Laura’s guidebook

Laura
Laura’s guidebook

Sightseeing

A trip to Culzean Castle is a great day out that has something for everyone. The castle itself has been maintained to a high standard and I would highly recommend paying the extra fee to go in and have a look around. The knowledge the staff have about the castle and its history is impressive and their enthusiasm is admirable. I especially love the gift shop within the castle where you can pick up some great gifts and confectionery from local suppliers. Out with the castle itself, the grounds are vast and will appeal to walkers and families. There is a large adventure play park and frequent events held such as treasure hunts and nature trails. Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk further than you think!
106 locals recommend
Culzean Castle
106 locals recommend
A trip to Culzean Castle is a great day out that has something for everyone. The castle itself has been maintained to a high standard and I would highly recommend paying the extra fee to go in and have a look around. The knowledge the staff have about the castle and its history is impressive and their enthusiasm is admirable. I especially love the gift shop within the castle where you can pick up some great gifts and confectionery from local suppliers. Out with the castle itself, the grounds are vast and will appeal to walkers and families. There is a large adventure play park and frequent events held such as treasure hunts and nature trails. Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk further than you think!
Heads of Ayr is a must see for families. There is something for children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. For animal lovers, you will see everything from camels to goats and from monkeys to horses. You are able to feed the many animals that live here. Remember to buy animal feed at the door when you arrive and go early while the animals are hungry! We have visited in the afternoon when the bellies are full and the children are disappointed that the animals aren't interested! The park has hand washing booths throughout. In addition to the animals, there are several play parks, zip wires, sand pits and trampolines. For an extra cost, there are quad bikes and train rides. On rainy days, there is an indoor area which features a soft play for both under and over 5's. There are several food options here for those of you who don't wish to bring a picnic (lots of outdoor seating for this). A BBQ with burgers and hot dogs, or a cafe with sandwiches and baked potatoes etc. I recommend you arrive early to make the most of your day. You can easily spend a full day here with everything the park has to offer!
44 locals recommend
Heads of Ayr Farm Park
Dunure Road
44 locals recommend
Heads of Ayr is a must see for families. There is something for children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. For animal lovers, you will see everything from camels to goats and from monkeys to horses. You are able to feed the many animals that live here. Remember to buy animal feed at the door when you arrive and go early while the animals are hungry! We have visited in the afternoon when the bellies are full and the children are disappointed that the animals aren't interested! The park has hand washing booths throughout. In addition to the animals, there are several play parks, zip wires, sand pits and trampolines. For an extra cost, there are quad bikes and train rides. On rainy days, there is an indoor area which features a soft play for both under and over 5's. There are several food options here for those of you who don't wish to bring a picnic (lots of outdoor seating for this). A BBQ with burgers and hot dogs, or a cafe with sandwiches and baked potatoes etc. I recommend you arrive early to make the most of your day. You can easily spend a full day here with everything the park has to offer!
Little Turnberry Farm & Chicken Nest
The iconic Turnberry Lighthouse is a must see for visitors to Turnberry. The views are breathtaking and on a clear day you can even see the coast of Ireland. We normally walk along the beach and then cut up onto the golf course to access it. As long as you are respectful to the golfers then no one minds at all. If you would rather avoid the beach, you can walk on the path from the clubhouse which takes you through the golf course with stunning views. The halfway house sits within the lighthouse itself, it is small but has both indoor and outdoor seating. There's nothing nicer than sitting on the terrace on a sunny day. The menu is limited but the coffee and hot chocolate are great and us usually welcome after the walk to get there.! Little legs should manage it no problem. The beaches surrounding have many rock pools etc and you will always find a crab or two! If you are really lucky, you may visit on a day where the lighthouse is open for visitors. If you get the opportunity, climb to the top and take in the view.............quite an amazing experience!
Lighthouse Halfway House
Maidens Road
The iconic Turnberry Lighthouse is a must see for visitors to Turnberry. The views are breathtaking and on a clear day you can even see the coast of Ireland. We normally walk along the beach and then cut up onto the golf course to access it. As long as you are respectful to the golfers then no one minds at all. If you would rather avoid the beach, you can walk on the path from the clubhouse which takes you through the golf course with stunning views. The halfway house sits within the lighthouse itself, it is small but has both indoor and outdoor seating. There's nothing nicer than sitting on the terrace on a sunny day. The menu is limited but the coffee and hot chocolate are great and us usually welcome after the walk to get there.! Little legs should manage it no problem. The beaches surrounding have many rock pools etc and you will always find a crab or two! If you are really lucky, you may visit on a day where the lighthouse is open for visitors. If you get the opportunity, climb to the top and take in the view.............quite an amazing experience!
6 locals recommend
Crossraguel Abbey
6 locals recommend
This is a very popular attraction to visitors of the area. A chance to visit the cottage where famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns was born and raised. There is also a museum nearby with a play park for younger visitors which is a must see while you are here. The staff are all Burn's enthusiasts and their vast knowledge makes for a fun, informative visit!
80 locals recommend
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Alloway
80 locals recommend
This is a very popular attraction to visitors of the area. A chance to visit the cottage where famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns was born and raised. There is also a museum nearby with a play park for younger visitors which is a must see while you are here. The staff are all Burn's enthusiasts and their vast knowledge makes for a fun, informative visit!
Electric Brae is another popular tourist attraction. It is modest but I would tell anyone to drive there, even for the breathtaking views alone! 15 mins away and en route to Heads of Ayr Farm Park, this optical illusion makes a freewheeling vehicle appear to be drawn uphill by a mysterious force. Historically, it was incorrectly thought that there was a magnetic or electric attraction causing it. It is, however, an optical illusion. Beware of slow moving cars as you approach!
12 locals recommend
Electric Brae
A719
12 locals recommend
Electric Brae is another popular tourist attraction. It is modest but I would tell anyone to drive there, even for the breathtaking views alone! 15 mins away and en route to Heads of Ayr Farm Park, this optical illusion makes a freewheeling vehicle appear to be drawn uphill by a mysterious force. Historically, it was incorrectly thought that there was a magnetic or electric attraction causing it. It is, however, an optical illusion. Beware of slow moving cars as you approach!
12 locals recommend
Ailsa Craig
12 locals recommend

