Eglinton Country Park

Eglinton Country Park is located in the grounds of the old Eglinton Castle estate, Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, Scotland (map reference NS 3227 4220). Eglinton Park is situated in the parish of Kilwinning, part of the former district of Cunninghame, and covers an area of 400 hectares (98 acres (40 ha) of which are woodland). The central iconic feature of the country park is the ruined Eglinton Castle, once home to the Eglinton family and later the Montgomeries, Earls of Eglinton and chiefs of the Clan Montgomery. Eglinton Country Park is managed and maintained by North Ayrshire Council and its Ranger Service.

Eglinton is a one-hour drive from Glasgow, accessed via the M77 to Kilmarnock, followed by the A71 to Irvine, and then the A78(T) to Eglinton Junction on the outskirts of Kilwinning. It is a 30-minute walk from Kilwinning town centre along the banks of the River Garnock or by the A737 Irvine - Kilwinning road. A regular bus service also runs by the western entrance to the park. Eglinton is mostly a free facility, with no parking charges or entry fee; permits are required for fishing and horse riding; some facilities are charged for, such as the holiday cottage located next to the Racket Hall, the Visitor Facility Block and the use of the events fields.

In 2011 a new play area opened on the site of the old farm animal enclosures. This facility is the second largest in Ayrshire, designed for use by adults, adolescents, and younger children. The area includes equipment designed specifically for the disabled. A sensory garden is part of the complex, and musical instruments are part of the entertainment.

Eglinton has a number of established walks in woodlands, around the loch or through the Clement Wilson Gardens. Picnic areas are provided, a Visitor Centre, several children's play areas, bird watching facilities, etc. Car parking is available, with an overflow or auxiliary 'grass' car park. A dedicated bus park has spaces for 5 coaches. Touring caravan stands are located near the Visitor Facility Block close to the main Events Field.

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Wikipedia