Top Things to do in North Ayrshire
10 Things to do in North Ayrshire That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in North Ayrshire, United Kingdom including Skelmorlie Aisle, Scottish Maritime Museum, Eglinton Country Park, Cathedral of the Isles, Caledonian MacBrayne - Day Trips to Arran & Argyll, Largs Sea Front, The Pencil, Saltcoats Beach, Irvine Beach, Kelburn Castle & Estate.
Restaurants in North Ayrshire
1. Skelmorlie Aisle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By BethM527
Details from Historic Scotland's website: Skelmorlie Aisle, built in 1636 as a private worship place and burial vault, was an addition to Largs Parish Church. It was such a splendid creation that when the church was demolished in the early 1800s, it was saved from destruction. Today the aisle stands on its own, and comprises two elements. The laird’s loft is at ground level and contains an elaborate stone monumental tomb and an intricate painted ceiling. Below it is the vault, which still houses lead coffins. Only open when the Largs Visitor Centre is open as they have the key
2. Scottish Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
The Scottish Maritime Museum is based in the west of Scotland,with sites in Irvine and Dumbarton. At these two sites, the Museum holds an important nationally recognised collection, encompassing a variety of historic ships, artefacts, shipbuilding machinery, machine tools, and fascinating personal items.Many of these exhibits can be found inside the Linthouse Building in Irvine, a unique Grade A listed, 19th-century historic building known as the Linthouse Engine Shop 'Cathedral of Engineering and at the Denny Tank in Dumbarton, the world's first commercial ship model experiment tank.
Reviewed By 7hamishh - Ayr, United Kingdom
What a wonderfull museum, what an interesting visit. We spent hours wandering and had a lovely guided tour with Abi. She was informative and we shared stories of living in a tenement. We are from Ayrshire but did not appreciate the history of Irvine harbour. The museum itself had great exhibits, each with good photos and explanations of the role Scotland played in revolutionising world shipping. The atmosphere changed as the evening outside darkened, wonderfull. We will be back. Irvine harbour are itself is so intersesting with bars, cafes and an Arts Centre. The Puffer Cafe was welcoming with a doorman opening the door for us. 5 star day.
3. Eglinton Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By O3824YNjanetr
Eglinton park is a lovely place to go walking and running in. There are lots of paths and interesting things to see. Follow it up with a visit to the cafe for tea/coffee and one of their cakes.
4. Cathedral of the Isles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By tomrB9994XI - Glasgow, United Kingdom
We get together with our extended family every few years, and we do that on Millport. We book rooms at the Cathedral, and have a buffet dinner on the Saturday night, taking over the library and the common room. The rooms are comfortable, and the food is always very good. The staff are attentive, and worked hard to make sure that all food preferences (small children, pescetarians, vegetarians, bacon-lovers) were met - which they were, deliciously. Porage as an option, along with cereals, full cooked breakfast buffet and toast with local jams. A great place to stay
5. Caledonian MacBrayne - Day Trips to Arran & Argyll
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Arran, Argyll and the surrounding islands will open your eyes and heart to the beauty of Scotland. Enjoy day trips to the blossoms of Achamore Gardens, Historic Brodick Castle, take a lunch cruise in Kintyre, take on the challenge of the Five Ferries and much more.
Reviewed By Scottish-Hidden-Gems - Irvine, United Kingdom
We had booked a return journey with car, both legs of the journey were efficient and service was good. Cant fault the facilities onboard as the cafe has nice food but a tad overpriced and plenty of seating including a pet area. The shop and bar was closed due to covid but we cant wait for new ferry to be ready as it will make such a difference!
6. Largs Sea Front
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By Elizabethmcnaughtx - Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Lovely in the summer for a nice stroll plenty to see and do especially for the kids there’s ice cream shops a huge swing park the beach a soft play bowling and little rides I always enjoy my time with family here! The views are stunning across the water as well.
7. The Pencil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Rossergruffydd - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Parked at the spacious Largs Marina public car parks. An easy walk with great views to the 'pencil'. A fine walk into Largs where you can get refreshments and then walk back. The rocky shore is worth a 'potter' with the rock pools and marine creatures.
8. Saltcoats Beach
9. Irvine Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By johnathanc872 - Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
Lovely beach with some stunning sunsets on certain nights! The stone dragon located on one of the hills was great to sit by whilst I watched the sunset!
10. Kelburn Castle & Estate
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 441 reviews
Kelburn Estate is open to the public daily. Explore our unique Secret Forest - a fairy tale maze that twists through our woodland. Discover a Giant’s Castle, a crocodile swamp, a witch’s cottage, and much more! Conquer the Wild Wild West in our Saloon, complete with watch tower and jail. Test your agility and balance with tunnels, bridges and swings on our Adventure Course. The estate's 13th century Castle had an imaginative makeover in 2007, and has since been named as one of the world’s top 10 examples of street art. Situated in a woodland glen, Kelburn has several walks which showcase the stunning natural environment. FAQs: Dogs are welcome at Kelburn. We just ask that they are kept on a lead at all times, to keep our animals and the wildlife safe. Unfortunately the terrain is not suitable for wheelchairs or scooters. The estate features some narrow and winding paths which are not suitable for prams. You may leave your pram with staff on your arrival.
Reviewed By corby14 - Liverpool, United Kingdom
We went to the castle on a whim today and I am SO glad we went - first we arrived at the car park which cost us £5. We went over to the information centre and were greeted by a really friendly staff member who gave us advice on which trail to go on - we decided the history trail! The estate is on such beautiful grounds - particularly the waterfall. I would highly recommend - staff were all friendly and couldn’t help enough! We all went as adults and enjoyed it and the kids would too!
