Things to do in Ayrshire
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Walking and Cycling around Arran
Drop into the tourist office near Brodick pier for plenty of walking and cycling suggestions around the island. The handy Selection of Arran Walks (around £3) is a selection of leaflets covering Arran's best-known walks. There are also plenty of maps available.
The walk up and down Goatfell takes up to eight hours return, starting in Brodick and finishing in the grounds of Brodick Castle. If the weather's fine, there are superb views to Ben Lomond and the coast of Northern Ireland. It can, however, be very cold and windy up there; take the appropriate maps (available at the tourist office near Brodick pier), waterproof gear and a compass.
Moderate walks include the trail …
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Holy Island Centre for World Peace & Health
Just off the coast is Holy Island, owned by the Samye Ling Tibetan Centre and used as a retreat, but day visits are allowed. The ferry makes eight trips a day (£10, 15 minutes) from Lamlash and runs between May and September. No dogs, alcohol or fires are allowed on the island. There’s a good walk to the top of the hill (314m), taking two or three hours return. It is possible to stay on the island in accommodation belonging to the grandiose-named Holy Island Centre for World Peace & Health. Although designed more for groups doing yoga and meditation courses at the centre, individuals are welcome. There’s also a dining room and library for guests.
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Dean Castle
In Kilmarnock, where Johnnie Walker whisky has been blended since 1820, is Dean Castle, a 15-minute walk from the bus and train stations. The castle, restored in the first half of the 20th century, has a virtually windowless keep (dating from 1350) and an adjacent palace (1468), with a superb collection of medieval arms, armour, tapestries and musical instruments. The grounds, an 81-hectare park, are a good place for a stroll or a picnic, or you can eat at the visitor centre’s tearoom, where snacks and light meals cost around £5. Free guided tours are available and there are regular activities for kids. From Ayr there are frequent buses throughout the day.
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Culzean
The Scottish National Trust’s flagship property, magnificent Culzean is one of the most impressive of Scotland’s great stately homes. The entrance to Culzean (kull-ane) is a converted viaduct, and on approach the castle appears like a mirage, floating into view. Designed by Robert Adam, who was encouraged to exercise his romantic genius in its design, this 18th-century mansion is perched dramatically on the edge of the cliffs. Robert Adam was the most influential architect of his time, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and the elegant classical embellishments with which he decorated his ceilings and fireplaces.
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Dundonald Castle
Dundonald Castle commands impressive views and, in its main hall, has one of the finest barrel-vaulted ceilings preserved in Scotland. It was the first home of the Stuart kings, built by Robert II in 1371, and reckoned to be the third most important castle in Scotland in its time, after Edinburgh and Stirling. The visitor centre below the castle has good information on prior settlements, and scale models of the castle and its predecessors. Buses running between Troon and Kilmarnock stop in Dundonald village.
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Brodick Castle & Park
The first impression of this estate 2.5 miles north of Brodick is that of an animal morgue – you enter via the hunting gallery, which is wallpapered with prized deer heads. On your way to the formal dining room (with its peculiar table furnishings), note the intricacy of the fireplace in the library. The castle has more of a lived-in feel than some NTS properties. Only a small portion is open to visitors. The extensive grounds, now a country park with various trails among the rhododendrons, justify the steep entry fee.
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Auld Kirk
The atmospheric cemetery here overlooks the river and is good for a stroll, offering an escape from the bustle of High St. Several of his poems are set here in Ayr; in Twa Brigs, Ayr’s old and new bridges argue with one another. The Auld Brig (Old Bridge) was built in 1491 and spans the river just north of the church. In Burns’ poem Tam o’Shanter, Tam spends a boozy evening in the pub that now bears his name, at 230 High St.
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Beresford
Style and fun go hand in hand at this upbeat establishment serving afternoon martinis in teapots and luring churchgoing ladies with artisanal chocolates. The food is a creative fusion of influences based on solid local produce, with Ayrshire pork, west coast oysters, and Scottish lamb often featuring. Some dishes hit real heights, and are solidly backed by a wide choice of wines, with 10 available by the glass. It stays open as a bar after the kitchen closes. Top service seals the deal.
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Crossraguel Abbey
Just 2 miles east of Kirkoswald, by the A77, Crossraguel Abbey is a substantial ruin dating back to the 13th century that’s good fun to explore. The renovated 16th-century gatehouse is the best part – you’ll find decorative stonework and superb views from the top. Inside, if you have the place to yourself, you’ll hear only the whistling wind – an apt reflection of the abbey’s long-deceased monastic tradition. Don’t miss the echo in the chilly sacristy.
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Seal Watching
Most visitors arrive in Brodick, the heartbeat of the Isle of Arran, and congregate along the coastal road to admire the town's long curving bay. As you follow the coast along Brodick Bay, look out for seals , often seen on the rocks around Merkland Point. Two types live in these waters, the Atlantic grey seal and the common seal. They're actually quite easy to tell apart - the common seal has a face like a dog; the Atlantic grey seal has a Roman nose.