Food scene

Turnberry hotel
24 locals recommend
Souters Inn
47 Main Rd
24 locals recommend
Dowhill Farm shop is a short 5 min drive from Traquair. Definitely worth a visit, this where I source the produce for my welcome pack for guests. Here you will find local produce and a range of giftware. They are currently offering takeaway food in the form of delicious homemade soups and rolls. I would encourage you to pay them a visit!
Dowhill Farm
Dowhill Farm shop is a short 5 min drive from Traquair. Definitely worth a visit, this where I source the produce for my welcome pack for guests. Here you will find local produce and a range of giftware. They are currently offering takeaway food in the form of delicious homemade soups and rolls. I would encourage you to pay them a visit!
I cannot recommend this award winning restaurant highly enough! In 20 years of dining here, I have never been served a bad meal. The staff have all worked there for many years and know the menu inside out. There is a full a la carte menu which has many fish, meat and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, well worth a visit.
28 locals recommend
Wildings Hotel & Restaurant
Maidens Road
28 locals recommend
I cannot recommend this award winning restaurant highly enough! In 20 years of dining here, I have never been served a bad meal. The staff have all worked there for many years and know the menu inside out. There is a full a la carte menu which has many fish, meat and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, well worth a visit.

Water sports

CARRICK COASTAL ROWING CLUB
Harbour Road

Little local shop with essentials and takeaway menu

Little K's may not look particularly pretty but it has been a life saver to us over the years, providing essentials when we have ran out of milk or toilet roll! They also have a supply of basic medicines like paracetamol or antihistamines which has also served us well! They have a sit in or takeaway menu and the rolls are usually very welcome when we are feeling peckish. There is a playpark nearby and we often couple a trip there with an ice lolly from Little K's.
Little K's Kitchen
7B Kirkoswald Rd
Little K's may not look particularly pretty but it has been a life saver to us over the years, providing essentials when we have ran out of milk or toilet roll! They also have a supply of basic medicines like paracetamol or antihistamines which has also served us well! They have a sit in or takeaway menu and the rolls are usually very welcome when we are feeling peckish. There is a playpark nearby and we often couple a trip there with an ice lolly from Little K's.

Local supermarket

Your local Asda is only 4 miles away!
6 locals recommend
Asda Girvan Supermarket
15 Vicarton St
6 locals recommend
Your local Asda is only 4 miles away!

Homewares

Kirklands House and Garden
72 Main Rd