome at Kelburn. We just ask that they are kept on their lead for the safety of the wildlife and our animals :)
Written 7 August 2020
Hello, can anyone tell me what type of transportation you used to get to Fairlie and the places you visited while there? We are headed to Edinburgh, but would like to go to Fairlie for at least a day and I'm trying to figure out whether to take a train or if it is necessary to rent a car or what kind of options would be available. Is there any sort of taxi or shuttle service available in Fairlie?Thanks in advance for any pointers at all!!
Written 16 February 2020
Hi
Largs and Fairlie are served by train service from Glasgow central.
The Fairlie station is about a 20 minute walk from Kelburn estate and only 5 minutes from the village of Fairlie itself.
The Largs station is a 30 minute walk from Kelburn estate and there is a coastal path linking the town and the visitor centre. There is a taxi rank at the station and the 5 minute drive to Kelburn or Failrie from Largs is about £7.
There is a bus service operating by stage coach and another by McGills. Time tables can be found online.
It is quite a journey by public transport from Edinburgh and if there are multiple people then a hire car will probably be equivalent to multiple train fares and more time efficient.
Written 19 February 2020
hi i have a minibus group cominig down on the 5th july to kelburn castle to an event,can anyone let me know how long a drive it is from glasgow please and more importantly how long should i allow if there is likely to be event traffic on the 5th july,thanks in advance
Written 3 June 2019
There are road works on all 3 routes. The A737 and the A760 are smaller roads so I would be tempted to take the M77 A77 and A78 route and this will take about 1hour 15min. It is the longest route but the roads will be better. I've taken Glasgow royal concert hall for a starting point so please adjust from where you are starting.
Written 4 June 2019
HannahWill87
Airth, United Kingdom
I’m wondering are the paths suitable for a pushchair- we have a 6 month old and don’t fancy carrying him all day. Thank you in advance.
Written 16 April 2019
I would say not suitable for pushchair.
Written 4 June 2019
I just want to look at the outside of the castle and take a picture, then leave. 5 minutes tops. Is there a way to see it from the street without paying for the whole country park experience?
Written 1 January 2019
You can take one from the road, if you have a good camera... but to get next to the castle and take a photo, you pay admission.
Written 2 April 2019
Just booked the haunted forrest for myself and my boyfriend, can someone who has been tell us what you do while in the forrest? Do you just walk through or is there activities you participate in?
Written 13 October 2017
Just arrived back from a day in the freaky forest absolute great fun. Walking ducking under bridges down dark holes ... brilliant
Written 13 October 2018
Para verlo por fuera solo es necesario entrar a los jardines? O se puede ver desde la carretera o algo parecido?
Es únicamente por lo pronto q cierra...
Written 7 August 2017
Para verlo por fuera solo es necesario entrar a los jardines? O se puede ver desde la carretera o algo parecido?
Es únicamente por lo pronto q cierra...
Written 7 August 2017
Jeanmarie F
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Is there parking in the park and if so do you have to pay to park the car.
Written 7 August 2017
Yes there is parking there and no you don't have to pay extra for this. Hope you have a nice time.
Written 10 August 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 21
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing