Location: East Ayrshire
Top Things to do in East Ayrshire
Top 10 Free Things to do in East Ayrshire, Scotland
East Ayrshire (Scots: Aest Ayrshire, Scottish Gaelic: Siorrachd Àir an Ear) is one of thirty-two council areas of Scotland. It shares borders with Dumfries and Galloway, East Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire. The headquarters of the council are located on London Road, Kilmarnock. With South Ayrshire and the mainland areas of North Ayrshire, it formed the former county of Ayrshire.
Restaurants in East Ayrshire
1. Many Thanks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
Many Thanks is a 'made in Scotland' gift shop, coffee shop & art gallery. We have an Open Night on the first of each month to preview new artists exhibitions. We hold classes in the evening for crochet, drawing & watercolour, needle felting, Christmas cake decorating, holly table centre decoration, beaded jewellery and lots more. Our gift shop offers a wonderful selection of ideas for gifts and treats for yourself. Our coffee shop offers homemade soup, scones and cakes. You can always rely on a warm and friendly welcome and a few laughs too.
Reviewed By LizKennedy71
Lovely place to visit for a cuppa and a browse in the gift shop, delicious home baking and always met with a cheery face and welcoming chat, well worth a visit.
2. Laigh Kirk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By hairdy - Preston, United Kingdom
The current church, the third on the site, was built in 1802. The first church was built in the 17th century and was replaced in 1750, then there was a terrible accident in 1801 when parts of the church collapsed on the larger than usual congregation. It is mentioned by Robert Burns in his poems, so thought that he visited. There are Covenanters graves in the churchyard, and the beautiful stained glass windows are worth admiring. In normal circumstances you can visit between 12 and 2 pm Mon, Wed, Fri. The wee statue of Johnnie Walker is just outside
3. Dean Castle and Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Dean Castle Country Park is an excellent free day out for all the family. The Country Park boasts a 14th century castle and beautiful woodland walks. The Country Park has completed a project to upgrade its Rural Life Centre, play park and Visitor Centre. The Castle is now closed for restoration and works will begin in June 2018. From June 2018, you will be able to see the museum collections normally on display in Castle at the Dick Institute, Elmbank St, Kilmarnock. Join us for different holiday activities with the Ranger Service over Easter and summer.
Reviewed By andreanchris - Scotland, United Kingdom
Visited today for a stroll through the park, we feel it is very well kept and spotless. Visited the animal centre and loved it! Glorious sunny day and will revisit again, we don't visit enough and its so close to us too. Give it a try you won't be disappointed, enough space so didn't feel crowded, lots of dog walkers which was lovely to see, with the way the world is this was a little piece of normality.
4. Barony Colliery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Scott8446 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Love going here for walks around the woods. Good swing park for the kids and usually not busy and quiet. Get some food at boswell coach house afterwards.
5. Dick Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
This place is temporarily closed.
Reviewed By lorneb333 - Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Fabulous building which houses an array of historical artefacts, natural history, art, books and a cafe. A great way to spend a rainy day. Free entry - there’s a donation box for you to contribute if you can. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Went to see main gallery exhibition - check the East Ayrshire Leisure site to see what’s on and when - on loan from the V&A. Was inspired by the work on display in the Young Peoples Gallery which was show casing work from east Ayrshire school pupils. If you head upstairs there’s loads more to see - Burns, Johnny Walker, the Loom Room and (at the moment) interesting pieces of armour from the Dean Castle collection.
6. The Swimmer Sculpture by Shona Kinloch
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By hairdy - Preston, United Kingdom
Great to see these sculptures dotted around Kilmarnock, High Street, Square and near the bus station. Worth a look and a smile!
7. The Kay Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By jch0 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Parked my car here in the car park and went off for a half day cycle. Park was well maintained and bigger than I had imagined. Beautiful pond and fountain and wonderful memorial statue to Rabbie Burns. We took my friends dog a walk and plenty of space for lots of running and ball chasing. Nice park.
8. Burns Monument Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By june586 - Kilmarnock, United Kingdom
A lovely venue to get married in the kay park - with a lovely long path for your photos to be taken and the pond , with the gardens around.
9. Howard Park
10. Gallery 2
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By june586 - Kilmarnock, United Kingdom
having been going to Gallery for y picture frames for years , its nice when you walk in and he remembers you, and what it is you bring into be framed, very helpful staff
