Things to do in South Ayrshire, Scotland: The Best Museums

June 25, 2021 Tonie Szymanski

The village of Alloway is home to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and the Robert Burns Heritage Trail. Highlights of the trail include Auld Kirk Alloway, Burns Cottage, Burns Monument Gardens and the 13th century Brig O'Doon. South of Alloway along the attractive A719 coastal road is Culzean Castle and Country Park which offers much of interest all ages. En route is an unusual roadside attraction called Electric Brae, a 'magnetic hill' where a car left out of gear will appear to go uphill due to an optical illusion. A few minutes drive from Culzean Castle is the famous Open Golf championship course at Turnberry where the clubhouse is open to the public.
Restaurants in South Ayrshire

1. Ayr Town Hall Cells

New Bridge Street, Ayr KA7 1LU Scotland
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Ayr Town Hall Cells

2. Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Murdoch's Lone Alloway Alloway, Ayr KA7 4PQ Scotland +44 1292 443700 [email protected] http://www.burnsmuseum.org.uk
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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4.5 based on 1,058 reviews

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Birthplace of poet Robert Burns.

Reviewed By svenskmum - Glasgow, United Kingdom

although we stay a 45 minute drive away, this was our first visit. This is a National Trust for Scotland property and I must say, very modern, bright, informative and the staff very friendly and helpful. The cafe was excellent, good home made products with prices cheaper than many other cafe in the area. The museum was very interesting with lots to see about our Rabbie. Then of course you can walk over to the Auld Kirk, Rabbie's birthplace, the monument and the Brig O' Doon. (the bridge over the river, not the hotel)you can spend an excellent few hours seeing and more than likely realising that Robert Burns contributed a lot more to our Scottish heritage than we knew. Even on a wet day it is a place to go to. There is also a children's outside play area when the weather is good. Helps the little ones from being too board with culture. The gift shop is well worth a visit. This is certainly a place where we shall visit again soon.

Croy House, Maybole KA19 8JS Scotland +44 1292 500471 [email protected]
Excellent
82%
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9%
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9%
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4.5 based on 11 reviews

Electric Brae Gallery & Studio

Electric Brae Gallery is closed for the winter. We will reopen Saturdays & Sundays 11am-5pm from 17th February 2018

4. Rozelle House Galleries

Rozelle Park, Ayr Scotland +44 1292 445447 http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/galleries/rozellehouse/
Excellent
60%
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35%
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4.5 based on 57 reviews

Rozelle House Galleries

Reviewed By OliviaC_9

What a lovely, warm welcome today from the lady in the tea room. Delicious cakes and very interesting displays of local artwork. A very enjoyable afternoon. We will be back!

5. Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Murdoch's Loan, Alloway KA7 4PQ Scotland +44 1292 443700 http://www.burnsmuseum.org.uk/
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
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10%
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7%
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4.5 based on 29 reviews

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Reviewed By 9kirks - Pennsylvania, United States

I am not familiar with Robert Burns, nor his writings. Yet after seeing his birthplace and touring the museum I have become quite interested in his life. The museum is laid out in a way that piques the interest of the visitor. Also - and I love this as much of his writing is in the Scots Gaelic language - when his writing is listed on a wall or exhibit area, the curators translate many of the words below. Very helpful to one not graced with a great literary background. The kirk in the town of Alloway is beautiful and a short walk from both the museum and the birthplace residence.

6. Steven Brown Art & Lifestyle Retail Store

35 Newmarket Street, Ayr KA7 1LL Scotland +44 1292 848088 https://www.stevenbrownart.co.uk/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 25 reviews

Steven Brown Art & Lifestyle Retail Store

Steven Brown Art has become a household name over the last few years. Famous for his iconic 'McCoo', and other colourful paintings, his art delights a host of fans across the world as they agree that 'Life Feels Better with Colour'. Steven is a proud Scot and Steven Brown Art reflects his creativity, down-to-earth humour, and a powerful Scottish community spirit. His vision is that with imagination, belief and hard work, anything is possible, and he aims to give back wherever he can. Opening his beautiful Art & Lifestyle store in 2016, Steven has brought vibrancy and life to Newmarket Street and prides himself on providing the most colourful and exciting shopping experience for all. 'LIFE FEELS BETTER WITH COLOUR'

Reviewed By P7489JWlynns - North Shields, United Kingdom

Had been looking online for a large picture for hallway but couldn't choose between 2 or 3 I liked. Decided to visit the shop in Ayr & was served by a very helpful member of staff who clearly knew the merchandise well & offered sound advice. Ended up purchasing a large framed print, 2 cushions & 2 coffee mugs! One very satisfied customer. Thank you for your patience & help.

7. Stumpy Jail

Dalrymple Street, Girvan Scotland http://www.facebook.com/Stumpy-Tower-Girvan-599746210360366
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4.5 based on 5 reviews

Stumpy Jail

Reviewed By Scottish-Hidden-Gems - Irvine, United Kingdom

Recently opened and not well known it is only available to visit by pre-booking on facebook/phone. It is open however during civic week in june, gala week in july, doors open day in September. It consists of a small jail used during riots 1831 and its all thats left of the court house and town house which was distroyed in a fire. It is full of interesting memorabilia. Well worth a visit.

14 Templehill, Troon KA10 6BE Scotland +44 1292 676111 [email protected] http://gallerytroon.co.uk/
Excellent
60%
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7%
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4.0 based on 15 reviews

The Gallery Troon

Reviewed By Fearless15613687319

Planned to briefly stop into this gallery but we ended up staying longer talking to the owner, John. When he heard we were golfers, he showed us his collection of golf photographs, which were very interesting. John is also very knowledgeable and friendly. A great place to check out!

9. McKechnie Institute

40A Dalrymple Street, Girvan KA26 9AE Scotland +44 1465 713643 http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/galleries/mckechnie/
Excellent
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4.0 based on 18 reviews

McKechnie Institute

Reviewed By JR1992xoxo - Maybole, United Kingdom

My partner and I just had to check out this museum when we were visiting Girvan. It’s free to enter as well! The top floors were shut off due to Covid, so we only got to tour the bottom floor however it’s still worth checking out. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Interesting stuff in there. Worth a look around. ????

10. Souter Johnnie's Cottage

Souter Johnnies Cottage Main Road, Kirkoswald KA19 8HY Scotland +44 1655 760603 http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Souter-Johnnies-Cottage/
Excellent
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3.5 based on 35 reviews

Souter Johnnie's Cottage

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