Castles, Ruins & Historical Places

CASTLES

Culzean Castle and Country Park – approx 23 miles from Ballantrae

Situated in the midst of a 600-acre estate is one of Scotland’s greatest castles. Widely considered to be one of Robert Adam’s final masterpieces it has been restored to its former glory and makes a fantastic day out.
See www.culzeanexperience.org for more details. Open daily from April-October and open weekends in other months.

Dumfries House – approx 45 miles from Ballantrae

A magnificent stately home with sumptuous interiors and wonderful furnishings, including a huge collection of Chippendale furniture, situated within 2000-acres. Recently purchased for the nation by HRH Prince of Wales.
See www.dumfries-house.org.uk for more details.

Blairquhan Castle – approx 32 miles from Ballantrae

Dundonald Castle –approx 44 miles from Ballantrae

Situated on a hill with spectacular views of Ayrshire.
See www.dundonaldcastle.org.uk for more details. Open daily from April-November.

Dunure Castle – approx 30 miles from Ballantrae

Just south of Ayr, the ruins of this castle stand on a rocky lip on the Carrick coast. Mary, Queen of Scots, was said to have stayed here for a few days in 1563.

Dunskey Castle – approx 25 miles from Ballantrae

The ruins of a supposedly haunted 16^th century tower house just south of Portpatrick. There is a good cliff-top walk to the castle from the south end of Portpatrick.

Ardstinchar Castle – in the village

The ruins of the castle that was built in 1421 above Ballantrae. In 1770 the stones from the ruined castle were used to build the old bridge over the River Stinchar.

Glenluce Abbey – approx 25 miles from Ballantrae

Founded in 1192 in this secluded valley you can see why the Cisterian monks settled here. A peaceful location with well-preserved fragments of this former Abbey.
See www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/glenluce/glenluceabbey/index.html for more details. Open April-October.

Crossraguel Abbey – approx 27 miles from Ballantrae

Founded by the Earl of Carrick in the 13^th century the remains include the church, cloister, chapter house and domestic buildings.
See www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/maybole/crossraguel/index.html for more details. Open April-October.

Ailsa Craig

This is the granite island that you can see from Ballantrae, where blue hone granite is quarried to make curling stones. It is an uninhabited island which was formed from the volcanic plug of an extinct volcano.
It is a bird sanctuary famous for its gannets and an increasing number of puffins. There is an interesting array of flora on the island with a couple of rare plants being sited.
Boat trips both to and round the island are possible as well as fishing trips. See www.ailsacraig.co.uk for more details.

Sawney Bean’s Cave – just north of Ballantrae

The tale of Sawney Bean the cannibal evolved from this cave where he set up home after running away from Edinburgh.
See www.ayrshirescotland.com/sawneybean for the full legend.

Robbie Burns Birthplace Museum – approx 32 miles from Ballantrae

See the cottage where Robbie Burns was born and the most important collection of his life and works.
See www.burnsmuseum.org,.uk for more details. Open daily apart from Christmas & New Year bank holidays.

Robbie Burns House Museum – approx 44 miles from Ballantrae

For an authentic Burns experience, go to Mauchline and visit the house where Robbie & Jean began married life. Robbie lived and worked here between 1784 and 1788 and many original manuscripts and objects from his life are on display.
See www.visiteastayrshire.com for more details. Open Tuesday – Saturday.

The Whithorn Story Visitor Centre – approx 45 miles from Ballantrae

Castle of St John, Stranraer – approx 17 miles from Ballantrae