Little Cumbrae Castle

Little Cumbrae, United Kingdom

Little Cumbrae Castle sits on a small tidal island, situated off the east coast of Little Cumbrae, in the Firth of Clyde. The present small square castle of Little or Lesser Cumbrae was built by Lord Eglinton in the 16th century, possibly as a base to prevent deer and rabbit poaching. 

The vaulted great hall was on the first floor, together with the kitchen, which were modern by the standards of the day. The entrance was via the first floor, an entrance to the ground floor being an apparent afterthought. The castle had two vaulted cellars. The tower had a typical continuous course of chequered corbelling and round angle turrets at three of the four corners.

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Founded: 16th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Vivian Staffen (2 years ago)
This was a great place to visit, we spent 3 hours on the island and it was great!! Bring a packed lunch and a good pair of hiking shoes.
Moonshadow Of Kip (2 years ago)
Didn't actually enter the castle as it's signposted "No Access" but the rest of the settlement and the island is fascinating
Terence n Griffiths (2 years ago)
I used to live in the big house and the island was private for many years which we opened for all to see there are many things on the island from karns viking grave sites to a saints stone and ancient monuments the island was previously owned by a Mr kay and before tate and lyle Mr lyle private for over 80yrs then private by its next owner a Mr kay who built the big barn on the island just down from the big house next to is a bungalow next a cottage with a bothy on the side and then 6 dog kennels with iron rails on the pens then the old coach house and stables then the big barn and on the west of the island is a lighthouse with the old masters house and keeps house joined to it with about 8 sheds in the compound and just outside the compound is the generator shed with two massive Rolls Royce Engines to power the old crane and fuel pumps and lighthouse and the big house on the island really loved living on here there was only 4 people living on there it is now a spiritual retreat
Harry Bean (3 years ago)
Well preserved 17th century castle. Not fenced off at all so you can go down into the dungeon or walk up the spiral staircase to the top and go in all the rooms. Empty inside.
Phill Burns (3 years ago)
If you have a chance to visit via Clyde Charters, do it. It's a lovely wee island with plenty to explore. Do wear walking gear and not flipflops though!
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