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Ayrshire

Home to the very first Open Golf Championship which was played at Prestwick, the coast is famous for its many links courses including the other Open Championship venues of Royal Troon and Turnberry. It's also the birth place of Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns. It is steeped in the history of Scottish kings and heroes, like Robert the Bruce and, so legend has it, of William Wallace. Playing a key role in Scottish history, it has castles and monuments dating back centuries and a wide range of visitor attractions.

Local Places of Interest and Activities

Burns Cottage & Museum — Burns Cottage was built in 1757 by the hands of Robert Burns' father. On January 25, 1759, while the cold winter winds blew in from the Atlantic, it became the scene of Scotland's most famous birthday when Robert Burns was born. The simple Auld Clay Biggin where the World's most loved poet was born has long been a must-see destination. An original manuscript of Auld Lang Syne takes pride of place in the most important collection of Robert Burns manuscripts, artefacts and memorabilia. Personal items, letters and artworks provide a unique touchstone to the life and work of a remarkable man.

Alloway Auld Kirk, the Brig O’Doon & Burns Monument — Just minutes from Burns Cottage lies the Auld Kirk, the setting for the enormously popular poem Tam O'Shanter. It was here Tam saw the witches and warlocks in devilish dance. The Kirkyard also contains the grave of William Burnes, the poet's father. The Bridge Spans the River Doon and was made famous as the setting for Tam O'Shanter's mare, Meg, losing her tail to witch Nannie. Cross the bridge for a good view of the 1823 Grecian Monument dedicated to the poet. In the grounds are Attractive gardens by the River Doon. The Bridge O’Doon Hotel is a great place to stop for a drink or lunch.

Culzean Castle & Country Park — Converted by Robert Adam to include a ‘Roman’ viaduct and Ruined Arch to add drama to this Italianate castle in its spectacular clifftop setting. It contains a fine collection of paintings and furniture, and a display of weapons in the Armoury. The Circular Saloon has a superb panoramic view over the Firth of Clyde and the beautiful Oval Staircase is Robert Adam’s final masterpiece of interior design. In 1945 the top floor was given to General Eisenhower as a token of Scotland’s recognition of his role during World War II. The Georgian Kitchen gives a glimpse of life below stairs 200 years ago. Country Park - Miles ofwoodland walks take the visitor to the Deer Park, along the Cliff Walkor to the many restored estate buildings, such as the Ruined Arch and Viaduct, beautiful Camellia House and unique Pagoda. Garden areas include the terraced Fountain Court and the Walled Garden with its redesigned pleasure garden and impressive reconstructed Victorian Vinery.

Crossraguel Abbey — Founded, sometime after 1244 when Bishop William of Glasgow commanded that a Cluniac monastery should be built there. 1286 was when the first abbot was recorded. Much of the original church had to be rebuilt after being badly damaged during the war with England in the early 1300s when the abbey had stayed loyal to the local man Robert Bruce. The tower house and gatehouse were built in the sixteenth century. Later in the sixteenth century, the abbey seems to have survived relatively unscathed through the Reformation when many other monasteries were severely damaged or destroyed.

Coastal Drive — While exploring Ayrshire be sure to travel along the coastal route (A719) between Turnberry and Alloway. The route will pass Culzean Castle, then through “Electric Brae” where your car will mysteriously freewheel uphill!. All the time the route affords wonderful views over the Forth of Clyde to the Island of Arran and beyond to the Mull of Kintyre. Continue past the ruins of Dunure Castle, where in what became known as The Black Vault, the 4th Earl of Cassilis had the Commendator of Crossraguel Abbey, Alan Stewart 'roasted in sop' until he signed over the Abbey lands. The Earl was later fined and instructed to pay Alan Stewart a pension, but he got to keep the lands. The route continues along the clifftops known as the Heads of Ayr to Alloway.

Souter Johnnie’s Cottage — In the small village of Kirkoswald (on the road to Turnberry) lies the home of John Davidson, village souter (shoemaker). He was the inspiration for he character Souter Johnnie, Tam's 'ancient, trusty, drouthy crony' in Burns' poem Tam O'Shanter. Life-sized stone figures of the Souter, Tam, the innkeeper and his wife are refurbished, contains period furniture, Burns relics and a reconstructed souter's workshop.