With the summer school holidays in full swing, here are some ideas for some great days out in Ayrshire – and even better if you can catch some sunshine whilst you’re there!
Culzean Castle and Country Park
This stunning 18th-century castle was built by Robert Adam, the renowned Scottish architect, and is set in a beautiful country park. Discover 40 buildings and secret follies in this rambling estate, including the magnificent cliff-top castle, and the dramatic centrepiece of the castle is Robert Adam’s Oval Staircase. Spend a day or two exploring the woods, beaches, parkland, Swan Pond, deer park and cliffs in the castle park, and children will love the Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland play areas.
Dating back to 1371, the historic Dundonald Castle is an incredible example of a medieval tower house, with a fine barrel-vaulted ceiling in the lower hall. Sitting on a prominent hilltop in Dundonald village, Dundonald Castle commands stunning views over the Firth of Clyde. The castle was built on the site of earlier castles belonging to the High Stewards of Scotland and can be regarded as the cradle of the Stewart Dynasty. The main tower was built in the 1370s by King Robert II to mark his succession to the throne. Enjoy the visitor centre, souvenir shop and cafe.
This is a great day out for the children as they can get up close toClydesdale Horses, Heilan Coos, Alpacas and Donkeys. Try your hand at riding or driving the horses, grooming, mucking out, tacking up, bareback riding, herding on horseback, walking and feeding all the animals.
The Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume is a treasure trove set within outstanding historical industrial buildings in a beautiful location. The beautifully restored buildings allow you step into the past and experience the sights and sounds of the water wheel and machinery of a Victorian Grain Mill.
This is a fabulous day out, as you can captain you own bumper boat, soak your family and friends in water wars, try out the electric tractors and diggers, and there’s even an assault course, playpark, giant sand pit, trampolines, ringo sledging, a giant aerial runway and jumping pillows to keep you amused. It doesn’t end there as there is also quad biking for all and an undercover Play N’ Wild adventure barn with three giant drop slides and a two storey soft play area suitable for all ages. Finally, take a break from the fun in the ‘Stables Coffee Bar’.
Less than 20 years after Burns’ death, a committee of his strongest supporters were busy making plans to memorialise the man. The result is this 70-foot high Grecian-style temple, designed by Sir Thomas Hamilton, complete with nine pillars representing muses from Greek mythology. The monument was funded by subscriptions and finished in 1823. There is no admission fee for the monument and gardens, but we still raise funds today to help conserve this mighty memorial for everyone to enjoy.
