Things to do in Ayrshire

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Ayrshire (2025) - Must-See Attractions

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Things to Do in Ayrshire

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Culzean Castle and Country Park, Dumfries House, Cultural Tours, Castles. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ayrshire.

Top Attractions in Ayrshire

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Farm estate with expansive gardens, organic produce, and farm kitchen serving fresh food. Enjoy wildlife, buggy rides, and a well-stocked farm shop.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historic estate with guided tours focused on its rich history and antique Chippendale furniture, set in well-maintained gardens with a variety of activities for all ages.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historic 12th-century castle with panoramic views and restored architecture, featuring a museum, gift shop, and cafe. Enjoy guided tours for a deep dive into local history.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historic castle set in serene parkland features armor displays, woodland trails, and activities for children, including an adventure playground and dress-up opportunities.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Interactive museum with a rich collection of artifacts and exhibits celebrating the life and works of Robert Burns, set in Alloway village amidst charming grounds and a monument garden.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Sandy beach with scenic views of Arran, complemented by a playground and ice cream kiosks. Ideal for leisurely walks, kite surfing, and family outings.
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Woodland paths wind through rugged terrain, dotted with historical art, a 1,000-year-old tree, and a unique castle, ideal for leisurely strolls and nature exploration.
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Historic factory-turned-museum showcasing maritime heritage with guided tours, outdoor exhibits, and a café. Features engineering artifacts and historical vessels.
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What travellers are saying

  • Pauline R
    Scotland, UK68 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting property, however the people who made the visit were the guides. So friendly and informative. The grounds are lovely and great for wandering around and the view are stunning.
    Written 12 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dorothy B
    Kilmarnock, UK7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After a brief wander around the grounds at Dumfries House yesterday we had a lovely scone and latte in the Coach House to heat up. The coffee was piping hot!
    Written 12 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laurie G
    Kilmarnock, UK3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited in Dec23 & thoroughly enjoyed the experience so came back again this year. Weather hadn’t improved any lol but the experience was just as great, if not slightly improved. The Blackstone family are so friendly and welcoming and the animals are so well loved and looked after. Will definitely be back
    Written 24 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stephen H
    Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, UK26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were lucky enough to visit on a day where a friendly volunteer called Alison was giving a tour of the castle (she is only there on a Monday).

    The tour by her was brilliant. Alison was very knowledgeable and lovely to talk with. We learned a lot of things that we otherwise wouldn't have without her pointing out things about the castle and explaining the history, interesting details about the structure and other facts about it. We throroughly enjoyed it despite it being a bitterly cold day.

    There is a nice cafe and small museum on site. The staff were friendly and helpful.
    Written 12 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lee_gray91
    Prestwick, UK751 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I have come to the dean castle and country park lots of the years. Tours in the castle and walks in the grounds. However I recently came here on a trip with my partner. She very much likes seeing places like this as she is American and not accustomed to seeing castles regularly. We toured around the castle on the self guided free tour exploring at our leisure the castle is beautiful and in exceptional condition due to the hard work of the people that run the place. We definitely enjoyed it however just like many other attractions that have tourists in mind they have an expensive gift shop with plenty of decent things on offer I bought a hat to keep me warm.

    We also walked the nature walks around the grounds which were absolutely beautiful. The place ws busy but still felt peaceful we definitely enjoyed seeing the animals within the country park from the pigs and the deer to watch the birds with our binoculars. We had so much fun and will be returning with the dog next time round.
    Written 25 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alison H
    London, UK99 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The pictures attached to these reviews are very misleading. Robert Burns's birth place (Burns Cottage) and the 'Robert Burns Birthplace Museum' are not the same thing, and neither are they adjacent to each other. The photo on the front page of these reviews shows the entrance to a shop in Alloway, which is next door to the Cottage.

    Burns Cottage is (albeit a very pleasant) 11mins walk away. Do see both. There's a good National Trust for Scotland shop at the Museum.
    Written 25 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Helen
    Ayrshire, UK7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    very cool playground🫶there is a lot of things,,,children always have fun here!we have been here many times and will come back again
    Written 17 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • markjodiejack
    Bolton, UK108 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did not venture directly on to the beach but we did enjoy a (slightly chilly) walk along the sea front as we completed the Troon Treasure Trail. We noticed a large children's playground, ice cream kiosks, and an interesting adventure golf course at just £2 per person. My partner also noticed there was plenty of free parking nearby, which is always nice to see as some places seem to enjoy charging over the odds. I imagine Troon Beach is very popular with both locals and holiday-makers in the summer.
    Written 13 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nicola M
    1 contribution
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Watched a video online for this estate and it looked great from what I had seen, sadly didn't feel this way about it in reality.
    The secret garden really needed signs leading to the different attractions within it, we came across a ginger bread house that would be really inviting to children but probably scare them to death with the witch sitting in a corner etc (very pagan themed inside not what was expecting) The animal corner had potential but looked very run down and needing a bit of TLC. Walled garden in front of castle needed tidying up and could have done with signs on the plants & some of the spectacular trees grown in the area. The trail to the water fall was good. The café did a lovely toastie & coffee. With some improvements this place has real potential.
    Written 30 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lee_gray91
    Prestwick, UK751 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I come here regularly with my friend and his young daughter to go for walks with the dog. As well as feed the ducks there are many lovely routes to walk here with both children and animals alike I would definitely recommend coming here with your dogs it’s a great area to go for a walk
    Written 25 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • katie26
    Edinburgh, UK2,772 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent and well laid out museum. It is super chilly though as a large warehouse so wrap up! Good value as can spent a good 2 hours here especially if doing the tour (lasted circa 25 mins).
    Written 14 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rebecca C
    11 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a great find, lovely walk round by the castle and kids got a play in the park at the end, will definitely be returning, only let down was people not picking up after their dog mess, my son stood on some, which was disgusting. Cannot fault the park though.
    Written 13 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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