Where is it?

Kelburn Castle and Country Park can be found just a 50 minute drive from Glasgow city centre, just outside of Largs. Simply hop on the M8 and follow to A760 in Renfrewshire and then continue on until Irvine Road or A78 in Largs. Otherwise, there are frequent train and bus services, leaving from Glasgow Central Station and Buchanan Bus Station. However, the journey does take slightly longer - between an hour and an hour and a half - and you will be required to change half way.

What is there to do?

The Kelburn estate has something for all the family. From nature lovers to history lovers, adventure seekers to relaxation dreamers - everyone can be kept entertained at this destination. During the peak season, from April to November, the park is open daily from 10am to 6pm with tickets costing £8.50 for adults, £6.50 for children or concessions and £28 for families.

Based around the 13th century castle, which is still the private home of the Earl of his Glasgow and his family to this day, visitors are allowed to take a sneak peak into their lavish lifestyle as they take a guided tour through the historic building. The tours cost £2 per person in addition to the entry fees to the estate and book up quickly as they are only offered from July through to September. And when you're finished with the inside, you cannot miss the incredible artwork which sprawls the castle walls. The graffiti project, which was designed to add some vibrancy to the estate, has been named on of the top 10 examples of street art by author and designer Tristan Manco.

There are also a number of different walks, including the The Countess Walk and Upper Estate Road and The Short Glen Walk, where guests can take in the beauty of their surroundings. The walk's are designed to cater to the needs of every walker and their abilities with a handy guide featured on the Kelburn estate website.

For the kids, the estate promises hours of fun. The famous Secret Forest is filled with complex woodpaths and raised walkways which will lead youngsters to discover hidden gems throughout the country park, including a grotto. There is also an Adventure Course where the most daring of children can take on the challenging trail of high walkways, rope swings and the fortress-style Wild West Saloon and for younger kids there's the Playbarn, which features a softplay maze of tunnels, slides and dens.

Guests can also take some time to be introduced to a bunch of furry and feathered creatures who call Kelburn home, including rabbits, goats, owls and even an alpaca, at the famous Pet's Corner. Before taking a trip to the unmissable Waterfall Pool, set in a spectacular sandstone grotto.

And this year, the estate boasts a brand new attraction - a biking trail. The new Kelburn Bike Park, which opened in June, features an impressive red mountain biking downhill trail. Families can get on their bikes for £28, whereas adults cost £8.50 and it's £6.50 for a child of concession. However, tickets to the biking park are also valid for the country centre and Kelburn's other activities.

If you get too tired walking around the sprawling 3,500 acre ground, not to worry as you can always hop on a horse. Home to one of the largest riding centres in the West of Scotland, Kelburn offers budding riders everything from paddock rides to lessons, while enjoying the stunning views over the Firth of Clyde.

And when the day is done, the fun doesn't have to stop as the estate also promises an array of accommodation. While you can't stay inside the castle unless you're there for an event, such as a wedding, you can still spend the night in the famous grounds. The estate offers bell tents for hire from £40 for two people for a minimum of a two night stay, which includes free entry into the park. Guests can also bring their own home away from home to the estate, with fees for one to four person tents at just £10 or £15 for more than 5 people. Caravan's are also able to park up for just £10 and if prefer to be a little more glamorous, you can go glamping at one of the venue's luxury tents with prices at £55 per night for two people with a minimum two night stay.

Anywhere to eat?

The estate is home to a fantastic cafe, open from 10am to 6pm daily throughout the high season and the weekends in the winter. The fully-licensed eatery serves a range of delicious home cooked meals as well as hot drinks and snacks. There are plenty of sweet treats on offer too, with an array of cakes and ice creams available for those sunny days.

Anything else I should know?

This weekend, Kelburn is playing host to a very special event. The Bat Box Weekend will allow visitors to delve into the wonderful world of bats and learn all about the lives of the mysterious creatures through an educational programme.

Contact Details

For train times, visit www.scotrail.co.uk or call 0344 811 0141.

For bus times, visit www.spt.co.uk or call Buchana Bus Station on 0141 333 3708.

For information regarding the park itself, visit www.kelburnestate.com or call 01475 568 685.