Discover Ayrshire

Explore the enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture of Ayrshire. From historic castles to breathtaking coastlines, uncover the hidden gems that make this region a must-visit destination.

A Land of History and Natural Wonders

Nestled in the heart of Scotland, Ayrshire is a captivating region known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty.

Visitors can wander through ancient castles, stroll along sandy beaches, and immerse themselves in the local culture. With attractions like the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and the majestic Culzean Castle, Ayrshire offers a unique blend of heritage and adventure.

Whether you’re exploring the countryside or enjoying the vibrant arts scene, Ayrshire promises an unforgettable experience.

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Discover Ayrshire Castles

Culzean Castle and Country Park

Discover the grandeur of Culzean Castle, set amidst stunning gardens and woodland trails. Perfect for a day of exploration and relaxation.

Dundonald Castle

Step into history at Dundonald Castle, a 14th-century fortress surrounded by breathtaking Ayrshire landscapes.

Dunure Castle

Discover the captivating ruins of Dunure Castle, a majestic 13th-century fortress overlooking the Firth of Clyde. Explore its historic walls and beautiful grounds, where tales of bravery linger in the sea breeze.

Loch Doon Castle

This captivating ruin, surrounded by rolling hills and shimmering waters, invites exploration of its past while offering stunning natural beauty.

Glenapp Castle

Beautiful Scots Baronial castle set in 36 acres of stunning gardens and woodland overlooking the Ayrshire coastline and out to Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran and Mull of Kintyre.

Experiences & Activities

Turnberry Golf

Play at Turnberry Golf, home of Four Open Championships. Experience stunning views of the Ayrshire coast and Ailsa Craig.

Ayr Belleisle Golf Club

Set in rolling woodland, the course is routed over classic estate territory with wide, lush fairways, stands of mature trees, penal rough and well-bunkered greens.

Royal Troon Golf Club

One of the great links courses in Scotland and with the wind to contend with, and deep rough interspersed with gorse and broom, accurate shot making is essential.

McKechnie Institute Museum & Gallery

Girvan’s cultural hub, featuring a permanent display of artefacts highlighting the town’s heritage, including a regular programme of changing events.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Immerse yourself in the life and works of Robert Burns at this dedicated museum, just a short drive from Turnberry Rest.

Whisky Experience

Visit the home of whisky on the West Coast of Scotland, where a warm welcome awaits you at the A. D. Rattray Whisky Shop.

Ayr Racecourse

Experience the excitement of live horse racing at Ayr Racecourse. Scotland’s premier horse racing venue.

Trump Turnberry Hotel Spa

Offers spectacular views towards Ailsa Craig and features 12 luxurious treatment rooms, 2 hydrotherapy rooms, heat experiences, relaxation rooms, a 20 metre pool and a fully equipped fitness studio. Why not treat yourself to a day of pampering?

Trump Turnberry Outdoor Activity Centre

Offers a huge range of sporting and leisure activities including fishing, shooting, archery, falconry, off-road driving and horse riding.

The Colin Montgomerie Links Academy

Situated next to the famous Championship courses, The Colin Montgomerie Links Academy is a great place to warm up before a round, fine tune your game or even take your first ever shot.

Walking

Ayrshire and Arran are great places to bring your walking boots or bike and head off into the open countryside. Walkers have a choice of hill walking and rambling, while Arran poses greater challenges of ridge walking and mountaineering.

Cycling

The National Cycling Network has routes in Ayrshire, passing through some of the most scenic countryside, and making use of off the road tracks and waterside paths wherever possible

Fishing

If fishing takes your fancy, the mighty river Stincher has prime salmon beats and has admirable back-up from Girvan, Doon and Ayr.
There are also dozens of remote lochs which largely remain unfished.

Scenic Hiking Trails

Discover picturesque hiking paths that wind through Ayrshire’s stunning landscapes, perfect for nature enthusiasts

Hidden Gems

Crossraguel Abbey

Despite being a place of worship, this Cluniac monastery saw its fair share of conflict. The monks’ loyalty to Robert the Bruce eventually saw Crossraguel severely damaged in the Wars of Independence.

Ailsa Craig bird and seal colony

Ailsa Craig roughly translates as “fairy rock” in Gaelic. H0me to tens of thousands of birds and some of Europe’s most important bird colonies.

Isle of Arran

Arran has an ever-changing coastline, dramatic mountain peaks, sheltered beaches, verdant forests, great cultural festivals and a wealth of tasty local produce.

Turnberry & Maidens Beach

This long sandy beach with grassy foreshore is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy breathtaking scenery including views of Ailsa Craig and on a clear day, the Mull of Kintyre.

Girvan Harbour

The starting point for a range of activities including boat trips to the RSPB nature reserve on the island of Ailsa Craig; Music on the Prom and a range of water sports.

Culzean Bay

This lovely, secluded beach nestles under spectacular Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire coastline.

Turnberry Lighthouse

The Turnberry Lighthouse has marked this coastline since 1873. Rising from the mists to greet ships for over a hundred years, this quintessential icon is one of Turnberry’s most powerful charms.

Electric Brae Optical Illusion

The Electric Brae is a gravity hill in South Ayrshire, Scotland, where a freewheeling vehicle will appear to be drawn uphill by some mysterious attraction.

Souter Johnnies Cottage

Visit the 18th-century home of Souter Johnnie, immortalised by Robert Burns in the poem Tam o’ Shanter, and discover its fascinating artefacts.

Heads of Ayr Farm Park

From exotic creatures to farmyard favourites, the farm has over 50 species of animals for you to meet! A huge number of attractions and activities for all age groups.

Galloway Forest Park

Explore the rolling Galloway glens and hills to discover picturesque forest trails, wonderful wildlife and a long and colourful history.

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

Easy access to great walking country with picturesque woodlands and heather moorland hills with fantastic wildlife watching opportunities

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is an iconic place with outstanding landscapes, habitats and communities.