Loudoun Castle

#69 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Amusement, Amusement park

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Facts and practical information

Loudoun Castle, located in the heart of the Ayrshire countryside in the United Kingdom, was once the site of a grand theme park that brought joy and thrills to its visitors. Nestled amidst the ruins of a historic castle, the amusement park was a unique blend of past and present, offering a picturesque backdrop to an array of rides and attractions.

The park, which operated from 1995 until its closure in 2010, was often referred to as "Scotland's Theme Park". It featured a variety of rides, from the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like the 'Twist 'N' Shout' to family-friendly attractions such as the traditional carousel and the 'Crazy Caterpillar'. The park was also home to the 'Gold Rush Express', a runaway mine train that weaved through the scenic landscape.

Loudoun Castle amusement park was not only about the thrill rides; it provided entertainment for all ages with its shows, arcade games, and a petting zoo that added to the family-friendly atmosphere. The park's seasonal events, especially the Halloween Fright Nights, drew crowds looking for both spooky fun and the chance to experience the rides in the dark.

Coordinates: 55°36'41"N, 4°22'6"W

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ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Day trips

Loudoun Castle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Dean Castle, Dick Institute, Palace Theatre, Burns Monument Centre.

4.6 miW
Wooded park around 14th century castle
Dean Castle, Kilmarnock
117 min walk • Dean Castle is situated in the Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland. It was the stronghold for the Boyd Family, who were lords of Kilmarnock for over 400 years.
4.7 miW
Specialty museum, Library, Museum
Dick Institute, Kilmarnock
121 min walk • The Dick Institute is a museum and library in Kilmarnock, Scotland. It is an important cultural venue in the south-west of Scotland, featuring the largest museum and art gallery space in Ayrshire as well as the central library for East Ayrshire.
4.9 miW
Concerts and shows, Town, Theater
Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock
126 min walk • The Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock was originally opened as a corn exchange in 1863 and converted to a theatre in 1903. The red-sandstone Italianate tower, by James Ingram, dominates the cross at London Road and Green Street.
4.7 miW
Monuments and statues, Memorial
Burns Monument Centre, Kilmarnock
121 min walk • The Burns Monument in Kay Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland, commemorates the poet Robert Burns. It is located at an elevated position within Kay Park, to the east of Kilmarnock Town Centre. The monument was opened in 1879, and is a category B listed building. In 2004 a fire destroyed part of the monument.
5 miW
Church
Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock
129 min walk • The Laigh Kirk is a church in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland.
4.3 miN
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Dunton Cove
109 min walk • Dunton Cove or the Covenanters' Cave is an artificial cave in a craggy outcrop of rocks overlooking the Craufurdland Water just below the confluence of the Dunton Water and the Calf Fauld Water in East Ayrshire, Scotland, close to the village of Waterside.
4.7 miW
Park
Kay Park, Kilmarnock
120 min walk • Kay Park is a 30 acres park in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland. The money for its purchase was bequeathed to the town of Kilmarnock by former native insurance broker Alexander Kay who died in Glasgow in January 1866.
~350 ftS
Amusement ride, Amusement, Amusement park
Twist n' Shout
2 min walk • Twist n' Shout is a steel looping roller coaster located at Loudoun Castle Theme Park in Galston, south-west Scotland. It opened in 2003 as a part of the new rides line-up brought in by new owner Henk Bembom.
5.2 miW
Park
Howard Park, Kilmarnock
134 min walk • Howard Park is a public park in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland. It was previously known as Barbadoes Green. The roots of Kilmarnock Football Club may be traced back to the park.
4.8 miW
Memorial
Kilmarnock War Memorial, Kilmarnock
122 min walk • The Kilmarnock War Memorial is a war memorial located in Kilmarnock Scotland. Built in 1927, it pays tribute to all those who fought in the First World War, Second World War, Korean War & the Northern Ireland Conflict.
4.9 miW
Bridge
Kilmarnock railway viaduct, Kilmarnock
126 min walk • Kilmarnock railway viaduct, known locally as The Viaduct, is a railway viaduct crossing the town centre of Kilmarnock, and was constructed between 1843–1850. The bridge begins at Kilmarnock railway station and leads to destinations in England.