Robert Burns Birthplace Museum - © Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is located close to Ayr in the West of Scotland and celebrates the life and times of poet and lyricist Robert Burns. Regarded as one of the most famous poets and lyricists from Scotland and the UK, he is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and his life and works have been celebrated around the world.
The museum offers visitors a range of attractions to explore where they can learn more about Robert Burns, his life, his works and more. Visitors can see the cottage where he was born, the museum with a range of displays, exhibitions and artefacts on his life and times. The museum is set in scenic surroundings of Alloway and offers an enjoyable day out.
Attractions
The Burns Birthplace Museum offers a range of attractions for visitors to see about the life and times of the Scottish national poet Robert Burns. The site is located in scenic Alloway, offering visitors with some beautiful countryside and scenery.
Burns Cottage is where famous Scottish poet Robert Burns was born in 1759, the cottage was built by his father, the cottage is now part of the site that forms the museum. The cottage itself was built back in 1757, the simply cottage has become a famous site with a range of famous visitors that include John Keats and Muhammad Ali. The cottage has been restored to resemble its original condition, visitors can see and experience the audio-visual aids used in the cottage that help visitors to better understand the childhood that Robert Burns spent here.
The Burns Cottage Museum is located next to the Burns Cottage and holds a large number of artefacts on the poet that detail his life and works. The museum contains an original manuscript of Auld Lang Syne, one of the world's best known and loved songs. The museum also contains a range of manuscripts, artefacts and memorabilia. There are personal items that include letters and artworks, that help visitors to build up a clearer picture of the life and works of the celebrated poet.
There are displays of a number of gifts he gave during his lifetime and artefacts from his other jobs such as his surveyors’ rods. The museum offers visitors with plenty of things to discover about the man, his works and his life.
The Poet’s Path contains a range of fascinating sculptures of all sizes and shapes in tribute to the great poet, the path links together the two main areas of the site and includes the weathervane scenes recalling the tale of the famous Tam O'Shanter poem. The museum includes a self service café serving home made Scottish food that visitors can try. There is also a full programme of activities and events that run during the course of the year here.
The Burns Monument is a lasting monument to commemorate Robert Burns, located close to the visitor centre, the monument was first opened in 1823 and has since become a well popular tourist attraction with visitors from far and wide coming to the focal point of the Burns tribute. The monument was the idea of local admirers of the poet and their aim was to ensure there was a lasting tribute to the poet's legacy. The monument has since become a place of pilgrimage for admirers and fans of Robert Burns.
Visitors can enjoy wonderful, scenic views of the poet's much loved Alloway from the roof of the monument. The view from the roof is stunning and provides a great reason to visit in itself.
How to Get There
By Car:
The site is located a few miles from Ayr, take the A79 from Ayr then the B7024 until you are on Alloway Street and the site is located there.
From Glasgow, take the M77 then the A77 then the A78 leading on to the A79 that will take you to Ayr, from Ayr continue on the A79 then the B7024 until you are on Alloway Street and the site is located there.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode to use is KA7 4PQ.
By Train:
There are train services from Paisley Station to Ayr Station London Victoria station to Arundel Station, the journey time is approx 1 hour 35 minutes. There are also train services from Brighton, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Chichester and Portsmouth among others.
The Arundel train station is approx a 10 minute walk from the castle. Alternatively visitors can take a taxi from the station to the castle.
By Bus/Coach:
Stagecoach Western offers a number of local bus services that service Ayr and the surrounding areas routes 52, 45 and 48 from Ayr bus station to the Heritage Park offer regular services for visitors.
Contact Details
Robert Burns National Birthplace Museum
Murdoch's Lone
Alloway
Ayr
Ayrshire & Arran
KA7 4PQ
Scotland
Telephone: 0844 493 2601 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1292 443 700 (from outside the UK)
email: burns@nts.org.uk
Website: Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Opening Dates:
Mon to Sun: 10.00 to 17.30 (April to Sept)
Mon to Sun: 10.00 to 17.00 (Oct to Mar)
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and 2nd January
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
Exhibitions & Burns Cottage:
Adults: £8.00 approx, Children & Concessions: £5.25 approx and Family Ticket: £20.00 approx.
The Café at the museum offers visitors a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and freshly made meal. Breakfast and lunch is available, the café can cater for those with varying dietary needs.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Burns Birthplace Museum Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and the attraction you wish to see. It is wise to double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
When travelling remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings & environment at all times. Make sure your wallet/purse and valuables are hidden away from public view (especially at tourist attractions & places with crowds). If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to the museum ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Before starting your journey check traffic news and information.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
