2025 Fairlie Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Located 35 km from downtown Glasgow, Scotland, Kelburn Castle is both a castle and a museum. In 2007, the descendants of the Boyle family invited Brazilian graffiti artists to complete the wall murals, which cost nearly £20,000 at the time. The castle is located on a small hill in a park, and the walls are very old, which complements the bright graffiti colors on the corner of the tower. It is a typical 16th-century Z-shaped tower castle, built in 1581. The tower is four stories high, rectangular in shape, with protruding round towers at both ends, and the whole is Z-shaped. It has undergone several internal renovations and external expansions in 1700, 1722, 1879, and 1890. Looking at the fairytale graffiti, I couldn't help but feel shocked. The fusion of classical architectural aesthetics and modern avant-garde art exudes an incredibly wonderful meaning. If the centuries-old family history is the reason that attracts local literature and history lovers, then the innovative street graffiti is what attracts us art followers from all over the world. The museum inside the castle. The museum was built in 1898 to house New Zealand handicrafts, which were brought back to Kelburn by David Boyle, the 7th Earl of Glasgow, after he ended his naval career in 1892. The items brought back also included Maori spears, kauri gum, and some wild bird specimens. It is also worth mentioning that the scenery of the small town around the castle is also very beautiful, with quiet paths and seaside at sunset. They are all places worth strolling leisurely.

Getting There - Train from Glasgow central to Fairlie Attractions - Fairlie trail, waterfall Fairlie is a small town in North Ayrshire. The train is heading to Largs. It’s the stop before Largs. It took us fifteen minutes from the trai station to the start point of the trail. Follow the path, you’ll see Fairlie castle and waterfall. If you go the opposite way, it will lead you to Kelburn castle and alpacas farm.

#timetotravel Kelburn Castle and Estate, located near Largs on the western coast of Scotland, is a delightful surprise blending history, art, and natural beauty. The first thing that struck me was the colorful graffiti adorning the exterior walls of the castle, which is a bold and creative way to preserve the structure while supporting contemporary art. Inside, I discovered a rich history dating back to the 13th century, with knowledgeable guides sharing tales of its past. The estate's sprawling grounds are a nature lover's paradise, featuring lush gardens, serene woodland walks, and picturesque waterfalls. The glen walk to the secret forest left me in awe of its enchanting beauty. Kelburn Castle and Estate is not just a historic site; it's a vibrant testament to the harmonious blend of old and new, where art and nature converge to create a truly unique and captivating experience.

Fairlie is a small town in west coast of Scotland. It took about 40min from Glasgow central to get there. If you wanna go for a wee escape, it is a good place to go because it is really quiet compared to other popular places in Scotland. You can go for a walk to Fairlie Castle or just walk along the sea coast with your friends, dogs or children. There’s Kelburn Castle and Estate nearby if you fancy to visit another castle.