TEN THINGS TO DO IN AYRSHIRE

BALLANTRAE FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINK

A new festival on 10 May showcasing local produce and celebrating healthy eating and drinking. Visitors can enjoy foraging, demonstrations, tastings and pop up restaurants.

BLACKSTONE CLYDESDALES, CUMNOCK

Enjoy the gentle giants of the equine world, you can ride a Clydesdale or just get your hands dirty helping out with their routine. There are also Highland cows, donkeys, alpaca, pigs, geese, ducks and hens down on the farm.

DUMFRIES HOUSE, CUMNOCK

A 2,000 acre estate and 18th century house with an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture. The house is home to a restaurant, cafe, adventure playground, walled garden and visitor centre. Guided tours are available.

AD RATTRAY’S WHISKY EXPERIENCE AND SHOP, KIRKOSWALD

Learn how whisky is made and explore, nose and taste a selection of whiskies. Enjoy a tasting session or fill your own personal bottle.

DALGARVEN MILL, KILWINNING

The museum of Ayrshire country life and costume is set in restored buildings with the waterwheel and machinery of a Victorian grain mill. The granaries are full of exhibitions with agricultural machinery, hand tools and photographs.

PORTENCROSS CASTLE, WEST KILBRIDE

A scheduled ancient monument constructed in three phases, the first of which dates back to 1360. The castle was the home of a branch of the Boyds and is open to visitors every day in July and August and at weekends at other times.

PRESTWICK GOLF CLUB

One of the oldest golf courses in the world, this was the original site for the first Open Championship in 1860. Visitors are encouraged to play and enjoy lunch.

ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM, ALLOWAY

The museum comprises the famous Burns Cottage where the bard was born and some of the historic landmarks where he set his work.

DEAN CASTLE AND COUNTRY PARK, KILMARNOCK

The park covers over 200 acres and includes woodland walks, an adventure playground, tearoom, shop and a 14th century castle housing historic weapons, armour and musical instruments.

AYR RACECOURSE

This course hosts up to 30 races each year and is home to the Scottish Grand National, which this year takes place on 17 April. Ayr offers flat racing and jumps and is the only Grade 1 track in Scotland.