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Clocktower - Culzean Castle, Maybole

Guest Rating
Rating
4.8
out of 5
South West Scotland » Maybole
Sleeps up to 6
Bedrooms: 4

Clocktower - Culzean Castle is a truly remarkable self-catering property set within the grounds of the historic Culzean Castle Estate in Ayrshire, Scotland. This is not your average lodge holiday you're staying inside a converted clocktower on a National Trust for Scotland estate, right on the Ayrshire coast.

The estate sits above the Firth of Clyde with sweeping coastal views. You can walk the estate grounds, explore the walled garden and take in the clifftop scenery. The surrounding South Ayrshire countryside offers beaches, woodland trails and easy access to several towns.

The accommodation at Clocktower - Culzean Castle is a characterful self-catering property sleeping multiple guests.

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About Clocktower - Culzean Castle

Clocktower - Culzean Castle is a truly remarkable self-catering property set within the grounds of the historic Culzean Castle Estate in Ayrshire, Scotland. This is not your average lodge holiday you're staying inside a converted clocktower on a National Trust for Scotland estate, right on the Ayrshire coast.

The estate sits above the Firth of Clyde with sweeping coastal views. You can walk the estate grounds, explore the walled garden and take in the clifftop scenery. The surrounding South Ayrshire countryside offers beaches, woodland trails and easy access to several towns.

The accommodation at Clocktower - Culzean Castle is a characterful self-catering property sleeping multiple guests. Specific lodge names and sleeping capacities should be confirmed directly, as details vary by unit available on the estate.

Nearby attractions include Culzean Castle itself (on-site), Turnberry Golf Course (6 miles), Ayr town centre (12 miles, 20 minutes) and Electric Brae optical illusion road (4 miles, 8 minutes).

This is ideal for families and couples who want a genuinely special stay on a world-class Scottish estate. Clocktower - Culzean Castle delivers history, coastal scenery and outstanding walking all from your front door.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Clocktower

Culzean Castle Estate grounds

Stay within the grounds of Culzean Castle Estate with direct access to woodland walks and clifftop coastal paths on your doorstep.

Coastal views over the Firth of Clyde

The estate sits above the Ayrshire coastline with outstanding views across the Firth of Clyde towards Arran and Ailsa Craig.

Unique converted clocktower property

This is a genuinely one-off stay inside a converted clocktower building far removed from a standard holiday lodge experience.

National Trust for Scotland estate

Guests get access to the wider Culzean Castle Estate including the walled garden, swan pond and miles of estate trails.

Ayrshire location close to Ayr

Ayr town centre is around 12 miles away offering shops, restaurants and the famous Ayr Racecourse within easy driving distance.

Peaceful and private setting

Set within a large working estate, the property offers a level of peace and privacy that standard holiday parks simply cannot match.

Getting To Clocktower

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Clocktower - Culzean Castle by car, take the A77 south from Ayr and follow the signs towards Culzean Castle near Maybole. The estate entrance is well signposted and parking is available on site within the grounds.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Maybole, approximately 4 miles from the estate, with regular services from Ayr and Glasgow. From Maybole station a short taxi ride will take you directly to the Culzean Castle Estate entrance.

On-site estate parking available
Maybole station (approx 4 miles)
Accessible via the A77 south of Ayr

