Ayrshire Attractions and Heritage Sites (Places to Visit)
We have compiled a list of Attractions in Ayrshire to visit during your stay. We hope the information about the attractions in Ayrshire helps you with your holiday planning.
1. Scottish Maritime Museum - Irvine, Ayrshire, KA12 8QE - Tel No: 01294 278283
The Scottish Maritime Museum has three different sites in Ayrshire - Irvine, Dumbarton, and Braehead. Through its exhibits the museum relays the story of Scotland's part in the world's maritime history. At each site there are numerous ships on display like tugboats, lifeboats, and trawlers. The location at Irvine has a fine exhibition of model ships and at Dumbarton you can learn all about shipbuilding.
2. Heads of Ayr Farm Park - Alloway, Ayrshire, KA7 4LD - Tel No: 01292 441210
The Heads of Ayr Farm Park is a wonderful day out for the whole family. See 50 different kinds of animals up close and personal while petting and feeding them. The park has a huge array of activities like both indoor and outdoor play areas, an exciting ringo sledging ride, and an aerial runway. There are exciting rides that both the kids and adults will love like the Aerial Slide. You can also take a ride on fun Quad Bikes.
3. Dean Castle Country Park - Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, KA3 1XB - Tel No: 01563 522702
Dean Castle Country Park is north of Ayr in Kilmarnock. Dean Castle dates to the 14th century. The Keep was built in 1350 and the Palace was added about 100 years later. It is closely connected to many people and events in the history of Scotland. Inside you will find a collection of Burns manuscripts, old musical instruments, and medieval weapons. The 200-acre country park offers the visitor scenic woodland walks, an adventure playground for the children, and a pet's corner. Nature cams allow you to enjoy watching some of the more shy wildlife residents of the park.
This monument to history overlooks the village Dundonald between Kilmarnock and Troon. It is a tower house that was built for Robert II when he took the throne of Scotland in 1371. It was the royal residence of the Stewart family for the next 150 years. Besides touring the old castle you can enjoy an exhibit at the visitor's centre that gives an outline of the Castle's history and the buildings that came before it through intricately detailed models.
The Delgarven Mill near Kilwinning in the Garnock Valley houses the Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume. Most of the old village of Delgarven is gone now due to construction of a major road and the mill was one of the few buildings to survive. This three-story grain mill now houses a large collection of farming and domestic artefacts that represent the rural community of Dalgarven before the industrial age. There are displays that centre on topics like ploughing, threshing, harvesting, and blacksmithing. There is also an antique shop in one of the outer buildings.
6. Culzean Castle & Country Park - Maybole, Ayrshire, KA19 8LE - Tel No: 08444 932149
Culzean Castle is one of Scotland's favourite castles. It is 12 miles south of Ayr on the coast of south Ayrshire, making it an ideal place to spend a day. Get immersed in history with a walk through the castle and marvel at the architecture. If you love being outside in scenic surroundings you can walk around the grounds and the beautiful gardens like the Fountain Court, walled garden, and Victorian vinery. The castle also has an adventure playground for the children, interesting shops, and it schedules many interesting events and programmes.
7. Eglinton Country Park - Irvine, Ayrshire, KA12 8TA - Tel No: 01294 551776
This country park that features a wide variety of activities is located on the grounds of Eglington Castle just outside of Kilwinning. Enjoy a walk in the lush woodlands or around Eglington Loch and the Clement Gardens on one of the many systems of trails that run through the park. Then relax with a picnic while the children play in one of the two play parks. From a plantation on Belvedere Hill the views of the surrounding area are a must see.
8. Robert Burns Birthplace Museum - Alloway, Ayrshire, KA7 4PQ - Tel No: 08444 932601
In the town of Alloway you will soon be able to visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum that honours Scotland's National poet. The museum is a work in progress and will be completely opened on December 1. The museum is just a part of Burns National Heritage Park that includes Burns Cottage, the Burns Monument the Brig o'Doon, and the Auld Kirk in Alloway. The museum includes exhibits that will pull you into the world of Robert Burns' childhood imagination.
9. Brodick Castle & Country Park - Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8HY - Tel No: 08444 932152
This is Britain's only island country park. Brodick Castle was built on the site of an old Viking fortress on the Isle of Arran in the 13th century. The castle overlooks the bay and has the mountain of Goatfell as a backdrop. Besides soaking up the 600 years of history and enjoying the views of the Ayrshire Coast, you can explore the beautiful Castle Gardens and take long woodland walks on 10-miles of trails.
10. Arran Heritage Museum - Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8DP - Tel No: 01770 302636
Just north of Brodick you will find the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum. The museum is scattered about in a group of whitewashed buildings and is much more extensive than it first appears. It has several distinct parts that include exhibits that show the social history, archaeology, and the geology of the Isle of Arran.
