List of castles in South Ayrshire facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

South Ayrshire is a beautiful area in Scotland, known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. One of the most exciting parts of its history can be seen in its many castles! These old buildings, from grand homes to crumbling ruins, tell stories of knights, queens, and important families.

Castles were built for many reasons. Some were strong forts to protect against enemies, while others were fancy homes for powerful lords and ladies. Over time, many changed, were rebuilt, or fell into ruin. Exploring these castles today helps us imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago. This article will take you on a tour of some of the fascinating castles you can find in South Ayrshire.

Discovering South Ayrshire's Historic Castles
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Discovering South Ayrshire's Historic Castles

South Ayrshire is home to many castles, each with its own unique story. From ancient ruins to grand houses still standing today, these buildings offer a glimpse into Scotland's past.

Ardstinchar Castle: A Royal Visit

Ardstinchar Castle in Ballantrae

Ardstinchar Castle is a ruin located near Ballantrae. This castle has a special connection to Scottish history because Mary, Queen of Scots once stayed here! Imagine a queen visiting this very spot centuries ago. Today, it stands as a reminder of its past glory.

Auchans Castle: Home to Famous Visitors

A view from the south-east of Auchans Castle

Auchans Castle is a 17th-century tower house that is now a ruin. It's found near Dundonald. This castle was once the home of Susanna Montgomery, Countess of Eglinton, a very important lady. Famous writers like Dr. Samuel Johnson and James Boswell even visited her here!

Baltersan Castle: A Hidden Ruin

Baltersan Castle

Baltersan Castle is another castle in South Ayrshire that is now a ruin. It stands as a quiet reminder of the past, waiting for you to discover its secrets.

Barnweill Castle: Only a Moat Remains

Remains of Barnweill Castle

Dating back to the 13th century, Barnweill Castle is mostly gone, with only its moat remaining today. It's located near Craigie. Close by, you can also find the remains of Barnweill Church.

Blairquhan Castle: A Grand Historic House

Blairquhan Castle

Blairquhan Castle is not a ruin, but a beautiful historic house built in 1824. It is still occupied today, meaning people live there. This grand building shows how castles evolved into more comfortable homes over time.

Carleton Castle: A Tower by the Sea

Carleton Castle

Carleton Castle is a tower castle from the 15th century, now a ruin near Lendalfoot. It was once owned by the Cathcarts of Killochan, an important family in the area.

Cassillis Castle: A Family's Stronghold

The keep of Cassillis Castle

Cassillis Castle, a 15th-century keep, is still occupied today near Minishant. It was once the home of the powerful Cassillis family, who played a big role in Scottish history.

Craigie Castle: Home of the Wallaces

The keep of Craigie Castle

Craigie Castle is a 13th-century keep that is now a ruin near Craigie. This castle was once the home of the famous Clan Wallace, a Scottish clan known for its warriors.

Crosbie Castle: From Castle to Ice House

Ruins of Crosbie Castle, Troon

Crosbie Castle was a 14th-century keep near Troon. It was later demolished by the Fullarton of Fullarton family and interestingly, parts of it were used to create an ice house! This shows how old buildings were sometimes repurposed.

Culzean Castle: A National Treasure

Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle is a magnificent historic house built in 1792. It is now preserved and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, meaning it's open for visitors to explore. This castle is special because it includes parts of an older tower house within its grand design.

Dalquharran Castle: Old and New

Dalquharran Castle

There are actually two Dalquharran Castles near Dailly. The old one, from the 15th century, is a ruin. The new one, built in 1785, is also a ruin today. This shows how families sometimes built new, more modern homes near their older, less comfortable castles.

Dundonald Castle: A Royal Stronghold

Dundonald Castle

Dundonald Castle is a significant ruin cared for by Historic Scotland. Located in Dundonald, this castle was once a very important royal residence and fortress in Scotland.

Dunduff Castle: Restored to its Former Glory

Dunduff Castle from the south

Dunduff Castle, an L-shaped tower from around 1696, has been restored and is now privately owned near Dunure. It was once held by the Clan Stewart and later the Whitefords.

Dunure Castle: A Coastal Ruin

Dunure Castle

Dunure Castle is a 15th-century keep that is now a ruin, located right on the coast near Dunure. It was once owned by the Marquess of Ailsa. Its dramatic location makes it a popular spot to visit.

Fail Castle: Monastery Remains

Fail Castle was a 16th-century tower near Tarbolton. Today, only sparse remains are left. It was actually a modified part of the Fail Monastery, showing how religious buildings could also be fortified.

Gadgirth Castle: Replaced and Demolished

Gadgirth Castle was a 14th-century tower near Annbank. Sadly, it was demolished, and a mansion house was built on its site. There was also an even older castle, Gadgirth Old Ha', which was replaced by Gadgirth Castle.

Greenan Castle: A Coastal Watchtower

Greenan Castle

Greenan Castle is a ruin located right on the coast. Its position would have made it an excellent lookout point.

Killochan Castle: Still Standing Strong

Killochan Castle, built in 1581, is still occupied today near Girvan. This castle has stood for centuries and continues to be a home.

Maybole Castle: In the Heart of Town

Maybole Castle, built in 1560, is also still occupied. It's located right in the town of Maybole, making it a central part of the town's history.

Penkill Castle: A 16th-Century Home

Penkill Castle, from the 16th century, is another castle that is still occupied today.

Sundrum Castle: A Modern Home in an Old Setting

Sundrum Castle

Sundrum Castle is still occupied today. Its long history shows how some castles have been adapted and maintained as homes over many centuries.

Thomaston Castle: A Coastal Ruin

Thomaston Castle

Thomaston Castle is a ruin located near the coast.

Turnberry Castle: Birthplace of a King

Turnberry Castle

Turnberry Castle is a ruin located right on the coast. This castle is famous for being the birthplace of Robert the Bruce, one of Scotland's most important kings!

Images for kids

Ardstinchar Castle in Ballantrae
A view from the south-east of Auchans Castle
Baltersan Castle
Remains of Barnweill Castle
Blairquhan Castle
Carleton Castle
The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland, from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1877) (14785121145).jpg

The keep of Cassillis Castle
The keep of Craigie Castle
Ruins of Crosbie Castle, Troon
Culzean Castle
Dalquharran Castle
Dundonald Castle
Dunduff Castle from the south
Dunure Castle
Greenan Castle
Sundrum Castle
Thomaston Castle
Turnberry Castle