10 Things to Do in Kilmarnock That You Shouldn't Miss

August 18, 2017 Flossie Demartino

Kilmarnock (Scottish Gaelic: Cille Mheàrnaig, "Meàrnag's church") is a large burgh in East Ayrshire, Scotland with a population of 46,350, making it the 15th most populated place in Scotland and the second largest town in Ayrshire. The River Irvine runs through its eastern section, and the Kilmarnock Water passes through it, giving rise to the name 'Bank Street'.
Restaurants in Kilmarnock

1. Dean Castle and Country Park

Dean Road, off Beansburn Road B7038, Kilmarnock KA3 1XB, Scotland +44 1563 554734
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 407 reviews

Dean Castle and Country Park

Dean Castle Country Park is an excellent free day out for all the family. The Country Park boasts a 14th century castle and beautiful woodland walks. The Country Park has completed a project to upgrade its Rural Life Centre, play park and Visitor Centre. The Castle is now closed for restoration and works will begin in June 2018. From June 2018, you will be able to see the museum collections normally on display in Castle at the Dick Institute, Elmbank St, Kilmarnock. Join us for different holiday activities with the Ranger Service over Easter and summer.

Reviewed By traceyAyrshire - ayrshire

Had a nice time , lots of lovely walks and animals to see. Play park for the kids and lovely tea room

2. Dick Institute

Dick Institute Elmbank Avenue, Kilmarnock KA1 3BU, Scotland +44 1563 554300
Excellent
74%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

Dick Institute

Reviewed By kazbabe007 - ayrshire

No matter what the weathers doing you can always rely on the Dick institute for a few good hours of entertainment weather your visiting the galleries , museum or library there's something for everyone including toilet facilities, Would love it to have coffee though...!

3. The Palace Theatre and Grand Hall

9 Green Street, Kilmarnock KA1 3BN, Scotland +44 1563 554900
Excellent
46%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 54 reviews

The Palace Theatre and Grand Hall

Reviewed By nancy0710 - Kilmarnock, United Kingdom

Went to watch a show here but the experience was marred by the Seating which was so close together and hardly any space for your legs. Apart from that the bar was nice and building clean and modern.

4. The Kay Park

Stawberrybank Road, Kilmarnock KA3 7RU, Scotland
Excellent
41%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

The Kay Park

Reviewed By Christine S - Kilmarnock, United Kingdom

Been using this park for 30 years, it has it all. Pond in the centre with swans and great variety of birds, who just love being fed with your stale bread. Swiing chute and zip slide, with lots of small kiddie things to sit on, adult excercise equipment if your feeling energetic, also a small bike track.. Great circular walk from the car park at the bowling green, to the Burns Monument at the top of the park. There are 2 large stone Lions for a photo opportunity and from where there are great views over the town. We always go at Easter so the grandchildren can roll their eggs down the steep hill at the very back of the park, popular spot. This park is a perfect picnic area 5 minute walk from the town, not a massive park but a small gem.

5. Jungle Madness Soft Play

46 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RL, Scotland
Excellent
43%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 37 reviews

Jungle Madness Soft Play

Reviewed By hgray10059 - Kilmarnock, United Kingdom

We recently visited Jungle Madness soft play in Kilmarnock with our two grandchildren. We were welcomed by cheery staff and the grandchildren had a ball playing on the equipment there. The food was also great with a good choice for kids and adults. The only think that I objected to was paying 60 pence for a plastic tumbler of diluting juice ! Overall a great place to visit with kids and would recommend to all !

6. Burns Monument Centre

Burns Monument Centre Kay Park, Kilmarnock KA3 7RU, Scotland +44 1563 576695
Excellent
56%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
6%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 30 reviews

Burns Monument Centre

Reviewed By jakmel74 - Kilmarnock, United Kingdom

I have used this venue for researching my family tree and have photographed a few weddings.The staff that helped me on both occasions could not be faulted

7. Ayrshire Athletics Arena

Queens Drive, Kilmarnock KA1 3XF, Scotland +44 1563 555226
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 11 reviews

Ayrshire Athletics Arena

Reviewed By Rossergruffydd - Glasgow, United Kingdom

The Ayrshire Athletics Arena has excellent road links being just off the A77 and linked to Kilmarnock via Queens Drive. A large car park and a convenient dropping off point exists at the main building where the disabled parking is also located. The athletics track has all the facilities required, a world away from what was here before. A bridge over the Kilmarnock Water gives access for pedestrians and to the cricket ground.
The main building doesn't have a cafe but does have drinks machines. Plenty of space within the centre and a good range of information leaflets at reception. An interesting display of cups and sporting history memorabilia.
The perfect place for exercise and training in a wide range of sports.

8. The Swimmer Sculpture by Shona Kinloch

King Street, Kilmarnock, Scotland
Excellent
37%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
29%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 31 reviews

The Swimmer Sculpture by Shona Kinloch

Reviewed By David R - Glasgow, United Kingdom

This is an odd little sculpture thing in the pavement of the street. There are other similar things around as well. No real point to it apart from a quirky oddity in the street to see as you go by. Mildly amusing at first, but you soon forget they are there as you go shopping around.

9. Howard Park

Kilmarnock, Scotland
Excellent
20%
Good
60%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 10 reviews

Howard Park

Reviewed By Rossergruffydd - Glasgow, United Kingdom

The Howard Park has seen some improvements following major infrastructure works (sewerage?) were dug through part of it. Good access with a pedestrian bridge across the river and parking available in several places, especially on the streets off McLelland Drive. A great new playground has been built and some of the paths newly tarmaced.
Plenty of trees and open grass - all well maintained by East Ayrshire Council. We came to a very successful bat walk here a few years back and they are still here - have a look just after nightfall and bring a bat detector to get a better idea of where they are and which species are present. A bowling green is located towards the old Glencairn Square. I f you are into Geocaching then a quirky one is located near here.
One of the more unusual 'attractions' is a stone sarcophagus memorial to the Kilmarnock dead of the Asiatic Cholera outbreak of the 1830s when many locals died from the disease that spread across from Europe.
The park exists thanks to the De Waldens of Dean Castle who donated it to the people of the town and it is said that the original lairds gained the land by changing the course of the river as it was the boundary - the old river bank can still be seen.

10. McCallum Bagpipes

Troon Road, Kilmarnock, Scotland +44 1563 527002
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2 reviews

McCallum Bagpipes

Reviewed By Tarainjag - Macomb, Michigan

McCallum Bagpipes is worldclass. They have a large showroom from all your bagpipe needs. In addition, they have other Scottish souvenirs and even have an authentic kiltmaker on-site. The best part is you can request a tour of the factory. You can see how the bagpipes are made from the beginnings of African wood to the final product. It was a great visit. The folks are super friendly too. I totally recommend a visit.

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