North of Ayr

The main attraction in Kilmarnock, north-east of Ayr on the A77, is the 15th century Dean Castle and the 14th century keep, both of which were restored in the early 20th century.  On display in the castle are 15th and 16th century Brussels tapestries, a collection of musical instruments and medieval armoury.  The castle lies in a 81-hectare park with a visitor centre.

Prestwick, just north of Ayr on the A78, has a famous golf course and the Glasgow Prestwick international airport lies to the north-east of the town.  Troon and Barassie, which lie north of Prestwick, have many golfcourses, including the famous Royal Troon, and fine sandy beaches.  The Firth of Clyde offers brilliant sailing for dinghies and large yachts and it's interesting to wander around the Troon Marina, its shops and restaurants.  Dundonald Castle, a couple of miles north-east of Troon, is worth a visit.  It was built by King Robert II in 1371 and acknowledged as one of the most important castles in Scotland.

The Scottish Maritime Museum at the harbour in Irvine, 12 miles north of Ayr, consists of a number of interesting buildings depicting the importance of the town as a busy port - for example, the Engine Shop with its old turbines and boats, and the old tugs and steam yacht moored at the pontoon.  Irvine also has a large leisure centre, Magnum, and nearby is the Big Idea with a variety of hands-on inventions - a great day out for the family.  Ardrossan, a few miles north of Irvine on the A78, is the ferry port for travelling to Arran but does not have any tourist attractions.

The Kelburn Castle and Country Centre, a mile south of Largs on the A78, has pleasant grounds including gardens, pony riding and an adventure playground.  The 1263 Battle of Largs between the Vikings and Scots is depicted within Vikingar!, which is a Viking-themed multi-media exhibition and leisure centre with swimming pool.  There is a Viking festival in the first week of September which commemorates the Battle of Largs and the end of Viking political domination in Scotland.  Largs is a popular seaside resort and is also known for its famous Nardini's ice-cream parlour.  You can also take a trip on the old Waverley paddle steamer which sails up and down the Clyde in summer, stopping at Largs and various other harbours.  The tourist office is within the train station.  There is a ferry service from Largs to the island of Great Cumbrae which is popular for its beaches and cycling - Millport is the only town on the island and has a small 19th century cathedral, museums and an aquarium. 

Our cottages:

The Giffen Castle Apartment 25m SW Glasgow Sleeps: 2 (4), Bedrooms: 1

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