Saddell Open Days, September 2025

We are delighted to announce the public opening of all six Landmark properties at Saddell Bay in September 2025, in celebration of Landmark's 60th anniversary and as part of Doors Open Days.

Following extensive works, Saddell Castle is reopening this autumn to welcome holiday guests again. Visit us to explore the site, find out about its history and rescue by the Landmark Trust. Information about the history and restoration will be available along with our knowledgeable staff.

Landmark properties to explore on the weekend: Saddell Castle, Saddell Lodge, Saddell House, Ferryman's Cottage, Cul-na-Shee and Shore Cottage. Along Saddell beach a bothy can also be found, and on the shoreline, 'GRIP' a permanent sculpture by Anthony Gormley RA.

Situated on the eastern side of the Kintyre Peninsula in Scotland, the special qualities of Saddell Bay have long been recognised. The area is also celebrated for its numerous species of wildlife and stunning scenery.

Free entry, pre-booking is preferred but 'walk-ins' are also welcome. Tickets will allow entry to the whole site on the selected day.

The site has some uneven and rough terrain, stony beach areas, therefore we recommend all visitors wear study footwear and prepare for unpredictable weather.

What's On

Over the weekend a number of activities will be taking place on site, including performances, demonstrations and short walking tours. These will all be free to take part in, with no booking required. More timings will be announced. The programme may be subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Craftskills demonstrations with LimeRich

Meet Richard Fraser of LimeRich to discover various methods of mixing, using and applying hot lime mortars for different uses within building restoration disciplines, such as building, pointing, grouting, harling and lime washing and plain lime plastering. There'll also be demonstrations of stonemasonry practices; applying mouldings, surface finish tooling.

Find Richard and his team in the courtyard of Saddell Castle all weekend.

Kintyre Rainforest Alliance

We'll be joined over the weekend by the Kintyre Rainforest Alliance, who'll be sharing their latest findings from ongoing research into the area's protected rainforest habitat. Join a free guided walk with a member of the team to find and identify rainforest lichen, trees and other wildlife. Pre-booking not required, turn up on the day.

James McCorkindale Highland Dancers

On Sunday 21 September, we'll be welcoming some of the region's champion Highland Dancers with short performances taking place at Saddell House.

Important visitor information

Getting here

Saddell Bay is located on the Kintyre peninsula around three hours' drive from Glasgow and 15 minutes from the nearest town of Campbeltown.

Address: Saddell Estate, Saddell, Kintyre, PA28 6QS.

By car: To ensure visitor and staff safety and lessen the environmental impact, the site will be a car-free zone over the weekend. Designated visitor parking will be situated in a grass field above Saddell Abbey ruins near the main road. From the parking area, the walk down the main drive is approximately half a kilometre. Please follow signage on arrival and look out for Landmark staff in high-vis jackets who will direct you to the parking area.

What3words for Visitor Parking entrance: ///immediate.desks.unafraid

By bus: There is limited public transport in the area from Campbeltown. West Coast Motors run a bus service from Campbeltown to Carradale which stops at Saddell. For more information and bus times, please see West Coast Motors website.

The Saddell Estate is set over an area around 1km squared, therefore a fair amount of walking is involved for all visitors to reach the properties and other features on the estate so we would recommend sturdy footwear. The disabled drop-off area will be located outside Saddell Castle.

On arrival visitors will be provided with a site map containing information about the site. Landmark staff will be on hand in all properties to provide additional information.

Landmark Handbooks will be available to purchase on the weekend by cash or card.

Toilets are located in a number of buildings on site and will be marked on the site map. Well behaved dogs on leads are permitted.

The weather in Kintyre can change very quickly, so we recommend visitors come prepared with clothing for all weathers.

Refreshments

Hot drinks will be available in the Coach House next to Saddell Castle by donation. We encourage visitors to bring reusable cups and flasks to the event. There will be no food served on site, so we encourage attendees to bring their own packed lunch to the event and make use of the outdoor and beach areas. Weather permitting, we ask that visitors do not eat their lunch inside the Landmarks.

Accessibility

The site is set across a large area with rough and uneven paths, some of which is only accesible by foot. Internally, a number of properties at Saddell Estate have uneven floors, steep and narrow staircases that may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Cul-na-Shee (pictured below) and Port na Gael are only accessible across a pebbly beaches of around 30m from the main path.

A disabled drop off area will be situated outside Saddell Castle. If you need to drop off a person with limited mobility you will then be required to return your car to the main visitor parking area.

Please contact us in advance if you have any access needs that we may be able to support with: engagement@landmarktrust.org.uk or call the Booking Enquiries team on 01628 825925 or booking@landmarktrust.org.uk. The Booking Office is open Mon to Fri - 9am to 5pm.

Registered assistance dogs are welcome onsite.

Parts of the Saddell Estate have weak or no phone signal. There is no WIFI onsite.

Making a donation to Landmark as part of your visit

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to visit a Landmark for free as part of our Open Day programme, and as such we’re pleased to continue to offer free entry at all our Open Days in 2025.

The Landmark Trust is a building conservation charity that relies on donations to support its work. Over the past 60 years, public support has helped us rescue over 200 historic buildings and make them available for all to experience and enjoy. Your support by attending our events, booking a workshop, and making a donation allows us to continue to save buildings at risk and continue to maintain those already in our care. Your donation could help train the craftspeople needed to restore a future Landmark, offer opportunities for young people to experience history first-hand, or provide a charity with free Landmark stay for their service users through our 50 for Free scheme.

Donations can be made when you book your Eventbrite ticket, at the event via contactless donation points, or after your visit via our website under Support.