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Culzean Castle & Country Park
Distance: On-site
KA19 8LE
Crossraguel Abbey
Distance: 4 miles (8 mins)
KA19 8HQ
Electric Brae (optical illusion road)
Distance: 4 miles (8 mins)
KA19 8JN
Culzean Castle Clifftop Trail
Distance: On-site
KA19 8LE
Dunure Village Coastal Walk
Distance: 6 miles (12 mins)
KA7 4LH
Maybole Castle Trail
Distance: 4 miles (8 mins)
KA19 7BX
Ayr Town Centre
Distance: 12 miles (20 mins)
KA7 1UT
Maybole High Street
Distance: 4 miles (8 mins)
KA19 7BX
Girvan Town Centre
Distance: 14 miles (22 mins)
KA26 9AE
Ayr Bus & Rail Station
Distance: 12 miles (20 mins)
KA8 8AB
Maybole Train Station
Distance: 4 miles (8 mins)
KA19 7BX
A77 Main Road (Ayr to Stranraer)
Distance: 2 miles (5 mins)
KA19 8JN
Culzean Castle & Country Park
Distance: On-site
KA19 8LE
Crossraguel Abbey
Distance: 4 miles (8 mins)
KA19 8HQ
Electric Brae (optical illusion road)
Distance: 4 miles (8 mins)
KA19 8JN
Culzean Castle Clifftop Trail
Distance: On-site
KA19 8LE
Dunure Village Coastal Walk
Distance: 6 miles (12 mins)
KA7 4LH
Maybole Castle Trail
Distance: 4 miles (8 mins)
KA19 7BX
Ayr Town Centre
Distance: 12 miles (20 mins)
KA7 1UT
Maybole High Street
Distance: 4 miles (8 mins)
KA19 7BX
Girvan Town Centre
Distance: 14 miles (22 mins)
KA26 9AE
Ayr Bus & Rail Station
Distance: 12 miles (20 mins)
KA8 8AB
Maybole Train Station
Distance: 4 miles (8 mins)
KA19 7BX
A77 Main Road (Ayr to Stranraer)
Distance: 2 miles (5 mins)
KA19 8JN

Is Clocktower Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The Culzean Castle Estate is excellent for children. The country park covers 260 acres with woodland trails, a walled garden, swan pond and adventure playground. The castle visitor centre offers hands-on history. Beaches at Maidens and Dunure are just a short drive away for rock pooling and open space.
Pet Friendly
Pet policy at Clocktower - Culzean Castle should be confirmed directly before booking. The Culzean Castle Estate grounds offer extensive walking across 260 acres of woodland, coastal paths and open parkland which would suit dogs very well. Always verify pet acceptance with the operator in advance.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Clocktower

The Eisenhower Restaurant at Culzean Castle

Located On-site from your accommodation.

Postcode: KA19 8LE

The Harbour Inn Dunure

Located 6 miles (12 mins) from your accommodation.

Postcode: KA7 4LH

Wildings Restaurant Maidens

Located 5 miles (10 mins) from your accommodation.

Postcode: KA26 9NW

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Clocktower

Does this lodge have a hot tub?
No, Clocktower - Culzean Castle does not have a hot tub. Guests looking specifically for a hot tub property should check alternative lodges before booking.
Is it pet friendly?
Pet policy details for Clocktower - Culzean Castle should be confirmed directly with the operator before booking. The estate grounds do offer excellent walking which many dog owners find very appealing.
Where exactly is Clocktower - Culzean Castle located?
The property is located within the Culzean Castle Estate in South Ayrshire, Scotland, with the postcode KA19 8LE. It sits on the Ayrshire coast overlooking the Firth of Clyde.
What type of property is this?
This is a self-catering property converted from the clocktower building within the historic Culzean Castle Estate. It is managed by the National Trust for Scotland.
Can guests access Culzean Castle itself?
The property sits within the Culzean Castle Estate grounds and guests can explore the wider estate. Access to the castle interior may require a separate National Trust for Scotland admission.
What is there to do nearby?
South Ayrshire offers golf at Turnberry, beaches at Maidens and Dunure, the town of Ayr with its racecourse and shopping and the Electric Brae optical illusion road just a few miles away.
How do I get to Clocktower - Culzean Castle by car?
The estate is accessible via the A77 south of Ayr, turning off towards Maybole and following signs for Culzean Castle. Parking is available on the estate.
Is this suitable for families with children?
The estate grounds offer plenty of space for children to explore including woodland trails, a walled garden and coastal paths. The castle visitor centre also provides educational and engaging activities for younger guests.

