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Dunure Castle

  1. Home
  2. Places to go
  3. Ayrshire & Arran

Ayrshire & Arran

Ayrshire & Arran sits on the west coast of Scotland and is home to a vibrant island community, charming country towns and sandy shores. Step off the beaten track and explore ancient castles and landscapes steeped in Viking heritage, or discover attractions connected to our National Bard, Robert Burns, who was from this region.

Great things to do in Ayrshire & Arran

Take a walk along the coast, find out more about our National Bard or taste a drop of whisky and see how it's made.

Arran outdoor adventures

Stunning landscapes or adrenaline pumping adventures, there’s something for everyone.

Attractions in Ayrshire & Arran

From spectacular stately mansions to historic ruins and edifices, discover attractions in Ayrshire & Arran.

countryside and outdoor in Ayrshire & Arran

Plan your next escape and take time to relax, rejuvenate and restore.

Golf courses in Ayrshire & Arran

Find the fantastic range of golf courses in Ayrshire & Arran.

Amazing tours and things to do in Arran

Explore a range of fascinating, family-friendly things to do on Arran.

Culture and History in Ayrshire & Arran

Delve into Ayrshire & Arran's rich cultural offering through its museums, castles and galleries.

Top days out ideas

Discover new locations, attractions and days out across Ayrshire & Arran.

Brodick Castle

Steeped in history and beautiful scenery, get ready for the perfect family day out at Brodick Castle.

Arran Arts Heritage Trail

Discover the Arran Arts Heritage Trail on this beautiful Scottish island.

South Ayrshire Snorkel Trail

Dive into Scotland's seas to see what you can spot.

Adventure Carrick

Enjoy an adventurous weekend in South Ayrshire!

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Learn about the life and works of Scotland's National Bard.

West Kilbride Craft Town

Nestled on the North Ayrshire coastline overlooking Arran, West Kilbride is Scotland's first accredited Craft Town.

Isle of Arran Geopark

Find information about the Isle of Arran Geopark, part of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail, including why Arran is so special, the local area and more.

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere

Explore the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and discover untouched coastlines, deep forests and historic rural communities.

Dean Castle & Country Park

Dean Castle Country Park is a fantastic free day out for all the family.

Mount Stuart House

Explore this Gothic revival country house on the east coast of the Isle of Bute.

Inspiring routes, trails & itineraries

Ness Glen

© Molly Wilders

Follow a route

From the gentle Burns' Trail to the sweeping River Ayr Way, discover great driving, cycling, walking and even snorkelling routes!

  • The Coig Touring Routes
  • Isle of Arran walks
  • Walking in Ayrshire

What's on in Ayrshire & Arran

Take a look at some of the latest events and festivals taking place across the region.

Kelburn Castle Estate

© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

Arran Folk Festival, 5 – 7 June 2026 – Enjoy a lively island celebration of traditional music, with performances, ceilidhs and a warm community atmosphere.

Kelburn Garden Party at Kelburn Castle, 2 – 6 July 2026 – Set across 12 unique stages, get ready to encounter dance music, folk, plenty of funk and disco, intriguing global sounds and more – all with the wacky backdrop of the graffiti-covered Kelburn Castle.

Brodick Highland Games on the Isle of Arran, 8 August 2026 – Feel the pulse of Highland tradition at Brodick with piping, dancing, heavy athletics, and community spirit set against a stunning backdrop.

Marymass Festival in Irvine, 13 – 24 August 2026 – One of Scotland’s oldest festivals, bringing everything from traditional horse racing to fireworks, parades, live music, a funfair, live jousting, dog shows, and so much more!

Arran International Festival of Chamber Music and Song, 17 – 23 August 2026 – A week of world-class chamber music and song performances, featuring acclaimed international artists and intimate concerts.

Ayrshire Real Ale Festival in Troon, 1 – 3 October 2026 – Sample real ales, craft beers, and ciders from across Scotland while enjoying local food, live music, and a lively atmosphere.

WinterStorm Rock Weekender in Troon, 26 – 28 November 2026 – A high-energy and eclectic three days of rock music, featuring live performances from leading rock acts, great crowds, and an electric weekend atmosphere on the Ayrshire coast.

How to travel to Ayrshire & Arran

Getting to Ayrshire & Arran

Train

You can also travel to Ayrshire by train from across Scotland. From Edinburgh the trip takes roughly 3 hours 30 minutes or just 1 hour 50 minutes from Glasgow.

Enjoy 2-for-1 tickets with ScotRail when travelling to or from the Girvan and Maybole stations, until 31 January 2025.

Ferry

Once you're in Ayrshire, you can catch the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry across to the Isle of Arran.

Driving

You can drive from anywhere in Scotland to Ayrshire. From Glasgow or Edinburgh to Ayrshire the trip takes roughly 1 hour and 2 hours, respectively. 

Getting around Ayrshire & Arran

Cycling

Arran by bike is incredibly scenic and a great way to experience the island. Bike hire is available in Brodick, with e-bikes available for hire too.

Bus and coach

There are 3 bus routes on the Isle of Arran, the 322, 323, and 324, each covering the north, south and middle areas of the island.

Find out more about getting around Arran

Driving

If you choose to drive around Arran, there are three main routes you can follow; one circuitous road around the island, The String (B880) across, and the Ross Road (single track). 

Auchrannie Resort

© Auchrannie Resort

Places to stay in Ayrshire & Arran

Explore a variety of great accommodation options across Ayrshire & Arran. From cosy cottages, self-catering lodges, luxury hotels, and family-run B&Bs, to back-to-nature campsites, exclusive-use venues, glamping pods and more.

  • Accommodation in Ayrshire & Arran

The Canny Crow restaurant at Dundonald Links Clubhouse

Places to eat in Ayrshire & Arran

Ayrshire & Arran is full of flavour, with fantastic eateries and an abundant natural larder of tasty delights. 

  • Taste Trails
  • Distilleries on the Isle of Arran
  • Where to eat in Arran
  • Local favourites in Ayrshire & Arran

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