Upcoming Events & Places to Visit
Kelburn Castle and Estate
Kelburn is thought to be the oldest castle in Scotland to have been continuously inhabited by the same family. Based around a 13th Century castle that’s had an amazing makeover courtesy of a team of Brazilian artists, the estate near Largs, Ayrshire also features dramatic walks, breathtaking gardens and many features of historical interest. It has many events on throughout the year, all of which sound fantastic…
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Ayr Racecourse
Ayr Racecourse is Scotland’s only Grade 1 track and home to the jewels in the crown of Scottish Racing – the Coral Scottish Grand National Festival in April and the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup Festival in September. It’s the perfect day out with friends!
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Belleisle Conservatory, Belleisle Park, Ayr
Open Daily 10am-4pm
The conservatory in Belleisle Park in Ayr is a listed building in the records of Historic Scotland. This means that it is a greenhouse of special historical importance and is part of our collective heritage. Well worth a visit especially during one of their many events…
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Ayr Farmers Markets
Every Saturday
Ayr market takes place on the first Saturday of the month (excluding January). You can shop for local meat, fish, home baking, vegetables, cheese, eggs, chocolate, honey, home-made soups and confectionery, with stallholders made up of the farming families that make up the Ayrshire Farmers’ Market
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Robert Burns Museum, Alloway, Ayr.
Open year-round (excluding Christmas and New year weeks)
The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers a truly unique encounter with Scotland’s favourite son.
Start your visit in the museum building and enjoy this 21st century tribute to Burns. It houses the world’s most important collection of Burns’ original works and personal belongings, in a bright and modern building. The museum has an attractive cafe serving light meals and refreshments and shop with a wide selection of unique gifts and souvenirs. Look out for exhibitions and events throughout the year. After visiting the museum, visit the birthplace of Scotland’s national poet; why not explore the Burns Monument in Kilmarnock, the Brig o’Doon or Alloway’s Auld Kirk.
The Museum has events on throughout the year but on the lead up to Christmas they have some truly magical festivities happening including:- Christmas Ceilidh, Elves Tea Party a visit from Santa and much more! Check out their website for full event times and dates…
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Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, Dalmellington
The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory occupies a fantastic hilltop site on the edge of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park. This publically accessible educational observatory has some of the darkest skies in the UK and two large telescopes through which to observe the night sky. The Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park was the first Dark Sky Park in the UK and Europe, and was award a Gold-tier status by the International Dark-Sky Association. This new observatory includes a 20” Corrected Dall Kirkham telescope in a 5 metre dome and a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for a more hands-on, open air observing experience. The SDSO has a mobile planetarium, which we can use to take an immersive planetarium experience out to you.The planetarium is inflatable, is 6 metres in diameter, and can accommodate up to 40 people comfortably. It offers an inspiring experience, bringing a projection of the night sky that is close to being outside on a clear night in a true dark site
With an array of stargazing events every week, check out their website for full details.
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Culzean Castle & Country Park
Woods, beaches, secret follies, play park and a cliff-top castle – a fantastic day out. Highlights of the castle include Adam’s sweeping Oval Staircase and a fine collection of paintings and furniture. Children love to spot the Lego figure hidden in each room. With regular events, there is always something different happening at Culzean.
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A.D Whisky Experience, Kirkoswald, Ayr
Visit the unique 5 star Visit Scotland Visitor Attraction, The A. D. Rattray Whisky Experience and Whisky Shop in South Ayrshire, Scotland. The perfect introduction to Scotch whisky… experience everything about the national drink, brought to life by a knowledgeable and friendly team. Explore, nose and taste an incredible selection of malts and single casks. Fill your own personal bottle straight from a cask or book a tasting session to sample a special selection of A. D. Rattray’s award winning whiskies.
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Boat Trips to Ailsa Craig, from Girvan Harbour (year round)
See spectacular bird and wildlife around Ailsa Craig, a prime location for bird enthusiasts and hill-walkers. There are daily sailings from Girvan Harbour, all year round, with a fully licensed vessel that can carry 12 passengers per trip. Fishing trips are also available. Ailsa is a truly unique island. It is 1,114 feet high, about 2.5 miles (4 km) around the base and is made of unique, very hard granite. The island is now managed as an RSPB Nature Reserve by agreement with the Marquees of Ailsa, it is also by Law a SSSI and designated a Special Protection Area. Ailsa is principally a seabird colony and is famous for its Gannets, with the third largest colony in Britain. The Gannet is the largest breeding seabird and can be seen making spectacular high dives to catch its fish prey.
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Family Favourites
Ayr Seafront Playpark
A firm favourite with children open all year round. Please note – no parking facilities.
Dean Castle and Country Park, Kilmarnock
Fantastic free day out for all the family. The country park, covering over 200 acres, is nestled in the heart of Kilmarnock and offers something for kids and adults alike to enjoy. More Info
Heads of Ayr Park, Alloway
Animal park and indoor & outdoor play areas. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Indoor Winter Weekends only until 18th March. 10.00am-4.00pm. More Info
Suggested Walks
Three Green Knights Trail, Auchincruive
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The Burns Trail, Alloway
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Cairn Table, near Muirkirk
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