Clocktower - Culzean Castle Reviews

George
We loved our stay in the Clocktower. The location of this property was right across from the castle, so you can see it from the windows. The amenities inside the property were excellent and we made good use of the private garden. Exploring the grounds after hours was magical. We will definitely be back.
The location is ideal, it was a no car week that was perfect. It is recently refurbished with expensive window coverings, however.. .. The details are ambiguousexamplethe walled garden is not accessible from the accommodation. There is now no longer a snug but an additional bedroom that suffers from noise from the bathroom and kitchen water plumbing noise...sleepless nights if there are many of you. There are noxious scented oils in 2 rooms that should be removedthe chemical smell is in all the furnishings and causes headaches. The lovely Denby crockery is too large to easily fit in the dishwasher, so hand washing is advised. For 6 people, only one toiletbathroom and one extra TP roll for the one week stay is laughable. I think for the very high price this needs to be improved, especially if you want returning guests.
It was beautiful, peaceful, perfect for a week away. We enjoyed all the multiple walking trails, the castle visit, the farm shop food, everything was amazing.
A magical stay in a truly fabulous location. I grew up in Ayr and visiting Culzean Castle as a child was always a special treat. To actually get to stay there at the beautiful Clocktower was simply wonderful. Opening the curtains in the morning to view the castle in all its splendour on the other side of the courtyard, simply breathtaking.
It was amazing. There were a few spiders. We love this place so much and hope to come back.
Jacqueline
Can't recommend the Clocktower at Culzean highly enough. This was our second time staying here and it was every bit as good as the first. no complaints whatsoever.
This is a mixed bag. The grounds are so beautiful. One of the most beautiful one we ever stayed. We enjoyed walks and also visiting many castles around. Unfortunatelly the stay was not very comfy. Living room was so cold! The only bathroom is downstairs, but all bedrooms upstairs. In fact the only warm room downstairs is Child play room... Why it is not a bedroom? Also shower has very low pressure... It is an amazing property, but having better window isolation especially in living room and one bedroom downstairs would change the overal experience a lot!
We absolutely loved our stay at the Clocktower, the apartment was much bigger than expected and the views were breathtaking. All the staff was exceptionally helpful and kind, and we really enjoyed our tour of the castle and took numerous walks on the grounds. We only recommend two minor details to be changed the pots and pans in the kitchen were still dirty, and the living room was a bit cold compared to the other rooms either a complimentary first kit of wood for the wood burner could be supplied or at least a recommendation of where to buy one we didnt find it in the shop on the property.
Such a lovely place to stay! Location is excellent and it was great to explore the grounds of Culzean castle each evening when everyone else had gone home. House very clean and well maintained. Very comfy beds! Only improvements would be black out blinds especially in the bunk room and a more powerful shower. Would happily stay here again!
Gwyneth
The cottage was wonderful in every way. Spacious, well equipped, and in a fantastic setting, overlooking the Castle. The perfect base for exploring the Castle and Country Park and coastline. It even had a lovely little garden to relax in.
Eileen
Beautiful setting. However, an absolute farce one of the nights we stayed as the castle fire alarm went off twice. Once just before midnight and again at 245am. This alarm was the most horrible sound and extremely loud from the accommodation. In both instances, the alarm rang continuously for approximately 45 minutes. Also, on both occasions, two fire engines arrived with continious blue flashing lights that lit up the accommodation like a disco. The lights were not switched off. The fire engines were left waiting for some time, until a member of staff eventually appeared with a key to the castle. The next morning, I called to try and speak to a member of staff at Culzean. Despite leaving a message and trying several times, nobody ever got back to me. This was so very disappointing, especially when paying a premium price to stay in unique accommodation. It was most difficult to settle on the following nights, as we were worried that the same situation would arise again. Would not return or recommend staying here.
Well equipped, clean and excellent location. Access to the garden was a problem as the gate did not open, but otherwise the Clocktower provided excellent accommodation for our family visit to Culzean.
