I like castles. Visiting old, ancient ruins. Learning a bit of history. And wondering how on earth they kept warm. (Does anyone else think they’re too soft to have lived in the middle ages?!)
I also like street art. If you follow me on instagram (or saw my Barcelona post), you ‘might’ know that already.
So… a graffiti castle… well, how darn cool is that?
And in Scotland too!
Kelburn Castle is one of the oldest in Scotland… and the only one to have been given a makeover by four Brazillian grafitti artists.
It’s also possibly the cheeriest looking castle I’ve ever seen! How adorable is that sun for example?
Though I really couldn’t decide whether certain bits were cool, creepy or both!
And with so many details you could stand there all day… yes that girl has a squirrel on her head and a kitten hanging from her sock. (Just your average day there then.)
Turns out there was more to Kelburn Castle than graffiti… there was a rickety bridge over a waterfall…
And a leafy valley that was like something from Jurrasic Park!
It was here we decided to have a bit of a photo off… one of our new things since I got the other half his La Sardina camera.
And I think I can admit that he won with this shot. How ‘Lost World’ does this look?!
On the grounds, there’s also a maze. It’s one of those things that kids probably love but it freaked the heck out of me.
Yes, I see tiny little houses, all alone, set in the woods – and think horror movie thoughts!
Apparently there was a narrow tunnel you could crawl through to get into this… Yes, I thought it was too spooky to do that!
Oh and there were some creepy caves too… definitely like something from Lord of the Rings!
And then… well, then there were these guys. Chickens I think. (These piles of feathers are chickens right?)
And a goose that seemed intent on having a nibble of my other half’s boot…
And a whole lot of owls. Quite an easy spot the difference this one!
And there was cake and tea too – but we did the un-bloggy thing and just ate it, instead of taking pictures. (Yes, it does happen some times.)
Then there was just time for one more look at the castle… I do think it would take you hours to take this all in!
And then it was time to go home… well, with a little trip to Glasgow Ikea on the way. Which might have broken the spell somewhat really!
Amazing place! If I wasn’t already married I’d be like ‘hello ridunkulously cool wedding venue’!! 😉
Ha ha, yeah, that might have crossed my mind too! x
Conversation Pieces recently posted..A rather cool day trip… to Scotland’s graffiti castle
Where is this?! I’m sooooo going to have to go!!
It’s past Glasgow… so nearer from Glasgow than it is from Edinburgh. A least a few hours drive really. (There’s directions here: http://www.kelburnestate.com/visit/location_directions as I wouldn’t trust mine!)
I’ve never heard of this place but it’s on my list of places to go now – how cool! Thanks for posting!
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You’re welcome Chiara, it’s definitely one to check out! x
Woah! Is this for real?? Looks like a good photoshop job to me! 😉
And another thing little lady, those cheekbones of yours!
Ooh this looks so cool! I’m hoping to plan a trip to Scotland soon actually (a surprise for our wedding anniversary) so whilst this castle might not be in the right area, I may have to ask you for some other cool recs!
Also, the previous post of you and your home is so. beautiful. You are wonderful in front of the camera! Also, I want your flat 😉
Aww thanks Laura (don’t think anyone has ever said that about me and the camera before!!) And yes ask away on tips – great anniversary location I might add too! 😉 x
Oh my, how much fun is that? I love street art too, that’s going straight on my Pinterest board!
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Wow! What a fancy castle, another place I’d love to visit in Scotland along with the wild west street you featured way back! You sure know how to find different places 🙂
Wow this place is super cool 🙂 It is on our to go list of places now, I am also crazy obsessed with graffiti and castles are just magical.
I have also wondered how they survived the cold. And the darkness !
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LOVE. You find the best places! Obviously, I think the squirrel is the best. Fab post as always! Fave blog and homegrown to boot!
You know, I totally thought of you when I saw the squirrel! 😉 (And thank you!) x
Omg, it’s amazing! I love the way they’ve used architectural features in the graffiti like the way the top of the turret looks like a hat.
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Ooh. I love castles. Why have I never heard of it? It’s going on my places to visit when we get ourselves a car next year. Great photos Zoe x
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Totally love that castle, hopefully I’ll get the chance to visit it sometime!! x
A really well thought out attraction x
Lucy Cameron recently posted..Sad day, pretty photos!! 8th of October 2012
This is AMAZING! would love to visit that castle!!! Looks brilliant! And the owls are fantastic! Btw are your flats from Zara and have little skulls on them? ^^
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This is right by where I grew up (Largs) – we had so many school trips and days out here! I’ve not been in years and years – it’s so strange seeing it covered in graffiti! Will need to go next time I’m over visiting my parents! Hope you stopped off at Nardini’s in Largs for ice cream – it’s an ice cream mecca!!
This place is so cool! Things I like: the giant eye, the fluffy chickens, the Jurassic Park-esque photo of you, the OWLS! Things I don’t like: mazes (since reading Goblet of Fire!).
Ahh, I love this place, it’s down my neck of the woods! They often run festivals too where you can pitch a tent and spend the night dancing amongst the trees which are all lit up with fairy lights. 🙂 x
Um wow!!! I need to go here, though I am glad you took a film camera, it looks like the perfect place to take photos 🙂
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He definitely won with that shot of you! Breathtaking! And a graffiti castle? I’ll have to go there one of these days!
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I am *definitely* too soft to have survived the middle ages.
This place looks amazing, and the Lost World photo is great.
Sarah Rooftops recently posted..Why I Think Festivals Hate Me
That place looks SO COOL
Unfortunately, the way the paint was applied is damaging the surface of the castle and all the graffiti has to be removed. I do think it looks marvellous, but it does irk me a little that it was allowed by Historic Scotland. They won’t even let us put in double glazing in our house *grrr* 😀 Love the startled looking owl carving!!!!
Ali x
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This makes me feel like I am 8. Many of our school trips were to Kelburn, so both cattle and park hold fond memories for me!
wow, what an amazing place! Mazes freak me out too. I remember wandering around one in Barcelona and even though it was super sunny and hot I was a bit scared there would be something creepy waiting for me in the middle 🙂 x
That is so cool – it reminds me of the painted house in Brockley which I used to be scared of!
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I am in love with this castle. My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw it! if you love street art then you might like my blog interview with Paris (coldplays graffiti artist) –
Really enjoyed reading your post. Great images x
What a great place! Love it! 😀
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