Culzean Beach

This lovely, secluded beach nestles under spectacular Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire coastline. The beach at Culzean is made up of sand and rocks and is backed by areas of dense woodland and cliffs. 

This is a good place to come rockpooling at low tide.  There are some interesting sea caves along this stretch of the coast, and although these are usually closed off, they are occasionally open for tours during the summer season.

The beach lies within Culzean Country Park, which is popular with walkers.  A natural harbour can be found here and the shoreline is peppered with a number of historic buildings including a powder-house, a boathouse and a former cannon battery. 
There are views over the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre Peninsula.  On a clear day it might even be possible to make out the Northern Irish coastline.

18th century Culzean Castle was once home to the Marquis of Ailsa, chief of the Clan Kennedy.  Today it is owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland, and is open to visitors during the summer season. The opulent estate has a deer park, formal gardens, a glasshouse for growing exotic fruit and a Swan Pond.  There are a number of signposted trails in the country park.

A restaurant, café, kiosk and toilets can all be found at the castle.