Main Attractions

Below are Ayrshire's main attractions listed in a way that may be helpful to anyone planning day trips.

The village of Alloway about 2 miles south of Ayr makes a good half day out with the poet Robert Burns Cottage and Museum, Tam O Shanter Experience with a small cinema showing Burns tale of Tam O Shanter, gardens containing the Burns Monument, the Auld Brig O Doon made famous by Burns tale of Tam O Shanter and the Brig O Doon Hotel with its scenic gardens, Ayrshire’s top wedding reception venue. See also photo Tour of Alloway.

A full day should be allowed for visiting Culzean Castle & Country Park by traveling the 12 miles south from Ayr on the scenic coastal road A719, the National Trust for Scotland's top attraction. Another Kennedy castle, Dunure, an impressive ruin, is situated 6 miles south of Ayr on the same road. This castle is also worth a visit along with the small scenic harbour in the village of Dunure. Between Dunure and Culzean Castle is the Electric Brae where cars can free wheel up the hill, you have to experience it to believe it. Returning from Culzean, go south to the small village of Maidens with its scenic harbour and beach. Continuing south you pass through Turnberry with the world famous hotel and golf complex, impressive. Turn north at Turnberry towards Maybole on the A77. This road passes through the village of Kirkoswald with Souter Johnnie's Cottage, made famous by Robert Burns, open to visitors throughout the summer. Between Kirkoswald and Maybole are the ruins of Crossraguel Abbey and Baltersan Castle. There are guided tours of the Abbey available for a small fee. Passing through Maybole going north towards Ayr you will see another Kennedy Castle (Maybole Castle) situated on the Main Street. See also Clan Kennedy for more information on their castles.

The Waverley paddle steamer that steams out of Ayr, Girvan and Largs to the islands of Ailsa Craig, Cumbrae and Arran is an experience not to be missed. The only seagoing Paddle Steamer in the world. See more at Waverley Paddle Steamer.

Loudoun Castle theme park 5 miles east of Kilmarnock with its roller coaster and many other rides makes a great day out for a family. See also Clan Campbell for more information on Loudoun Castle.

Dean Castle & Country Park situated in Kilmarnock is a good day out with free admission to the park and tours of the castle. See Clan Boyd for more information on Dean Castle. A few miles southwest of Kilmarnock is Dundonald Castle, a ruin, that is situated in the small village of Dundonald was built for Robert 11 (grandson of Robert the Bruce). There is a small visitor centre at the castle that can provide tours, or just explore the castle your self free of charge. See Clan Bruce for more information on Dundonald Castle.

Kelburn Castle & Country Centre 1 mile south of Largs is a good place for a day out with young kids. There is also pony trekking throughout the estate for youths and adults and pony rides for kids. See Clan Boyle for more information on Kelburn Castle.

Island of Arran makes a great day out or even a few days or weeks. Brodick Castle a short distance north of the main town of Brodick is the main attraction on Arran. Other attractions are the many scenic villages, candle/perfume factory, brewery, whisky distillery, legendary caves, many top hill walking trails, horse riding, helicopter rides, golf, ancient standing stones and the many mountains. See also photo Tour of Arran.

Island of Cumbrae makes a great day out for cyclists with there being a cycle lane around the island and many cycle hire shops in the town of Millport. The only town on the island Millport has a beach, kids play area and the smallest Cathedral in Europe situated on College Street in the centre of the town. There is a sailing centre and a few B&Bs on Cumbrae, including the Cathedral, for anyone wishing a peacfull relaxing holiday. See also photo Tour of Cumbrae.

Island of Ailsa Craig that is now a bird sanctuary, is situated 10 miles west of the town of Girvan. Local boat owners offer trips around the island or the Waverley paddle steamer visits the island in summer, normally Monday’s, from Largs, Ayr and Girvan. See also photo Tour of Ailsa Craig.

Ayr Farm Park 2 miles south of Ayr on the scenic coastal road is a great day out for kids with a variety of farm animals and play areas.

A full day can take in Irvine Beach Park with the Magnum Leisure Centre and Maritime Museum. There are some nice Restaurants and Bar/Diners in the Beach Park and Gailes area. See also photo Tour of Irvine along with Restaurants & Bar/Diners Irvine. To the north of Irvine is the scenic Eglinton Country Park and Castle Ruin. Next to Eglinton is the town of Kilwinning with the ruin of Kilwinning Abbey. The tower of the Abbey is open to the public through the day. See Clan Montgomery for more information on how the splendid Eglinton Castle became a ruin.

Loch Doon & Loch Doon Castle. A ruin that was a castle of Robert the Bruce (Scotland’s most famous king). There is about a six-mile long scenic drive from east of Dalmellington through the hills and alongside the loch to get to the castle. An excellent hill walking site. See Clan Bruce for more information on Loch Doon Castle.

The peaceful village of Barr 8 miles northeast of Girvan high in the hills is popular for hill walking and its scenery. There is a narrow hill road between Barr and Straiton 12 miles north, another peaceful scenic village. This road passes the Nick of the Balloch and Stincher Falls. Some excellent hill walking sites and scenery.

Blairquhan Castle (Mansion) situated 16 miles southeast of Ayr just outside the village of Straiton is open to the public certain days in summer. Visit the website. www.blaiquhann.co.uk for more information on opening days/times and prices for tours.

Drive the 12 miles or walk between Girvan and Ballantrae, another scenic route. Two miles north of Ballantrae is a car park on top of cliffs. About 150 feet below the car park is the cave of Sawney Bean the Cannibal. Only people 100% fit should attempt the steep path down and climb back up. Always make sure you have a phone and people know you are visiting the cave. Sawney and his family are believed to have been executed in Edinburgh a few hundred years ago and the last resident of the caves along that shoreline died in the 1970s.