Ayrshire Attractions

Ayrshire includes a choice of local attractions in the region, visitors have a choice of places to discover. The scenic region includes unspoilt countryside and a great coastline with a number of museums, parks, gardens, a number of historic buildings, theatre, concerts and events. Ayrshire’s location in south west Scotland offers visitors a wonderful landscape to enjoy and countryside and great outdoors is located close to local towns and villages with a range of things to see and do in the region.

We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to Glasgow and Ayrshire, these include:

The Gallery of Modern Art is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside London, it offers a programme of temporary exhibitions and workshops. The gallery displays work by both local Scottish and international artists. It first opened back in 1996, the Gallery of Modern Art is situated in Glasgow city centre. The elegant building that hosts the collection was refurbished to house the city's contemporary art collection and the building is a combination of old and new architecture. The gallery is developing all the time and now has a dedicated Education and Access studio allowing for facilitating workshops.

A visit to the Glasgow Science Centre offers an interesting day out for the whole family. There are several attractions for visitors to enjoy here, main centrepiece is the Science Mall. The mall has three floors of exhibits, there are also cafes and shops. A great place for those that like to explore and be challenged there are hundreds of exhibits, live science related shows, an E-learning centre and an impressive Virtual Science Theatre.

The IMAX cinema at the Glasgow Science Centre has an awesome light and sound system that is sure to amaze. The 3D film experience is an impressive one. The Glasgow Tower at the Science Centre is the first tower able to revolve around 360 degrees from the ground up. It is approx 400 feet in height and offers visitors the chance to see wonderful views for many miles around the area.

Culzean is located in Ayrshire and is one of the most popular castles in Scotland. There is something for everyone to enjoy, there is a castle along with gardens to explore and shops, restaurants and a visitor centre, these are usually open from the end of March to the end of October, it is best to check on the website to confirm the exact dates. The estate is one of some 600 acres, the Kennedy family is one of Scotland's oldest that trace ancestry to Robert the Bruce. Culzean Castle was their principal seat from 1759, the imposing castle and its landscape reflected their status. Over the centuries, the family transformed a medieval tower house, into one of the grandest country houses in Ayrshire. There are many events that take place here these include tours, walks, fairs and many others.

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is located in Alloway and offers visitors a chance to experience the heritage of the famous poet within the environment that inspired his imagination. At the Burns National Heritage Park visitors can see Burns Cottage built back in 1757 by Robert Burns' father, William. In 1759, the cottage became the place the great poet was born. There have been some illustrious names to have visited here these include John Keats, Muhammad Ali and Clark Gable among others. The cottage has been restored to the original condition, it includes audio-visual features that bring to life the life of Robert Burns.

The Burns Monument was opened to the public in 1823 and has become a place of pilgrimage for fans the world over and a focus for events that celebrate his life and work. There are some stunning views of Alloway from the roof of the Monument. A trip here makes for a fascinating insight in to the life, times and inspirations of one of the greatest poets.

Brodick Castle & Country Park is located on the Isle of Arran, described as the quintessential Victorian Highland estate, the impressive castle, country park and gardens offer a great place for an enjoyable family day out in scenic surroundings. The castle is dramatically set against the backdrop of Goatfell mountain, the castle is distinctive for its red sandstone offering some splendid views over Brodick Bay to the Firth of Clyde.

The grounds include the landscaped gardens, there are also woodland trails, waterfalls and ponds. Inside the castle there are a range of great collections of paintings, sporting trophies, silverware and furniture that have been collected over the years. Visitors can explore the great collections in the house, enjoy a relaxing stroll in the scenic gardens whilst the country park offers great views and waymarketed trails.

The Maclaurin Art Gallery is located in Ayr, set within the scenic grounds of Rozelle Park, the gallery offers visitors the opportunity to view and wide range of works incorporating local artists along with national and internationally acclaimed ones. The gallery is housed inside the impressive 18th century Rozelle House, a Grade A listed building set among 37 acres of woodland. Inside the gallery visitors can find a fine collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and print. Decorative art includes works commissioned on glass. The gallery has an on going programme of building its collection of both classic and contemporary art. There is also a tea room and gift shop on site.

The Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume is located close to the town of Kilwinning in the rural North Ayrshire countryside. Located in historic buildings the museum offers visitors the opportunity to the sights and sounds of the water wheel and learn about the machinery of a Victorian Grain Mill. There are granaries located on three floors that include exhibitions explaining the story of the rural community in the area over the course of the last century and shows their work, dress and life. Visitors can enjoy a scenic riverside walk, there is a coffee room serving food and drinks and an antique shop. A trip to the museum offers a relaxed and educational day out for the entire family.

The O2 Academy in Glasgow is a venue that features a high tech sound and lighting system and this large capacity venue caters for live gigs and cutting edge dance events and club nights. The Glasgow Academy is a popular place for artists and visitors alike and helps provide a showcase for the Scottish music scene.

The venue has seen many performances including those in the rock, pop, indie genre and dance events and has had gigs from the Sugababes, The Proclaimers, Craig David, Mis-Teeq, and Public Enemy among others. Dance events are popular here and there are regular club nights from top Scottish club promoters Colours, Slam and Inside Out. There are alternative burlesque events with Club Noir. A venue that caters for many tastes is a favourite among fans of music and dance.

It is recommended that prior to visiting the Ayrshire; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.

Ayrshire consisting of North, East and South Ayrshire is conveniently assessable from Scotland’s largest city Glasgow, making the area a popular holiday and short breaks destination. The area has plenty to offer visitors with a mix of charming towns and villages including plenty of picturesque locations in the scenic Scottish countryside and an impressive coastline.

Glasgow is located close by which offers visitors plenty of its own city attractions and a good place from which to further explore the area. Ayrshire includes a number of historic attractions, museums, historic houses, parks and gardens with attractions to enjoy for the entire family. Ayrshire’s attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.




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