Culzean Castle & Country Park, Maybole

Returning to this wonderful estate for the first time since I was a kid I was delighted to find lots of new things to do and enjoyed frequent flashbacks to childhood memories. I drove my family a bit mad going “Ooh that’s the beach where we collected winkles!” and “There’s the big drawbridge where we used to hide!” etc, etc. The castle itself is perched on a rocky cliff top, reached by a wide esplanade across beautifully-kept gardens, and well worth a visit. We bought tickets just as our two-year-old was nodding off, only to discover no buggies are allowed inside – though they do provide hip seats to carry leg-weary toddlers. Rather than miss the crucial nap, we decided to do some exploring first and came upon the old-fashioned Walled Garden displaying a dreamy range of blooms (I definitely wasn’t as interested in that 30 years ago). Then we made it to the huge romantic-looking Swan Pond full of fish, ducks and swans (obviously) to feed, right next to a big sweep of grass with a pagoda and a lovely cottage now housing an all-important ice-cream stall. Nearby there’s a brilliant adventure playground for when you REALLY need to sit down but the kids just don’t. The grounds are bigger than you might think so if you’ve got walking under-3s and are dithering about hauling the buggy out of the boot – take it! It took us a while to get back the castle (last entry 4pm) but when we pitched up 10 mins late they very kindly let us in. The guides were informative, patient and helpful to my daughter who was determined to complete the ingenious Lego Man Hunt. (One tiny Lego figure to find per room, NOT easy in the armoury.) We made some great new memories, including photographing the kids on the very cannon my Dad had snapped my sisters and I on years before. After spending nearly a whole day there we came away feeling there was a lot left to explore, so we’ll be back.

Just three words... Lego Man Hunt!!! Culzean Castle is just stunning, we all loved it! We were greeted by a friendly National Trust guide who informed us that the children could take part in the hunt to spot the small Lego men, which could be spotted anywhere around the vast gorgeous castle. We went from room to room and I think this theory of keeping the kids alert and enthuiastic about 'Lego size men' potentially hiding behind a two hundred year old table leg, really did work! They received a sticker at the end of the tour, and it really did make their day! Then came the huge enclosed play park. A great treat at the end of a lovely day. We enjoyed our picnic whilst the children leapt about nearby.