Location: South Ayrshire
Top Things to do in South Ayrshire
10 Sights & Landmarks in South Ayrshire That You Shouldn't Miss
The village of Alloway is home to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and the Robert Burns Heritage Trail. Highlights of the trail include Auld Kirk Alloway, Burns Cottage, Burns Monument Gardens and the 13th century Brig O'Doon. South of Alloway along the attractive A719 coastal road is Culzean Castle and Country Park which offers much of interest all ages. En route is an unusual roadside attraction called Electric Brae, a 'magnetic hill' where a car left out of gear will appear to go uphill due to an optical illusion. A few minutes drive from Culzean Castle is the famous Open Golf championship course at Turnberry where the clubhouse is open to the public.
Restaurants in South Ayrshire
1. Blairquhan Castle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
5 Star Exclusive Use Venue Ideal For Weddings, Private Parties, Corporate Meetings & Events, Golf Parties.
Reviewed By AlanWilliamTait
We had a wonderful family holiday in one of the apartments in the Stables. The estate is a great oasis of peaceful walks, with a wide range of mature trees particularly noteworthy. Blairquhan staff were helpful and welcoming. The apartment was simply furnished but perfectly adequate for us. The area was new to us and we loved it, the beaches on the Ayrshire coast, the wilderness in the Galloway National Park, and the rolling hills all round Blairquhan. And we had a memorable day on the Isle of Arran.
2. Belleisle Conservatory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
The original Belleisle Conservatory was built in 1879 and replaced in 1955. In 2005, due to its poor structural condition the conservatory closed its doors. In 2010, an ambitious community group set up Belleisle Conservatory Ltd to transform a much loved but derelict B-listed conservatory back to its former glory. In July 2016 the restored Conservatory finally reopened its doors to the public.
3. Turnberry Castle
4. Kirkoswald Parish Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The ruined church is said to have been around since the 13th century with connections to Oswald of Northumbria (Kirkoswald, get it?). The old church is part of the Burns Heritage Trail with connections to our national bard, Robert Burns. His mother was born in Kirkoswald and Burns himself was baptised in this church and also lived in the town for a short period. I can still recite the entirety of Tam O'Shanter, so it was great fun hunting for the graves of characters from the poem. The graves of Kirkton Jean and Souter Johnnie are marked on a map at the front gate Inside the ruin church is a baptismal font said to have been used for the infant baptism of Robert the Bruce, so another nice connection. The grounds are well tended and the ruins seem to be cared for, so a visit to these ruins is quite atmospheric.
5. Varyag Monument
6. Burns National Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Museum dedicated to the life and work of Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns. Site includes the Museum, the cottage in which Burns was born and lived until the age of seven, the Brig'o'Doon, Alloway Old Kirk and the Poet's Path
Reviewed By 782friedag - Coffs Harbour, Australia
I spent a few hours here and enjoyed the experience. Visited the museum, shop, cafe (lovely quiche and pot of tea), walked around the gardens, churchyard, monument, bridge and cottage. All lovely. Children's playground looked wonderful. Staff were friendly and helpful.
7. Culzean Castle and Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,378 reviews
This glorious 260ha estate was once the playground of David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis – a man who was keen to impress with his wealth and status. Opulent to the extreme, the park is planted with conifers and beech, sculpted around miles of sandy coastline dotted with caves, and finished off with a Swan Pond, an ice house, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses. The castle itself is perched on the Ayrshire cliffs, incorporating everything the earl could wish for in his country home. It was designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century and is filled to the turrets with treasures that tell the stories of the people who lived here.
Reviewed By Trip238396
Lovely country walks, fresh air, scenery, an extensive variety of flaura, fauna within a well managed and maintained country park, on the South Ayrshire coast.
8. Burns Monument and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By hairdy - Preston, United Kingdom
After visiting the museum, Burns Cottage and Auld Kirk I love to spend a few hours just walking around, down to Brigadoon, then go up inside the monument to appreciate the views. When quiet this place is so peaceful, lots of benches to just sit and enjoy the views, beauty and peace of this special place
9. Bachelors' Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Bachelors' Club has been restored to show how the building may have looked during Burns's time. This two-room house where Burns and his peers would meet regularly 'to forget their cares and labour in mirth and diversion' has its share of stories.
10. Ayr Equestrian Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By U4909MWwendys
My 3 children adored this in 2019. They had excellent tuition and the final day where they showed their acquired skills in a show was a delight. I hope they will run it again when the next two will be old enough to go.
