We walked to Dundonald Castle from Troon along the Smugglers trail (see other review) and we had a brilliant afternoon.
We had lunch at the visitors centre, small but perfectly... read more formed - half cafe/community space and half museum. Delicious soup, lovely home maded toffee cake and fantastic coffee.
While we ate, the local scrabble club were playing and it was good to see the space being widely used but we will never know if the lady opposite us got 'Zebra' down on to a triple word......
Then it was in to the small museum - just the right amount of information, well presented, and with lots for children to do including dressing up.
Finally off up the hill to meet with guide Dave at the castle - and he was truly guide-tastic! He brought the whole castle to life with a brilliant tour - there was nothing he did not know about it all and one of the fun things was trying to work out the bits of the castle where there was still a mystery. We went up on the roof, in to the banqueting hall and down to the pit and in the space of an hour we had received a brilliant re-telling of Scottish history - thank you Dave!
So all in all Dundonald castle is one of those great experiences where it could actually be quite disappointing, but because everyone involved is doing the best they possibly can then it really works. A great afternoon out and highly recommended. Plenty of parking and good bus links to Troon, Ayr etc.
Cost was £6 entry to the castle - make sure a tour guide is on duty as that is what really brought it all to life.

  Worth a detour from Glasgow or Alloway, this striking castle overlooks a pretty village. The local guide was very informative and the little tea room is a charming village... read more hub.

Brisk and breezy on our visit, we enjoyed the setting as much as the castle building itself. Wrap up warm in cold weather, so that you can make the most of your visit. National Trust card accepted.

  Dundonald Castle was the last place I'd visited during my little trip around Scotland on that cloudy and cold morning. I get there by local bus from Kilmarnock. The place... read more where Stewart dynasty was coming from is located to the south - west of Kilmarnock. Based on finds of archaeological excavations one can tell that the hill where remains of the castle can be found was occupied since Neolithic times. Before the first of medieval castles was even built, the Iron Age fort stood in this place. Steward of David I, King of Scots probably erected first of the castles around year 1136. The second one, built there in late 13th century by Alexander Stewart was utterly destroyed during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Third castle was constructed in 1371 on the order of Robert Stewart, and was probably built in order to mark his accession to the Scottish throne as a Robert II. In 16th century castle had passed to the family of Wallces who used some of the materials robbed from the castle to build the residence in nearby Craigie. By 17th century ruined Dundonald Castle was abandoned. Of once bustling royal and baronial residence massive keep survived, where impressive vaulting still can be seen. Of curtain wall and ancillary buildings only remains of foundations left. In fair weather there must be beautiful view at surroundings from the upper storey of the keep. Again, I had a chance to learn about castle's history from very nice staff member. Interestingly enough, castle is not only romantic ruin, as the wedding ceremonies and other activities taking a place there. It's good to see that the place is pretty alive despite of its condition. Castle is open all year round apart from Christmas and New Year's Eve. I'm not sure about Easter, guess, it's better to check castle's website before going there around that time. Also, there were some renovation works under way but castle was open for visitors anyway. Below the hill there's small visitor centre with souvenir shop and cafe where one can treat oneself with strong coffee and home made pastry. I couldn't resist from having tasting it, and I have to say that was very tasty beginning of the day.

  Was unexpectedly pleased with visit as there was more to see than first reaction on seeing castle. It had quite a walk uphill to get tot top but the view... read more was great. Then when you went inside so much more to see & understand. Most interesting. A good one for children to explore but not for those who don't like heights or have trouble climbing.