Alex's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Places to visit while in the area. Just ask for more information
This property is about 35 mins drive from Woodside. It is the jewel in the crown of National Trust property in Scotland. One of the most visited estates in Britain and it is well worth a visit. Don't miss the Electric Brae on the way there, or a visit to Dunure Harbour which was also a filming location for Outlander.
106 locals recommend
Culzean Castle
This property is about 35 mins drive from Woodside. It is the jewel in the crown of National Trust property in Scotland. One of the most visited estates in Britain and it is well worth a visit. Don't miss the Electric Brae on the way there, or a visit to Dunure Harbour which was also a filming location for Outlander.
Outlander location just opposite Woodside. Dean Castle houses mediaeval armour and one of the most important collections of ancient musical instruments in Europe. Lovely walks and a reasonable cafe. Home to Kilmarnock’s weekly Parkrun event.
20 locals recommend
Dean Castle and Country Park
Dean RoadOutlander location just opposite Woodside. Dean Castle houses mediaeval armour and one of the most important collections of ancient musical instruments in Europe. Lovely walks and a reasonable cafe. Home to Kilmarnock’s weekly Parkrun event.
Home of Scotland’s National poet, Rabbie Burns. Perhaps best known the world over for the song “For Auld Lang Syne” which is traditionally sung at New Year celebrations.
Our daughter Hannah will be holding her wedding reception here in March 2020.
Don't miss a visit to the thatched cottage and follow the "Poet's Walk" along to the museum. Have a drink or a coffee in the "Brig O' Doon" Hotel which is close by, and don't forget to visit the Auld Brig at Alloway where the drunken Tam's horse Meg lost her tail to Cutty Sark in the famous story of "Tam O' Shanter"
80 locals recommend
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
AllowayHome of Scotland’s National poet, Rabbie Burns. Perhaps best known the world over for the song “For Auld Lang Syne” which is traditionally sung at New Year celebrations.
Our daughter Hannah will be holding her wedding reception here in March 2020.
Don't miss a visit to the thatched cottage and follow the "Poet's Walk" along to the museum. Have a drink or a coffee in the "Brig O' Doon" Hotel which is close by, and don't forget to visit the Auld Brig at Alloway where the drunken Tam's horse Meg lost her tail to Cutty Sark in the famous story of "Tam O' Shanter"
Dick Institute
Elmbank AvenueLocal Library and Museum. Somewhere to explore on a rainy day!
Great insight into life in Scotland in times gone by. Visit Glasgow
165 locals recommend
People's Palace and Winter Gardens
Templeton StreetGreat insight into life in Scotland in times gone by. Visit Glasgow
Must visit home of Salvador Dali’s famous work - Christ of St John on the cross. Large museum and art gallery.
841 locals recommend
The Glasgow Art Club
185 Bath StMust visit home of Salvador Dali’s famous work - Christ of St John on the cross. Large museum and art gallery.
Museum of all things transport with great insight into Glasgow life in times gone by. Set on the River Clyde. Good cafe.
344 locals recommend
Riverside Museum
100 Pointhouse RdMuseum of all things transport with great insight into Glasgow life in times gone by. Set on the River Clyde. Good cafe.
Home of our National Bard. Robert (Rabbie) Burns is recognised the world over as one of the finest poets who ever lived. ‘O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!’
Traditional Scottish cottage. They used to sleep next to their animals for warmth........
We hope Woodside is cosier than that!
40 locals recommend
Burns Cottage
16 AllowayHome of our National Bard. Robert (Rabbie) Burns is recognised the world over as one of the finest poets who ever lived. ‘O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!’
Traditional Scottish cottage. They used to sleep next to their animals for warmth........
We hope Woodside is cosier than that!
Home of all things botanical including the ‘Voodoo Orchid’ which stinks!
432 locals recommend
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
730 Great Western RdHome of all things botanical including the ‘Voodoo Orchid’ which stinks!
Engineering marvel. This ingenious device uses gravity to lift barges up over 24 metres. Tours daily
31 locals recommend
Falkirk Wheel Visitor Centre station
Engineering marvel. This ingenious device uses gravity to lift barges up over 24 metres. Tours daily
Iconic sculpture. Walk here from the Falkirk Wheel or do it the other way round. Nice cafe
158 locals recommend
The Kelpies
The HelixIconic sculpture. Walk here from the Falkirk Wheel or do it the other way round. Nice cafe
Shopping on the side of one Scotland’s most beautiful lochs.....
85 locals recommend
Loch Lomond Shores
Ben Lomond WayShopping on the side of one Scotland’s most beautiful lochs.....
Beautiful ’folly’. Walks and spectacular architecture. Visit while on Bute
26 locals recommend
Mount Stuart
Beautiful ’folly’. Walks and spectacular architecture. Visit while on Bute
Please try to catch a game of football at the home of Kilmarnock FC and the famous ‘Killie Pie’.
