Kerelaw Castle, 12th century fortified castle ruins in Stevenston, Scotland.
Description
Kerelaw Castle is a 12th century stronghold in Stevenston comprising three standing walls with Gothic windows and a corner turret on its northeastern side. The structure sits among overgrown vegetation behind a protective fence accompanied by an information board.
History
The castle was built around 1191 by Stephen Lockhart following a land grant from Richard de Morville. It was burned by Lord Montgomerie in 1488 but was later reconstructed.
Culture
The castle walls display carved coat of arms belonging to Scottish noble families, thought to have come from the nearby Kilwinning Abbey. These carved emblems reflect the connections between the stronghold and the religious communities of the region.
Practical
The castle ruins are viewable from outside the protective fence with an information board providing context. Plan to visit on a dry day and wear sturdy footwear, as the surrounding ground can be muddy and uneven.
Did you know?
Nine fishermen from nearby Saltcoats held leases to the castle in 1545 in exchange for transporting the Earl's furnishings between Finlayston and the castle each spring and autumn. This peculiar arrangement reveals how local fishermen were drawn into serving the practical needs of the noble residents.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (North Ayrshire).
Eglinton Castle
5.1 km
Eglinton Country Park
5.1 km
Kilwinning Abbey
3.4 km
Ardrossan Castle
3.7 km
The Big Idea
5.7 km
Seagate Castle
6.2 km
Dalgarven Mill Museum of Country Life and Costume
4.1 km
Eglinton Tournament Bridge
5.2 km
Boyd's Automatic tide signalling apparatus
6 km
Wellwood House
6.3 km
Stevenston Beach
2 km
Kerelaw House
142 m
Monkcastle
4.5 km
Monkredding House
6.1 km
Montfode Castle
4.5 km
Saltcoats, Countess Street, Town House
2.7 km
Town Hall, Ardrossan
3.8 km
Kilwinning Old Parish church
3.4 km
Garnock Viaduct
3.8 km
Lynn Spout
5.8 km
Ardeer, ICI Works, Staff Restaurant
2.9 km
St Peter-in-Chains Roman Catholic Church
3.7 km
Kilwinning market cross
3.6 km
Auchenharvie Golf Course
1.6 km
Church of The Nazarene, Ardrossan
3.7 km
Moncur Viaduct
6.1 km
Ardrossan Pierhead Lighthouse
4.7 km
Queen's Bridge, Irvine
5.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes