Tour of Mauchline

Right is a view of the Burns Monument, designed by William Fraser and completed in 1896. The small village of Mauchline is situated 8 miles southeast of Kilmarnock on the A76, as seen on the right in this photo.

The monument has been used as a Tourist Information Centre and Museum in the past but was closed for some time. It is situated on the west side of Mauchline (traveling towards Kilmarnock).

More Information: www.mauchlinevillage.co.uk/monument

The Burns House Museum, as seen left, is situated in the centre of Mauchline amidst period buildings and cobbled streets.

The museum contains a period room in which the poet Robert Burns began his married life, a display of Burns memorabilia and gives information on Burns life in Mauchline (1784-1788).

The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10.30-1700 and 14.00-17.00 on Sunday’s; it is closed on Monday’s.

More Information . Large Image . Reviews/Map: KA5 5BZ.

Mauchline Church is also situated in the village centre next to the Burns House Museum. The church was completed in 1829; 41years after Burns had left the village.

Mauchline Church is built on the site that previously held St Michael’s Church built in the 1200s.

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Mauchline Castle, as seen left, was built in the 1400s as a monastic residence for Melrose Abbey.

Robert Burns is believed to have married Jean Armour in the castles dining room.

With the castle now being the family home of Alexander Hamilton, it is not open to the public. However, you do get rear views of the castle from the cobbled streets around the Burns House Museum.

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Poosie Nansie’s Tavern is situated across the road from the church. This is one of two pubs in the centre of Mauchline, ideally situated for drinks and meals.

The oldest parts of Poosie Nansie’s date back to the 1700s. This tavern, that may have been a brothel in the times of Burns, inspired Burns to write the cantata Jolly Beggars.

Meals available from 12.00 - 15.00 Monday to Friday, 12.00 - 20.00 Saturday and Sunday. For enquiries phone 01290 550 316.

Across the road from the Tavern is the Fairburn Hotel, a former coaching inn named the Loudon Arms.

On the front of the hotel is a 'spout' where residents have drawn water for generations. It is an abundant supply of water in the area, which owes it presence to the geological formation of the district.

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The 5,972-yard par 70, Ballochmyle golf course, is situated about two miles northeast of Mauchline, off the B705. This is fine looking course with tree lined fairways. Prices are about £20 per round £30 per day weekdays and £25 per round £35 per day on Sunday, Saturday is for members only. The clubhouse offers full catering and bar facilities. Bookings/price check, phone 01290 550 469.
www.ballochmylegolfclub.com

All Ayrshire golf courses.

A good website with more information on Mauchline is www.mauchlinevillage.co.uk.