| Perhaps Scotland's finest golfing region,
incorporating the likes of Turnberry, Prestwick and Troon, Ayrshire
stretches along the South Western Scottish coast and is bordered
to the south by Dumfries and Galloway. North Ayrshire also includes
the Island of Arran, which is accessible by ferry from Ardrossan,
near Irvine. The main towns of the region include Ayr, Kilmarnock
and Irvine.
Arran Heritage Museum, Rosaburn, Brodick, Isle
of Arran
This heritage museum features artefacts and records of island life,
including displays on archaeology, geology and local social history.
Phone + 44 1770 302636
Blairquhan Castle, Near Maybole, Ayrshire
This private regency house contains collection of fine furniture
and paintings, particularly of the Scottish Colourists. Visitors
can meander through the extensive wooded grounds, with walks and
a walled garden. Phone: + 44 1655 770239
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Brodick Castle
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Brodick Castle, Gardens & Country Park, Near
Brodick, Isle of Arran
Built on the site of the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton,
parts of this sandstone castle date back to the 13th century. The
contents include silver, porcelain and paintings, while visitors
can also enjoy a range of woodland walks. Other facilities include
a nature display room and countryside centre. Phone: + 44 1770 302202
Burns House Museum, Mauchline, East Ayrshire
Scotland's National Poet, Robert Burns began married life
here in 1788. A section of the museum, including the room in which
the couple lived, is dedicated to Burns but the village is also
famous for curling stones and Mauchline Boxware. Phone: + 44 1290
550045
Burns National Heritage Park, Near Ayr, Ayrshire
Giving an insight into the life and works of Robert Burns, the park
consists of the cottage where Burns was born, a museum, the Burns
Monument and the Tam o' Shanter Experience Visitor Centre.
Phone: + 44 1292 443700
Crossraguel Abbey, Near Maybole, Ayrshire
Founded in the 13th century but destroyed during the Wars of Independence,
the current remains of this monastery are the result of rebuilding
over the following centuries. The well-preserved ruins comprise
a church, cloister, chapter house and domestic premises. Phone:
+ 44 1655 883113
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Culzean Castle
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Culzean Castle & Country Park, Maybole, South
Ayrshire
Overlooking the Firth of Clyde, this once simple fortified tower
house was transformed by Robert Adam into a stylish 18th century
residence for the 10th Earl of Cassillis. Visitors can enjoy paintings,
furniture and weaponry, while the country park comprises acres of
woodland and a walled garden. Phone: + 44 1655 884455
Dalgarven Mill & Museum, near Kilwinning, Ayrshire
Set in a restored water mill by the River Garnock, this museum is
dedicated to Ayrshire country life and the displays include rural
tools, photographs and artefacts. Also on display are original 18th
century costumes. Phone: + 44 1294 552448
Dean Castle & Country Park, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
The stronghold of the Boyd family for 400 years, Dean Castle now
houses collections of arms, armour, instruments and manuscripts.
The country park offers a visitor centre, riding centre and adventure
playground. Phone: + 44 1563 522702
Dick Institute, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
This Victorian building, features displays of fine art and natural
history upstairs, while the galleries downstairs house arts and
crafts displays. Phone: + 44 1563 554343
Dundonald Castle, Dundonald, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Built by Robert Stewart in 1371 to mark his succession to the throne
of Scotland, this imposing tower house stands by the village of
Dundonald and incorporates parts of an earlier castle destroyed
in the Wars of Independence. Phone: + 44 1563 850201
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View from Goatfell
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Goatfell, Isle of Arran
Goatfell Mountain is reminiscent of a Scottish Highland landscape
and offers a great opportunity for walking and mountaineering. At
2,866 feet in height, Goatfell is the highest peak on the Isle of
Arran and offers spectacular views to Ben Lomond, Jura and the coast
of Ireland on a clear day.
Isle of Arran Distillery, Lochranza, Isle of Arran
Visitors can learn how the Isle of Arran single malt whisky is produced
via a tour, audio-visual presentation and exhibition. Phone: + 44
1770 830264
Loudoun Castle Theme Park, Galston, Near Kilmarnock,
Ayrshire
Incorporating the remains of Loudoun Castle and set on 500 acres,
the theme park is a real family attraction and offers a selection
of exciting rides, karting, pony rides and attractive woodland walks.
Phone: + 44 1563 822296
Machrie Moor Stone Circles, Near Tormore, Isle
of Arran
Requiring a walk for access, this important Bronze Age site features
the remains of five stone circles. The Moss Farm Road stone circles
and cairn are just a short distance away, as is the Auchagallon
stone circle. Phone: + 44 131 668 8800
North Ayrshire Museum, Saltcoats, Near Irvine,
Ayrshire
Covering the history of North Ayrshire, the museum features displays
on archaeology, transport and culture. There is also a section on
the maritime history of the region and a reconstruction of an Ayrshire
cottage interior. Phone: + 44 1294 464174
Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine, North Ayrshire
Focussing on Scotland's seafaring history, visitors can see
the shipyard worker's tenement flat and historic vessels moored
at the harbour. Phone: + 44 1294 278283
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Souter Johnnie's Cottage
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Souter Johnnie's Cottage, Kirkoswald, South
Ayrshire
This was the home of John Davidson, the original village souter
(shoemaker) of Robert Burns' Tam O' Shanter. The refurbished cottage
contains period furniture, Burns relics and a reconstructed souter's
workshop. Phone: + 44 1655 760603
Rozelle House & Gardens, Near Ayr, Ayrshire
Built in the 18th century, the house contains various art exhibits,
including paintings by Alexander Goudie depicting scenes from Burns'
Tam o' Shanter. The grounds offer woodland walks and a sculpture
area. Phone: + 44 1292 445447
Vikingar, Largs, North Ayrshire
The story of the Vikings in Scotland is brought to life via a series
of exhibits and costumed narrators, who guide you through 500 years
of history. Visitors are taken to meet the Viking Gods in Valhalla,
while a film follows one Viking family through generations of turmoil
until the Battle of Largs in 1263. Phone: + 44 1475 689777
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