Use KA1 1UR as the postcode if you are travelling to Rugby Park, this will take you to Dundonald Place and the south entrance to Rugby Park.
Rugby Park Kilmarnock FC
Rugby RoadPlease try to catch a game of football at the home of Kilmarnock FC and the famous ‘Killie Pie’.
Use KA1 1UR as the postcode if you are travelling to Rugby Park, this will take you to Dundonald Place and the south entrance to Rugby Park.
Beautiful house and gardens restored to full glory by HRH Prince of Wales. Lovely tearoom, garden and grounds. One of finest collections of Chippendale furniture in the world. 30 minute drive.
41 locals recommend
Dumfries House: part of The Prince's Foundation
Beautiful house and gardens restored to full glory by HRH Prince of Wales. Lovely tearoom, garden and grounds. One of finest collections of Chippendale furniture in the world. 30 minute drive.
Food scene
Places where we love to eat.
Brig o' Doon House Hotel
High Maybole RoadScotts Bar & Restaurant
Harbour RoadLido
11-17 W Portland StMacCallums Oyster Bar
Harbour RoadFresh fish straight from the boat! Posh fish 'n chips :-)
Converted church. Now a restaurant, pub and theatre. Don’t miss their excellent Play, a Pie and a Pint series.
198 locals recommend
Oran Mor
Byres RoadConverted church. Now a restaurant, pub and theatre. Don’t miss their excellent Play, a Pie and a Pint series.
Great pub grub on the way to or from Culzean Castle. Say hello to Michael from me!
24 locals recommend
Souters Inn
47 Main RdGreat pub grub on the way to or from Culzean Castle. Say hello to Michael from me!
Cafe Da Vinci
17 Strand StStraightforward pizza place 10 min drive but why not walk and have a glass of wine.
The Long House
130 Titchfield StGood local pub grub.
BELLO LUCA
118 Glasgow Rd10 minute walk. Cakes to die for and a lovely morning coffee or lunch venue.
La Dragon
3 St Marnock PlDelicious Chinese cuisine. Lovely surroundings and champagne bar.
Blues Restaurant
2 Dundonald PlSet within The Park hotel , Blues Restaurant has been recently refurbished
The Duke
53 John Finnie StFrydays
3 Innellan DrGreat traditional fish n’ chips only 5 minute walk away.
Neighbourhoods
Villages and towns to visit while in the area.
Quiet seaside town. nice coffee shops and quirky gift emporiums. Don't miss a walk along the beach and a look at the world famous Open championship Golf Course. Park at the Ballust Bank. Have lunch at Scotts at the marina or The Lido in the centre of town
15 locals recommend
Troon
Quiet seaside town. nice coffee shops and quirky gift emporiums. Don't miss a walk along the beach and a look at the world famous Open championship Golf Course. Park at the Ballust Bank. Have lunch at Scotts at the marina or The Lido in the centre of town
just 15 minutes up the M77. One of the longest shopping malls in Scotland with designer shops etc
42 locals recommend
Silverburn Shopping Centre
just 15 minutes up the M77. One of the longest shopping malls in Scotland with designer shops etc
Heart of University life in Glasgow. Quirky shops, cafes and pubs. Don't miss a pint in Oran Mor, and a visit to the Botanic Gardens.
143 locals recommend
Byres Road
Byres RoadHeart of University life in Glasgow. Quirky shops, cafes and pubs. Don't miss a pint in Oran Mor, and a visit to the Botanic Gardens.
Princes Square
48 Buchanan StDesigner shops and cafes in the heart of Glasgow.
Short ferry crossing from Wemys Bay. Follow in the footsteps of the Glasgow folk who used to travel ‘doon the watter’ Don’t miss the Victorian toilets! Take the car over and visit Mount Stuart House
16 locals recommend
Rothesay
Short ferry crossing from Wemys Bay. Follow in the footsteps of the Glasgow folk who used to travel ‘doon the watter’ Don’t miss the Victorian toilets! Take the car over and visit Mount Stuart House
Health
All things healthy and unhealthy
Galleon Centre
99 Titchfield StAll manner of sports at affordable rates. Easy parking
University Hospital Crosshouse
Kilmarnock RoadI will fix you...
E.J.Templeton Numark Pharmacy
14 Dean StWithin 15 mins walking distance for all medicinal needs
Hosts Parkrun every Saturday. Slip on your trainers. We’re within hopping distance of the start line!
8 locals recommend
Dean Castle & Country Park Visitor Centre and Cafe
Dean RoadHosts Parkrun every Saturday. Slip on your trainers. We’re within hopping distance of the start line!