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Culzean Castle


Culzean Castle is one of the more impressive historical buildings in all of Scotland.  Located on the coast just south of Ayr (right on the coast, the castle literally hangs over the sea cliffs), the castle receives many visitors each year who come to tour the house and enjoy the surrounding grounds.



Inside the castle, the excellent guided tour takes you through the various rooms (except for the top floor which is now a very exclusive and expensive hotel).  The most impressive room is probably the saloon which hangs out over the ocean far below.  Also impressive is the grand staircase and the room covered by (decorative) guns and other weapons on every wall.

The Kennedys kept a few arms handy in case of trouble.





The castle grounds feature miles of walking trails as well as various attractions.  Down one end of the grounds, at the edge of a small lake, the Scottish National Trust has built an amazing kids playground featuring a children's play castle which ensures the location appeals to those of all ages.  Samuel had a great time climbing on the various walkways and bridges and using the flying foxes, slides and other adventure equipment and even some of the adults (including us) had a play around.






Walking back to the car we dropped in on the formal and produce gardens where one of the features was an ingenious inground heating system that allowed the growing of grapes in the 19th century.









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