What to do and see in South Ayrshire, Scotland: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

This glorious 260ha estate was once the playground of David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis – a man who was keen to impress with his wealth and status. Opulent to the extreme, the park is planted with conifers and beech, sculpted around miles of sandy coastline dotted with caves, and finished off with a Swan Pond, an ice house, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses. The castle itself is perched on the Ayrshire cliffs, incorporating everything the earl could wish for in his country home. It was designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century and is filled to the turrets with treasures that tell the stories of the people who lived here.

Bachelors' Club has been restored to show how the building may have looked during Burns's time. This two-room house where Burns and his peers would meet regularly 'to forget their cares and labour in mirth and diversion' has its share of stories.

Roughly one-mile scenic walking trail along the seacoast, suitable for wheelchairs. Start: Car park at Miller’s Folly on Cromwell’s Fort. End: Blackburn Car Park.

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Founded in the early 13th century by the Earl of Carrick, the remains Crossraguel Abbey sit just a few miles south of Ayr on Scotland’s west coast. Although a ruin, the Crossraguel Abbey is still complete with the original monks’ church, their cloister and even their dovecot (pigeon tower). Fine architectural details from the 15th century can still be seen within the ruins with the chapter house still standing complete with benches for the monks and an arched seat for the abbot. The early form of the abbey's name suggests it meant the Cross of Riaghail and referred to a great standing Cross.

Birthplace of poet Robert Burns.