Lochranza Castle is the remains of an L-plan tower house, renovated in the 16th century, with significant elements dating back to a 13th or 14th-century hall house. Initially owned by the MacSweens, it served as a hunting lodge for the kings of Scots. The primary block comprises three storeys and an attic, while the wing extends two levels higher, topped by a watchtower. Lochranza Castle is a unique structure, incorporating a rare hall-house from the 1200s, with its origins dating back to the 13th century. Notably, Lochranza Castle inspired the castle depicted in The Adventures of Tintin comic, The Black Island, during its English translation in the 1960s when the drawings underwent modernization. The castle offers free admission to visitors.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Famous Place
• Castle.
3 Best Landmarks in North Ayrshire, UK
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LOCHRANZA CASTLE REVIEWS
Lochranza is a beautiful place and the castle stands proudly alongside a stunning bay. It makes a perfect quick stop off being only meters from the road with room to park. There are also picnic benches available to use overlooking the bay. Access to the outside of the castle is wheelchair friendly along a tarmac path. The castle itself was barriered off when I visited due to unstable stonework so I couldn't go inside, but there were information boards to read and the quiet peaceful setting early morning was a still a wonderful experience.
The castle dates from the 13th century. it is situated on the north of the island within beautiful surroundings including the beautiful loch. A delightful place to visit. There are many plaques inside and out depicting of what was where. We loved visiting this area. The weather was perfect and in the late afternoon, we saw many deer and stags in this area. One time, there were young stags on the beach at Lochranza Lochranza is surrounded on three sides by mountains. It is a fabulous place.
A beautiful castle located in a stunning setting. Gorgeous views from every angle and only a stone's throw from the ferry terminal. Most visitors to Arran seem to arrive at Brodick but if you can, arrive at Lochranza, and you'll spot this castle straight away. I want able to enter the castle on the day I visited but that didn't matter, it was well worth the visit.
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Kilwinning Abbey is one of Scotland's significant Borders abbeys, established to house colonizing monks and share close ties with Kelso Abbey. Founded in the late 1100s, Kilwinning Abbey enjoyed a peaceful existence during its 400-year tenure. Despite being 'cast down' after the Protestant Reformation of 1560, its magnificent south transept still stands almost to its full height today. As a visitor site, Kilwinning Abbey offers a wealth of local interest items, including information boards detailing the history of the medieval abbey and the poet Robert Service. The tower, equipped with an information board, further enriches the visitor experience by delving into the history of the medieval abbey and the poet Robert Service. Free car parking is available, and the abbey extends a welcoming offer of free entrance to all visitors.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Tourist Attraction.
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KILWINNING ABBEY REVIEWS
A hidden gem in Kilwinning. Built originally in 1560 the old church ruins still stand. Interesting stories scattered throughout. Clock tower operates - Old cemetery grounds are small but intriguing. The newer Church still operates today - some say that the Holy Grail is buried here.
Interesting well maintained historical ruin. The staff are friendly helpful and knowledgeable about the Abbey, the surrounding area and its socal social history. The Abbey is so easy to find but many people myself included drive by, I would say if you are interested in local and national history do give it a visit.
Surprisingly large site, with lots of useful information plaques. There is a free car park with about 10 spaces and entrance to the site is also free. On easter weekend they open up the building and let you have a look around.
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Ardrossan Castle features a vaulted range housing a kitchen and cellars. Positioned at a lower level than the vault, a small rectangular block on the southeast comprises two compartments, with internal walls reaching a maximum height of 1.5m and a thickness of 1.2m. This site offers panoramic views of Ardrossan and is recognized as a national archaeological monument and a renowned historical structure. Situated on a detached rock point, the castle is separated from the central peninsula by a ditch approximately 100ft across, which has been artificially deepened with a stone revetment—now mostly concealed beneath a contemporary rubbish dump. The partly filled-in gully on the north side suggests a potential defensive ditch.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Historical Place.
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ARDROSSAN CASTLE REVIEWS
The gate was open for us to view the castle which was great to see the ruins of history. The entrances to the castle itself has been closed off. Still great 360? views when inside the grounds as per pictures.
Car park up top of wee road short walk up the hill over grass to the ruin information boards give u plenty of info about the castle.
Interesting ruined castle on very attractive parkland. Picnic tables and childrens playpark. Excellent views of Arran and beyond.
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