Things to do in Ayrshire
Discover exciting activities accessible from our comfortable Ayrshire bed and breakfast
Ayrshire, Scotland is not only one of the country’s most historic counties but might be one of the most beautiful. With a range of places to visit, trips to take and sights to see, you’ll find everything you need for a wonderful break in Ayrshire.
Our Top Picks
Culzean Castle and Country Park
Once the home of the opulent 10th Earl of Cassillis, this stunning 260ha estate is truly one of a kind. Surrounded by secret follies, woodlands, beaches, a deer park and even a swan pond, the magnificent castle sits on a cliff overlooking this impressive terrain. The estate also offers panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde.
A National Trust site, you’ll be welcomed into the castle to experience how the other half lived in the 18th Century. Don’t miss the famous Oval Staircase, often regarded as the crowning jewel of the house.
Heads of Ayr Farm Park
Complete with quad biking and an adventure playground, Heads of Ayr Farm Park has been a family favourite for many years. With an impressive number of domestic and exotic animals, there’s something for everyone at this attraction. The park earned ‘Travellers Choice’ on TripAdvisor in 2021.
Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran has everything you might expect from a Scottish island – dramatic landscapes, sweeping coastlines and delicious local produce. The island is easily accessible from Kilmarnock, Ayr and Prestwick airport, with ferries departing regularly from Ardrossan.
Whatever the season, Arran offers you a gorgeous escape from the stresses of the mainland and invites you to explore the island in full, whether on foot or by bike. Make sure you book a tour at the Arran Distillery for an authentic taste of island life!
Dumfries House
Located in picturesque East Ayrshire, Dumfries House is part of the Prince’s Foundation. The gorgeous 18th-century house is surrounded by an impressive estate complete with a maze and walled garden. For the historians among you, the house boasts an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture.
Scottish Maritime Museum
The Scottish Maritime Museum is based at two sites: Irvine and Dunbartonshire. The site in Irvine, in North Ayrshire, is known as the ‘Cathedral of Engineering’, a huge former shipyard building. The museum explores the importance of Scotland’s maritime history and offers you the opportunity to board MV Kyles, the oldest Clyde-built vessel still afloat in the UK.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Situated close to Ayr town centre, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum allows you access to the real cottage where the famous poet was born. The museum showcases books, artefacts and manuscripts, as well as information about Burns’ life. The attraction also comes with a cafe and a play area for children.
Largs Beachfront
Explore Scotland’s iconic West coast in the vibrant seaside town of Largs. A popular day trip for surrounding towns and cities, Largs boasts beautiful coastal walks and traditional seaside food, such as fish and chips and ice cream. The town played a significant role in driving the Vikings out of Scotland and holds a Viking festival every September.
Fullarton Fairy Trail
Located in Troon, South Ayrshire, this whimsical woodland walk is marked with tiny fairy houses and carvings to keep the little ones entertained. After a long day of discovering the fairy forest, make sure you come armed with a picnic to take advantage of the brilliant picnic spots dotted around the trail.
Turnberry Castle Ruins
Standing around 16 miles south of Ayr, Turnberry Castle was likely the birthplace of iconic Scottish king Robert the Bruce. Although long demolished, impressive and beautiful fragments of the castle remain. If you’re a golfer, the castle is surrounded by a golf course for an experience you’ll never forget.
If you’d like to take advantage of all Ayrshire has to offer, Kilmarnock Bed and Breakfast is ideally located to give you access to all this and more. Please contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you.