Top 7 Castles around Girdle Toll And Bourtreehill
Castles around Girdle Toll And Bourtreehill offer a glimpse into centuries of Scottish history within North Ayrshire. The area features remnants of grand estates and medieval tower houses, set amidst public parks and woodlands. These sites provide historical context to the region's past, from Robert the Bruce to the Enlightenment. Visitors can explore these historical structures and their surrounding landscapes.
Best castles around Girdle Toll And Bourtreehill
- The most popular castles is Eglinton Castle Tower, a castle that consists…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Eglinton Castle Tower
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Dean Castle
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Ardrossan Castle Ruins
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Dundonald Castle Ruins
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View of Craigie Castle
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Popular around Girdle Toll And Bourtreehill
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Fascinating castle ruins with guided tours available bringing the history to life. Also the start/finish of The Smugglers Trail between Troon and Dundonald.
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Ardrossan Castle, built in four phases, sits high atop Castle Hill, with views of the surrounding coast and countryside. The original castle, built around the late 13th century mainly from grey sandstone, consisted of a simple rectangular shape approximately 70-foot square, with a forward projecting gatehouse which was both keep and main residential block with underground cellars, backed by a walled courtyard. The castle sat at a height of just 50 feet, due to the higher sea at the time, with the modern town of Ardrossan sitting on 'reclaimed' ground. In the early 14th century the gatehouse was rebuilt from the first floor up. Now consisting of three floors, a straight stairway built into the north wall, ran from the first floor to the battlement walk which had a turret at the north-west side of the castle. Following the death of Godfrey de Ardrossan in 1357, without a male heir, the lands of Ardrossan passed through marriage into the Eglinton family. About 1360, Elizabeth, sole heir of Sir Hew de Eglinton of Eglinton married Sir John Montgomerie of Eaglesham and the lands of both Eglinton and Ardrossan passed into the Montgomerie family. During the third phase, occurring in the mid to late 15th century, Ardrossan castle underwent an extensive rebuilt to improve both the living conditions and the castle defences. A large window was inserted in the western portion of the first floor looking northwards and an additional floor was added raising the height of the keep. A variety of buildings along with a chapel were built along the western and north-west curtain walls. A rectangular tower was added at the south-west corner and two long narrow slits, potentially gun ports, were inserted along the south wall. Little was changed during the final phase except for the original entrance to the keep being blocked up and a wide mouthed gun port being added. During the mid-17th century Ardrossan castle was destroyed, allegedly by Oliver Cromwell’s troops. The castle which had been a stronghold for centuries could not withstand artillery fire and was never rebuilt.
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Dundonald Castle is a fortified tower house built for Robert II on his accession to the throne of Scotland in 1371 and it was used as a royal residence by Robert II and his son Robert III.
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Standing on a ridge, Craigie Castle consists of the ruins of a 13th-century groin-vaulted hall house and later castle. The hall house was vaulted in the 15th century, and remodelled into a tower house with ranges of outbuildings. The castle had two courtyards, and was defended by ditches. The lands were held by a Walter Hose around 1150, but the original castle was probably built by the Lindsay family between 1230-40. The property was held by the Craigies when it passed by marriage to the Wallaces of Riccarton in 1371, who had Blind Harry collect together stories and compile a poem about William Wallace, the famous freedom fighter. William Wallace of Craigie is on record in 1464. The castle was abandoned about 1600 when the Wallaces moved to Newton upon Ayr (Newton Castle and Craigie House). Hugh Wallace of Craigie was made a baronet of Nova Scotia in 1669. The property passed by marriage to the Dunlops and was sold in 1783.
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Wonderful 14th-century castle located on the beautiful grounds of Dean Castle Country Garden.
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Remains of a magnificent gothic mansion in North Ayrshire. It's a perfect spot for a runaround or a picnic with lots of open green space.
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Magnificent 14th-century castle located in the heart of Kilmarnock.
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14th century castle ruins nestled in the hill side. Good visitors centre to check out as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Girdle Toll and Bourtreehill?
The area offers a mix of historical sites, from the impressive remnants of grand estates to medieval tower houses. You can find the ruins of a Gothic castellated mansion like Eglinton Castle Tower, a 14th-century castle like Dean Castle, and the ruins of a tower house such as Stanecastle.
What is the historical significance of Bourtreehill House?
Bourtreehill House, though now largely destroyed, has a history dating back to Robert the Bruce. The estate was home to influential figures and was a significant mansion during the Enlightenment. Today, visitors can explore the overgrown woodland and remnants of its outbuildings, which evoke its medieval origins and rich past. More information can be found on Wikipedia.
Can I visit Stanecastle, and what can I expect to see?
Stanecastle is a medieval tower house, first mentioned in 1363. While the interior is inaccessible, visitors can view the exterior of this historic keep, which retains an inscribed stone and 18th-century mock-Gothic arched windows. It's located in an overgrown public park, offering a tangible link to the medieval period. For more details, see Wikipedia.
What makes Eglinton Castle a notable site?
Eglinton Castle Tower is a prominent ruin within Eglinton Country Park. The current castle, built between 1797 and 1802, was a grand Gothic castellated mansion famous for hosting the lavish Eglinton Tournament in 1839. Today, it stands as a 'stabilised ruin' where you can explore its impressive remnants and imagine its past grandeur.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the area?
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Eglinton Castle Tower, located within Eglinton Country Park, offers plenty of open green space for children to run around. Dean Castle and Dundonald Castle Ruins are also listed as family-friendly options, often featuring visitor centers and grounds to explore.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Girdle Toll and Bourtreehill offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and cycling routes. For example, there are easy hikes like the 'Eglinton Country Park loop' and moderate cycling routes such as the 'Stanecastle Ruins – Robert Burns mural, Kilmarnock loop'. You can explore more options in the cycling guide and hiking guide for the region.
Are there walking trails around Eglinton Country Park?
Yes, Eglinton Country Park, home to Eglinton Castle Tower, features several walking trails. Options include easy loops like the 'Eglinton Country Park loop' (3.4 km) and the 'Eglinton Castle Tower – White Bridge loop' (4.6 km). These trails offer a chance to explore the park's natural beauty alongside the historical ruins. More details are available in the easy hikes guide.
Can I bring my dog to the castle sites?
While specific dog policies vary by site, country parks like Eglinton Country Park, where Eglinton Castle Tower is located, are generally dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check individual site regulations before visiting, especially for castle interiors or specific park areas.
What is special about <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/4405017" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dundonald Castle Ruins</a>?
Dundonald Castle Ruins are a 14th-century castle nestled in the hillside. It was built for Robert II and served as a royal residence for both Robert II and Robert III. The site often has a good visitor center and offers guided tours that bring its rich history to life.
Where can I find cafes or pubs near the castles?
While specific cafes and pubs directly adjacent to every castle ruin might be limited, larger sites like Eglinton Country Park often have facilities such as cafes. For a wider selection, you would typically find amenities in nearby towns like Irvine, Girdle Toll, or Bourtreehill, which are a short drive from most castle locations.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this region?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and the opportunity to explore the remnants of magnificent structures. The blend of history with natural settings, such as the open green spaces around Eglinton Castle Tower, makes for a great day out. The community has shared 13 photos and given 34 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and historical interest of these sites.
Is there parking available at these castle sites?
Parking facilities are generally available at the more developed sites. For instance, Eglinton Country Park, which hosts Eglinton Castle Tower, has dedicated parking areas. For smaller, more ruinous sites like Stanecastle, parking might be available in nearby public areas or on-street. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
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