Things to do in Ayrshire
I've had a strong connection to Ayrshire since I was born thanks to our family caravan being situated on the Ayrshire coast for over two decades. One of my favourite places to visit' on holiday was Culzean Castle, considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and a place I continue to frequent.
Ayrshire was the birthplace of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, and the Burns Trail in Alloway tells his story of growing up in the region and includes a visit to the cottage he was born in. However, he isn't the only notable Scot associated with the area. Robert the Bruce has strong links to the area as Turnberry Castle was the ancestral home of his mother and it is believed this is where he was born.
Some also argue that William Wallace was born in Ayrshire although this is disputed by many, with the popular opinion being that he was born in Renfrewshire but I'll let you do your own research on that.
Viking rule was a another significant period in Scottish history and the Battle in Largs on the Ayrshire coast led to the end of Viking influence in Scotland. Today the town is a popular sea-side resort, better known for ice-cream. It is also the place that many day-trippers catch the ferry to the island of Cumbrae where hiring a bike to cycle the circumference of the island is a popular activity. Another favourite island to visit is Arran which is often described as 'Scotland in miniature'. It can be reached by taking a ferry from Ardrossan although it is advisable to book in advance.
There are over 40 castles to visit in Ayrshire and if that's not enough there are country parks, long sandy beaches, sea-side holiday towns and several islands to explore. If you feel inspired to explore more of this region, my blog posts will give you some ideas of where to start.
Ayrshire was the birthplace of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, and the Burns Trail in Alloway tells his story of growing up in the region and includes a visit to the cottage he was born in. However, he isn't the only notable Scot associated with the area. Robert the Bruce has strong links to the area as Turnberry Castle was the ancestral home of his mother and it is believed this is where he was born.
Some also argue that William Wallace was born in Ayrshire although this is disputed by many, with the popular opinion being that he was born in Renfrewshire but I'll let you do your own research on that.
Viking rule was a another significant period in Scottish history and the Battle in Largs on the Ayrshire coast led to the end of Viking influence in Scotland. Today the town is a popular sea-side resort, better known for ice-cream. It is also the place that many day-trippers catch the ferry to the island of Cumbrae where hiring a bike to cycle the circumference of the island is a popular activity. Another favourite island to visit is Arran which is often described as 'Scotland in miniature'. It can be reached by taking a ferry from Ardrossan although it is advisable to book in advance.
There are over 40 castles to visit in Ayrshire and if that's not enough there are country parks, long sandy beaches, sea-side holiday towns and several islands to explore. If you feel inspired to explore more of this region, my blog posts will give you some ideas of where to start.
Get off the beaten tracks by climbing Castle Hill, Largs
You can't visit the pretty seaside town of Largs and not have an ice cream but how about a scenic hill walk beforehand? At 190m Castle Hill has superb view of the Firth of Clyde and many of the islands.
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Kilwinning Abbey, Ayrshire
The final resting place of the Holy Grail?
On the main street of Kilwinning you would never guess there was an unexpected gem hidden just behind it, get there at the right time you'll get to climb the clock tower and enjoy a stunning 360 degree view.
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dalquharran Castle - Culzean Castle's forgotten sister
We all love to visit the impressive Culzean Castle but just 8 miles down the road sits its forgotten sister, built at the same time by the same architect, Robert Adam, it's in a hauntingly beautiful ruinious condition.
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A handy map of all my Ayrshire blog post locations
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