Kelburn Castle
North Ayrshire, Scotland
Photo: Raibeart MacAoidh, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Tom Parnell from Scottish Borders, Scotland, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Tom Parnell from Scottish Borders, Scotland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Kelburn Estate (Earl of Glasgow)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Fairlie, 1.2 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Country centre daily; castle by pre-booked guided tour; graffiti murals
Pinpoint
Kelburn Estate, Fairlie, Largs KA29 0BE
Telephone 01475 568685
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 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 |
A country estate near Fairlie with an unusual claim to fame: the castle's exterior walls carry a large-scale graffiti mural, commissioned as a temporary art project that proved popular enough to stay. The country centre and grounds are open daily, but seeing inside the castle itself requires a pre-booked guided tour.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The graffiti-mural exterior - one of the only castle facades of its kind in the country, a deliberate contrast to the stonework underneath.
Before you go
The grounds and country centre are open daily without booking, but the castle interior is guided-tour only and needs booking ahead - don't turn up expecting a walk-in tour of the inside.
What visitors say
Kelburn Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 2,093 Google reviews
Visitors love the quirky graffiti-painted castle at the heart of this extensive Scottish country estate, praising the parks and gardens, the waterfall and the riverside and woodland walks.
Many enjoy discovering the sculptures and art pieces along the trails, and note the ancient trees and dog-friendly grounds.
The estate is also a popular wedding venue, with staff singled out for going above and beyond.
“This is an amazing place. I was absolutely taken by surprise by the size of these beautiful parks and gardens with the amazing castle. Complete with a gorgeous waterfall.”- Lynn Smith, visitor review
Within reach of Glasgow (24 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Weddings at Kelburn Castle
Kelburn Castle is on our wedding roll because a visitor described a wedding here in their own review. Visit their site.
“My favourite wedding venue in Scotland! I recently provided the wedding flowers for a…”- visitor review
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in Scotland, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
Common questions about Kelburn Castle
Where is Kelburn Castle?
Kelburn Castle is in North Ayrshire, Scotland, at Kelburn Estate, Fairlie, Largs KA29 0BE.
Do you need a ticket to visit Kelburn Castle?
Yes - Kelburn Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Kelburn Estate (Earl of Glasgow). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Is Kelburn Castle dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Kelburn Castle - one reviewer noted: “…taff. Sat outside and had an ice cream. Dog friendly gardens, we had our dog with us. Don't know if you can go i…”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Kelburn Castle?
The graffiti-mural exterior - one of the only castle facades of its kind in the country, a deliberate contrast to the stonework underneath.
Is Kelburn Castle a ruin or still intact?
Kelburn Castle is largely intact - Country centre daily; castle by pre-booked guided tour; graffiti murals.
