📌 Kilwinning, North Ayrshire
★★
Eglinton Castle is the fragmented centrepiece to this park straddling the Lugton Water near Kilwinning, and its ruins the most tangible reminder of the large estate once belonging to the Earls of Eglinton. In 1839 the 13th earl hosted the Eglinton Tournament here celebrating Queen Victoria’s coronation. This was one of the most lavish events the country had ever seen, re-enacting a medieval joust with 100,000 spectators attending. This being Scotland, torrential August rain marred the spectacle and scant evidence of the tournament remains. There’s plenty else to see here if you live in the area though, with woodland, parkland and lochside walks linking the visitor centre, castle and various hidden-away buildings. Print out a map from the park website to get the best out of your visit, as signposting is limited.
🌍 Location
📌 Access from A78 / A737 junction 1 mi south of Kilwinning town centre. Visitor centre is at:
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NS 319419
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.641771,-4.671702
🚌 Irvine Road (A737) at west edge of park
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Always open
🎫 Free