Kenneth
We loved every minute. A childhood dream come true to stay at the castle and have the grounds all to ourselves in the evening. Will be back.
Robert
This is the third Sykes apartment that I have rented at Culzean in the past year and this one is every bit as good as the others, the living room is large and airy and has a nice view of the surrounding area. The rooms and furniture are in excellent condition, the kitchen is large and well equipped. There is however a couple of things to note, the apartment may not be suitable for someone with mobility issues as all three bedrooms are upstairs and are reached by a small stairway, the other thing is that the apartment isn't in the actual clock tower the one over the archway but is to the right of it in a smaller tower not that it made any difference, you still got a good view of the castle from the bedroom I was in. The whole experience was great and you've got the added bonus of the location...the Culzean estate, and that won't disappoint.
The house was lovely and was very well equipped. The Snug was a very nice extra inside and having the private garden was wonderful. We spent most of our time inside the estate as, apart from the castle, there were so many things to do and see eg the the deer and the llamas, the Walled Garden, the Swan Lake, lovely walks etc. The Home Farm restaurant, the Aviary and the Art Shop were super. We had an excellent week's holiday at the Clock Tower.
We had the most wonderful week at the Clocktower, despite the storms! Its an incredible property for exploring with children and they were thrilled with the playgrounds, castle, beach, deer and walks. The apartment was very comfortable and wellequipped. It would be even more spectacular if it had more sympathetic art eg black and white etchings of Culzean and less modern furniture, but thats a minor point! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and are recommending it to everyone.
Definitely one of the best family holidays weve ever had. The adventure playground is amazing, house was so close to the beach, castle just across the courtyard and super private garden too. All the staff were really friendly and helpful, made us feel so welcome. It was a treat to have the grounds to explore in early morning and evening when public have left! The bedroom with bunk beds had no blind over the velux window, making it tricky for children to sleep at night.
Richard
The apartment was great for a family of 5, very spacious and clean, we would stay here again. The only issue was the wifi was a bit hit and miss.
Matthew
We had a very nice stay at the Clock Tower, it had everything we needed and was nice and warm. The location is fantastic and it is nice to be able to walk around the estate when everybody has gone home.
There was no outside light and as the courtyard is enclosed it was difficult to see when retuning after dark.
Claire
This is a wonderful place to stay! The location is amazing, the gardens and views outstanding and the staff extremely helpful. It's the perfect place to relax, recharge and get a complete break.
Harald
Extremely nice place to stay and we would love to come back for another stay in the future. However the kitchen equipment could be improved with more and bigger pots and pans and maybe a blender, too. In the bunk bed room a blind on the velux would be great to prevent waking up early in your holiday.
The Clocktower cottage was beautiful and comfortable our whole family loved it!
Kathryn
What a special property! The view from every window was spectacular and it was such a treat to be able to wander around the beautiful grounds in peace before the castle opened each day. The cottage was very comfortably furnished and had every convenience we required. This was an important holiday for us as I was diagnosed with stage four cancer last year, so have spent much of the time since preparingrecovering from two surgeries and chemo. Im hopefully in a period of recovery now so we wanted to go away as a family for a few days to draw a line under the last year and start fresh. This was the perfect place to reset and my family and I will always cherish the special memories we made here. Thank you.
Great location very comfortable apartment.
Tracey
We loved out stay in The Clocktower. Garden amazing and lovely sea view. Small point but the stair carpet is very slippy ! Other half slipped on way downstairs so would be better with a carpet that is rough. The downstairs snug would make an excellent downstairs bedroom particularly for elderly who may struggle with stairs swap as snug in upstairs bunk room as that window not great as sun shone through very early morning or could do with electric velux blind. All in all loved the cottage. Definitely would stay again
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