Take a different path in Ayrshire & Arran
Have you been to Ayrshire & Arran recently? You might just be surprised at what you see.
The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway is the ideal place to start before you venture inside Burn’s cottage where Scotland’s National Bard was born in 1759. Continue your Burns’ adventure at Rozelle House where you’ll find Tam O’ Shanter paintings by Alexander Goudie. Don’t miss the Burns House Museum in the charming cobbled backstreets of Mauchline and enjoy an audio tour.
Described as one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes, Dumfries House is a real gem, boasting priceless Chippendale furniture in opulent rooms. Throughout the estate discover woodland walks, the Queen Elizabeth Walled Gardens, or lose yourself in the maze. Near Maybole, the impressive Culzean Castle & Country Park with its grand turrets, is not to be missed and Kelburn Castle and Country Centre in Fairlie is adorned with graffiti courtesy of Brazilian street artists.
Across the water on the Isle of Arran, the Machrie Moor Standing Stones which date back up to 4,500 years, are set in stunning landscapes. At Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park wander the gardens with views down to Arran’s coastline. Discover lush woodland, waterfalls and a summer house before having some fun in the new Isle be Wild adventure playground.
The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory near Dalmellington is found in the Galloway Dark Sky Park, the first of its kind in the UK. This is one of the best places to admire the dark skies, and they are so clear that you are likely to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
For a change of pace, get your glad rags on and head to Ayr Racecourse, which also hosts the Scottish Grand National and the Gold Cup, popular days out full of excitement and glamour. Or why not tee off at almost 50 courses and 3 Championship Courses, like Royal Troon, or try a more unique course like Shiskine Golf Course on the Isle of Arran which has 12 holes and spectacular views?
The Isle of Cumbrae is a compact island accessed by Ferry from Largs in just 15 minutes! Ideal for cycling thanks to its size as well as being home to an array of wildlife.
In Irvine, you will find the Scottish Maritime Museum which is the home to Scotland’s seafaring heritage giving a fascinating insight into the importance of Scotland’s maritime heritage. The museum also hosts Irvine Harbour’s Festival of Light which is back again in 2019.
With miles of coastline in the area you are spoilt for choice. Take a stroll on Ayr beach, explore rockpools at Croy Shore, or why not try kitesurfing in Troon?
Culzean Castle nts.org.uk/Visit/Culzean-Castle-and-Country-Park/
Royal Troon royaltroon.co.uk
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Rozelle House Estate goudie.co.uk
Ayr Racecourse ayr-racecourse.co.uk
Scottish Maritime Museum
Isle of Cumbrae, Millport millport.org
Kelburn Castle kelburnestate.com/
Brodick Castle and Country Park
Machrie Moor Standing Stones
Dumfries House
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Dean Castle deancastle.com
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