South Ayrshire Council - 65 Attractions You Must Visit

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About South Ayrshire Council

South Ayrshire is one of thirty-two council areas of Scotland, covering the southern part of Ayrshire. It borders onto Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire and North Ayrshire.

Types of Attractions in South Ayrshire Council

Activities Around

List of Attractions in South Ayrshire Council

Burns Monument

The historical Burns Monument stand on a sloping site on the north bank of the River Doon overlooking the Brig o' Doon. The Monument and Gardens come under the umbrella of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. IT was the first memorial built to the memory of the Poet Robert Burns in Ayrshire, and is close to the bank of the River Doon in Alloway. It is situated only half a mile South of the thatched cottage where he was born on 25th January 1759.

Carleton castle

Carleton castle

Iconic Buildings

Carleton Castle is a ruined five story 15th century tower house whichcan be seen from the coast road far below, with spectacular views out across the bay below. The castle comprises a small rectangular tower, with one of its corners having fallen down. Carleton was the property of the Cathcart family and legend suggests that one laird, Sir John Cathcart, funded his lifestyle through a succession of wives, murdering each before moving on to the next.

Carnell Estate

Carnell Estate

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

A majestic mansion house, which is home to a stunning 14th century tower and historic and luxurious mansion house hidden within beautiful, prize-winning gardens and over 2000 acres of parkland in Ayrshire, Scotland. The present form of the house dates back to 1843, although the earlier towers adjoin the newer additions.

Cassillis Castle

Cassillis Castle

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

The Cassillis Estate, based in Maybole, is nestled amongst 310 acres of land in the sprawling countryside. The castle, which has 112 rooms, is set in a 285-acre estate, and the tower is harled and washed in yellow. It was now one of the iconic attractions in this area and it attracts a lot of tourists to here.

Craigie Castle

Craigie Castle

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

Craigie Castle, in the old Barony of Craigie, is a ruined fortification situated in the Civil Parish of Craigie, South Ayrshire, Scotland. It consists of the ruins of a 13th-century groin-vaulted hall house and later castle. The hall house was vaulted in the 15th century, and remodelled into a tower house with ranges of outbuildings. The castle had two courtyards, and was defended by ditches.

Crossraguel Abbey

Crossraguel Abbey is one of the best preserved, most varied and most interesting of the many abbey ruins that are dotted across Scotland. Despite being a place of worship, this Cluniac monastery saw its fair share of conflict. The monks’ loyalty to Robert the Bruce eventually saw Crossraguel severely damaged in the Wars of Independence.

Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

Culzean Castle is a beautiful fantasy castle created by Robert Adam in 1772-1790 for the 10th Earl of Cassillis. Culzean is notable for its elegant oval staircase, circular saloon, painted ceilings and delicate friezes, this is one of Adam's greatest creations. The clifftop castle lies within the Culzean Castle Country Park and is opened to the public. From 1972 through 2015, an illustration of the castle was featured on the reverse side of five pound notes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Dalquharran Castle

Dalquharran Castle

Iconic Buildings

Dalquharran Castle consists of a ruined 15th-century tower, with a round tower at one corner. It was extended to form an L-plan, and rises to three storeys and a garret within the corbelled-out crenellated parapet. The castle was extended and altered in the late 17th century, and was surrounded by gardens and landscaped grounds. The basement is vaulted.

Dundonald Castle

Dundonald Castle

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

Dundonald Castle is a splendid example of a medieval tower house, with a fine barrel-vaulted ceiling in the lower hall. Explore the high-vaulted halls and gloomy dungeons of this splendid stronghold, perched on a hill above the village. The main tower was built in the 1370s by King Robert II to mark his succession to the throne. Its heritage is explored in the visitor centre.

Dunure Castle

Dunure Castle

Iconic Buildings

Dunure Castle was once the main fortress of the powerful Kennedy family, the Earls of Cassilis. The castle's origins probably date back to at least the 1200s when a stone keep was built on an easily defensible rocky outcrop overlooking the Firth of Clyde. Today the castle stands in ruins on a rocky promontory on the Carrick coast, overlooking the small harbour of Dunure.

Dunure Labyrinth

Dunure Labyrinth

Outdoors- Other

Dunure Labyrinth is a community-funded project constructed and maintained by local volunteers and pagan groups. Poised between Dunure Castle and the beach of the same name, puzzling through the labyrinth is an atmospheric experience steeped in both history and nature. You will also have lots of time to reflect and meditate as you unravel the solution to the labyrinthine mystery.

Electric Brae

Electric Brae

Outdoors- Other

Mountain Peaks

The Electric Brae is a gravity hill in Ayrshire, Scotland, where a freewheeling vehicle will appear to be drawn uphill by some mysterious attraction. The phenomenon is an optical illusion. There is more than one stretch of road known as the Electric Brae. The most famous is on the A719, south of Dunure, not far from Ayr, between Drumshrang and Knoweside. Metal road signs that used to mark the location have tended to be taken by visitors, and have been replaced by a stone inscribed with an explan

Galloway Forest Park

Galloway Forest Park

Outdoors- Other

Forests

The Galloway Forest Park is Britain’s largest forest park, which was established in 1947. It is often referred to as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’ and attracts around 800,000 thousand visitors each year. Home to dramatic ancient woodland, magnificent scenery and an astonishing range of local wildlife, the park is perfect for the whole family.

Girvan Beach

Girvan is one of Ayrshire's most popular beaches, and the town offers a variety of traditional seaside activities. Girvan enjoys spectacular views over Ailsa Craig, a wildlife and bird haven, the Firth of Clyde, the isle of Arran and Mull of Kintyre on a clear day. Sit on the shore and admire the wonderful views towards the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre. Watch the boats using the harbour, and you may even spot a visiting seal.

Girvan Golf Course

Girvan Golf Course

Outdoors- Other

Girvan Golf Course is one of eight fine courses owned and managed by South Ayrshire Council. Although a municipal course it provides the only golf in Girvan and there is a thriving independent local club with the members having facilities within the municipal clubhouse. Although not of Championship standard, Girvan provides a golfing test of considerable charm and aesthetic pleasure.

Girvan Harbour Lighthouse

A majestic lighthouse which was located in the heart of South ayrshire and it offers beautiful views and it is quiet interesting to visit an d to know the history of this lighthouse.

Greenan Castle

Greenan Castle

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

Greenan Castle is a 16th-century ruined tower house, around 2+1⁄2 miles southwest of Ayr in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Situated at the top of a sea cliff, it was originally a promontory fort converted into a motte-and-bailey in the 12th century. In the 15th century a tower house was built by the Lords of the Isles, which later passed into the hands of the Kennedy family.

Grey Hill

Grey Hill

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Grey Hill is a summit in the region or range in Scotland. Grey Hill is 297 metres high. All the walking routes up Grey Hill on Mud and Routes can be found. The walking route and range ends at Kennedy's Pass about 1 mile north of Lendalfoot, 5 miles south of Girvan.

Kennedy Park

Kennedy Park is a park in Scotland. It is situated in Dunure, close to Dunure Castle. There are so many thing s to see and do around this park and also it is a good holiday destination with family.

Kennedy's Pass

Kennedy's Pass

Mountain Passes

Kennedy's Pass lies on the course of the A77 Trunk Road, 4 miles southwest of Girvan on the South Ayrshire coast. It used to represent a narrowing in the road, which follows the raised beach along the coast. As the road rounds a little headland here, it is constricted between cliffs and a distinctive rock pinnacle. Widening the road to create the modern A77 created a challenge.

Map of attractions in South Ayrshire Council

Comments

For more information about South Ayrshire Council, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Ayrshire