Things To Do in Ayrshire

Blackside Cottage sits in the heart of Ayrshire, perfectly positioned for exploring Scotland's southwest. From Burns Country heritage sites to spectacular coastal walks, championship golf courses to historic castles, there's something for everyone within easy reach of your cottage. We're just 45 minutes from Glasgow, a few miles from Loudoun Hill, and surrounded by the best that Ayrshire has to offer. Planning your dates? See our What’s On in 2027 calendar at the end of this page.

Burns Heritage Trail

You're staying in the heart of Burns Country. Scotland's national poet Robert Burns was born just 15 miles from Blackside Cottage, and his legacy lives on throughout Ayrshire.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum – Alloway

Visit his birthplace cottage and the museum, which houses the world's largest collection of Burns manuscripts and artifacts. Explore the atmospheric ruins of Alloway Auld Kirk, where Tam o' Shanter encountered witches, and walk across the famous Brig o' Doon.

Burns House Museum – Mauchline

In the local town of Mauchline, the Burns House Museum is where he lived with Jean Armour for many years.

Mauchline Holy Fair – Mauchline, late May

Mauchline celebrates its Burns connection each year with a free festival of live music stages, over 100 stalls, a children's area and a funfair.

Ayrshire Coast and Beaches

The Ayrshire coast is less than 30 minutes from Blackside Cottage, offering miles of beautiful sandy beaches and dramatic coastal scenery. Dog-friendly beaches like Troon and Ayr are perfect for long walks with spectacular views across to the Isle of Arran. The coastal town of Ayr combines beach relaxation with shops, restaurants, and the historic Ayr Racecourse.

Culzean Castle & Country Park – open all year

Culzean Castle sits dramatically on the clifftops with stunning coastal walks through its country park. The country park, walled garden and Adventure Cove are open all year (10am–5pm in season, 10am–4pm in winter); the castle itself opens from late March to the start of November. Dogs are welcome in the grounds under close control and on a lead in the walled garden; only assistance dogs inside the castle.

Ayr Racecourse – Ayr

Racing throughout the year, including the Coral Scottish Grand National on Saturday 17 April 2027 and the Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup Festival each September.

International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight – Ayr seafront, 3–4 September 2027

Flying displays over Ayr's Low Green and seafront, with a festival village of local food, drink and entertainment. The 2026 show included the Red Arrows and Typhoon.

Championship Golf Courses

Ayrshire is Scotland's golf coast, home to several championship courses including Royal Troon, Trump Turnberry, and Prestwick Golf Club where the Open Championship was born. With over 40 courses in the region, golfers of all abilities can enjoy links, parkland, and moorland courses with stunning coastal and countryside settings.

Historic Castles and Heritage Sites

Ayrshire's rich history comes alive through its impressive castles and heritage sites.

Dumfries House – Cumnock, open all year

Saved for the nation by His Majesty The King, Dumfries House showcases one of Britain's finest collections of 18th-century furniture. The estate is open every day of the year, dawn to dusk, and is free to explore on foot. The house is seen by guided tour – most days in summer and at weekends in winter – and booking ahead is recommended. The Queen Elizabeth II Walled Garden has a small entry charge. Dogs are welcome outdoors on a short lead (not in the maze).

Dean Castle – Kilmarnock

Dean Castle houses a collection of medieval arms and armour, set within a country park.

Loudoun Hill – a few miles from the cottage

The area played a crucial role in Scotland's Wars of Independence – Robert the Bruce won a significant victory at Loudoun Hill in 1307, just a few miles from Blackside Cottage.

Ballochmyle Viaduct – near Catrine and Mauchline, all year

The viaduct carries the railway 169 feet above the River Ayr. When completed in 1848, its 181-foot span was the largest masonry arch in the world. It is still in daily use, featured in the 1996 film Mission: Impossible, and is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. A circular walk from Catrine takes you to see it.

Doon Valley Railway – Dunaskin, near Patna

Scotland's industrial railway, at the former Dunaskin Ironworks: a heritage railway and museum with steam and diesel train rides, driver experiences, preserved industrial locomotives and the Signal Box Café. Check the website for operating days.

Walking Trails and Outdoor Activities

From your doorstep at Blackside Cottage, there are numerous walks across the vast moorlands and designated trails.

The River Ayr Way

44 miles of walking from source to sea. Each September runners take on the whole route in the River Ayr Way Challenge, a 40-mile ultra marathon (with a team relay option) from Glenbuck Loch to Ayr.

Galloway Forest Park

Britain's first Dark Sky Park, within reach for serious hikers and stargazers.

Fishing – River Ayr

The River Ayr is a spate river, with the main salmon runs from July to October depending on rainfall, plus sea trout. Most stretches are managed by local angling clubs offering day permits, including Mauchline & Ballochmyle Angling Club. Permits and local advice are also available from Gamesport tackle shop in Ayr.

Fishing – local trout fisheries

For stillwater trout fishing, Burns Fishery near Tarbolton and Craufurdland Fishery near Fenwick both offer rainbow trout.

Dog-Friendly Days Out

Your four-legged friends are welcome at many Ayrshire attractions. Most beaches welcome dogs year-round, with some seasonal restrictions during summer months. The country parks surrounding Culzean Castle, Boswell Coach House and Dean Castle offer miles of dog-friendly walking trails. The extensive grounds of Dumfries House welcome dogs on leads, and numerous forest trails throughout the region provide safe, enclosed walking.

For dog-friendly dining, The Fox and Willow in Ayr is a boutique gastropub that welcomes dogs both inside and in their outdoor domes, with water bowls and treats provided. Gro Coffee has two locations (Irvine and Ayr) offering puppuccinos and dog treats on the menu, with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating where dogs are warmly welcomed. Both venues combine excellent food with genuine hospitality for the whole family – including four-legged members.

What’s On in 2027

Plan your stay around some of Ayrshire’s best-loved events. Dates are confirmed where shown; others will be added as organisers announce them.