There is much to see and do within walking distance of Kelburn Castle including some magnificent walks through Kelburn's famous glen and many others offering spectacular views over the islands of the Firth of Clyde. Golf, horse riding, hill walking, sailing and all forms of water-sports are all readily available. The popular seaside resort of Largs is two miles from Kelburn and boasts good shopping and restaurants, visitor attractions and leisure facilities, besides being the ferry terminal to the island of Cumbrae across the water from Kelburn.

The Castle and Grounds

Kelburn is known for its historical gardens and rare trees. The 'Plaisance' is the name given to the walled garden next to the castle, designed in 1775 by the third Earl of Glasgow and the New Zealand Garden was created in 1898 by the seventh Earl when he retired as Governor of New Zealand and returned to Scotland with an exotic collection of antipodean plants and shrubs. Two of Scotland's most important trees are at Kelburn - the 'Weeping Larch' and the '1000 year old Yews' officially recognised as two of Scotland's Top Hundred Heritage Trees by the Forestry Commission.

There are many other unusual historical or natural features in the grounds of Kelburn (See, Special Features, for details.) and the Kelburn Glen with its waterfalls and deep gorges , partly cultivated but mostly natural, has long been regarded as one of the most romantic glens in Scotland. There is croquet on the lawn, a tennis court two hundred yards from the castle and an excellent eighteen hole golf course on part of what was once Kelburn's park land. Anyone staying at the castle may play the Kelburn Course free of charge.

Clay pigeon shooting can be arranged for visitors on request. Pheasant shooting and trout fishing may also be available but this will depend on suitable dates and time of year. Those looking for the widest range of activities should visit Kelburn Country Centre, the park adjoining the castle grounds, where there is a riding school; exhibitions, the 'Secret Forest' and a large range of play areas and challenges for children. (See the Kelburn Country Centre website for more details.)

Local Attractions and Sporting Activities

Largs, the popular seaside resort two miles north of Kelburn, is a lively shopping town and now recognised as the sailing and water-sporting centre of Scotland. Kelburn has a berth in Largs Yacht Haven marina, which can be made available for visitors staying at the castle and sailing or boating trips can be arranged for those wanting to discover the beauties of the Clyde.

The Battle of Largs took place on 1263 between the Scots and the Norwegians, marking the end of Viking control over the west of Scotland and the town's major visitor attraction, Vikingar!, tells the story of the Vikings in Scotland.

During the spring, summer and autumn months, cruises leave from Largs for islands in the Firth of Clyde and on specific days, you can sail in the Waverley, Britiain's last remaining working paddle steamer. Ferries cross from Largs to the island of Cumbrae every half hour and the boat to the Isle of Arran leaves five times a day from Ardrossan harbour, eight miles south of Kelburn. Mount Stuart, the home of the Marquesses of Bute, has become one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions and to get to Rothesay and the island of Bute, you take the ferry from Wemyss Bay, seven miles north of Largs.

A short way down the coast are the famous golf course of Troon, Prestwick and Turnberry, all venues for the British Open but there are dozens of other first class link courses running along the Ayrshire Coast. Less than an hour's drive to the north is Loch Lomond, which has become Scotland's First National Park and 50 minutes drive to the east is Glasgow, Scotland's largest city and the home, among many other things, of the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, the Burrell Collection, the Cathedral and Necropolis, the new Science Museum and many famous buildings designed by Greek Thompson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.