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Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
This brand new museum displays a solid collection of Burnsiana, including manuscripts and possessions of the poet like the pistols he packed in order to carry out his daily work – as a taxman. A Burns jukebox allows you to select readings of your favourite Burns verses, and there are other entertaining audio and visual performances.
The admission ticket (valid for three days) also covers the atmospheric Burns Cottage, by the main road from Ayr, and connected by a sculpture-lined walkway from the Birthplace Museum. Born in the little box bed in this cramped thatched dwelling, the poet spent the first seven years of his life here. It's an attractive display which gives you…
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Fouter’s
The best place to eat in town, Fouter’s is a class act set in a former bank vault opposite the town hall. It’s an ideal place to splash out on a top-class dinner without breaking the budget. It specialises in Ayrshire produce (such as new-season local lamb with pine nut, garlic and herb crust) and seafood prepared Mediterrean style. There’s an early-dining menu (£15 for two courses) from 5pm to 7pm.
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Corrie
Most visitors arrive in Brodick, the heartbeat of the Isle of Arran, and congregate along the coastal road to admire the town's long curving bay. The coast road continues north to the small, pretty village of Corrie , where there's a shop and hotel, and one of the tracks up Goatfell (the island's tallest peak) starts here. Corrie Village Shop sells wonderful sculptures by local artist Marvin Elliot.
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Ailsa Golf Course
Turnberry’s Ailsa golf course hosted the British Open in 2009 and is one of Scotland’s most prestigious links courses, with spectacular views of Ailsa Craig offshore. You don’t need a handicap certificate to play, just plenty of pounds – the standard green fee is £190. In summer though, take advantage of the after-3pm ‘sunset’ rate and you can go round for £90 a head.
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Lochranza Castle
The village of Lochranza is in a stunning location in a small bay at the north of the island. On a promontory stand the ruins of the 13th-century Lochranza Castle, said to be the inspiration for the castle in The Black Island, Hergé’s Tintin adventure. It’s basically a draughty shell inside, with interpretative signs to help you decipher the layout.
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Machrie Moor Stone Circle
On the western side of the Isle of Arran, reached by String Rd across the centre (or the coast road), is the Machrie Moor Stone Circle , upright sandstone slabs erected around 6000 years ago. It's an eerie place, and these are the most impressive of the six stone circles on the island. There's another group at nearby Auchagallon, surrounding a Bronze Age burial cairn.
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Edenmore Guest House
If you need a B&B, Edenmore Guest House is the saving grace of this ramshackle town. It’s very friendly, and offers small, spotless rooms and a hearty welcome – nothing seems too much trouble for the owner. Room No 4 is the best double. The guesthouse is just off the main A78 and offers evening meals (thank goodness!).
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Caprice
This French bistro-style bar-café provides dining among imported beers and well-to-do locals. Stained-glass windows, plenty of natural light, booth seating and a long bar gives Caprice a warm and intimate setting. There are great early meal deals too such as pizza, pasta or risotto for £5, from 5pm to 6.30pm Sunday to Thursday.
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Lighthouse Tearoom & Bunkhouse
Calling itself a tearoom is being coy! The restaurant here has an extensive menu, great desserts and outdoor seating, all in a very, very blue lighthouse theme. It’s getting quite a name for its excellent dishes (such as baked whole seabass stuffed with lime and coriander) using seasonal produce. Book in advance for dinner.
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Catacol Bay Hotel
Catacol Bay Hotel Two miles from Lochranza, this bar does great food. The Sunday buffet for £10 (over 60s – £7) is famous, and the cheery service makes you feel like a local. With its snug bar, sunny beer garden, frequent live music and great beers on tap, it’s the best pub on the island.
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Pumpernickel
Continental-style toasties and other delicious snacks are dished out at this deli-café. Dine indoors among the cheeses, meats and preserves or at outdoor tables on the pedestrianised street. It’s a good spot for a glass of wine in the afternoon, too. If the weather’s right, go for a gelato (£6).
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King's Cave
Blackwaterfoot is the largest village on the west coast. You can walk to King's Cave from here, via Drumadoon Farm - Arran is one of several islands that lay claim to a cave where Robert the Bruce had his famous arachnid encounter. This walk could be combined with a visit to the Machrie stones.
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Arran Adventure Company
Offers loads of activities, running a different one each day (such as gorge walking, sea kayaking, climbing, abseiling and mountain biking). All activities run for about three hours and cost around £48/38/28 for adults/solo teens/kids. Drop in to see what's available while you're around.
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Drift Inn
There are few better places to be on the island on a sunny day than the beer garden at this child-friendly hotel, ploughing your way through an excellent bar meal while gazing over to Holy Island. There are pub faves and genuine Angus beef burgers, with generous portions all round.
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Dancing Midgie
The Dancing Midgie is a cheerful café on the seafront providing some healthy, tasty alternatives to the chippies in town, as well as an ideal spot for a read of the newspaper. Food is freshly prepared (sandwiches, salads, soups) and the coffee freshly brewed.
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