Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
The cottage where Burns was born, plus a modern museum in Alloway.
Scotland · Ayrshire
Ayrshire & Arran
Top attractions, upcoming events, festivals and family activities across Ayrshire & Arran.
About Ayrshire & Arran
Ayrshire is Robert Burns country — the coast where Scotland's national poet was born, the seaside towns of Ayr, Largs and Troon, and the Isle of Arran, often called 'Scotland in miniature'.
Events across Ayrshire mix Burns celebrations at Alloway with Scottish Open golf at Renaissance / Royal Troon, the Cowal Highland Gathering at Dunoon and Arran's own music and food festivals.
Top attractions in Ayrshire
Culzean Castle & Country Park
A Robert Adam clifftop castle with 600 acres of grounds and a former Eisenhower apartment.
Isle of Arran
Reached by ferry from Ardrossan — Goatfell, Machrie Moor standing stones and Arran whisky.
Royal Troon Golf Club
One of the Open Championship's traditional rota courses.
Dumfries House
A Palladian mansion with a farm shop, adventure playground and Prince's Foundation gardens.
Ayr Beach & Low Green
A wide sweep of sand within a five-minute walk of the town centre.
Upcoming events in Ayrshire
See allNo upcoming events currently listed for Ayrshire & Arran. Check back soon or browse all Scottish events.
Festivals in Ayrshire
Burns Night celebrations
JanuaryAyrshire is the epicentre of Burns Night events on and around 25 January.
Scottish International Airshow, Ayr
SeptemberFree seafront airshow with the Red Arrows and international display teams.
Arran Folk Festival
JuneA weekend of traditional music at Brodick and Lamlash.
Marymass Festival, Irvine
AugustNine days of parades, races and family events.
Family activities in Ayrshire
Ideas for families visiting Ayrshire & Arran — most work rain or shine and pair well with the events listed above.
- Culzean Castle adventure playground and Deer Park
- Vikingar!, Largs
- Heads of Ayr Farm Park
- Kelburn Castle Graffiti Trail
- Arran cycle hire from Brodick
- Dumfries House adventure playground
When to visit Ayrshire
January is Burns season — most Ayrshire villages hold suppers, ceilidhs and Burns walks. Summer is beach and Open golf season.
Autumn is airshow and Arran food festival territory, and winter offers quiet coastal walks and cosy country hotels.
Popular venues in Ayrshire
All venuesWe're still building our venue directory for Ayrshire & Arran. Browse all Scottish venues.
Explore Ayrshire by category
Curated landing pages for the biggest event types in Ayrshire.
Local guides
Ayrshire — Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the Isle of Arran?
Take the CalMac ferry from Ardrossan Harbour to Brodick — journey time about 55 minutes. Book vehicles in advance during summer.
Where was Robert Burns born?
In Alloway, on the outskirts of Ayr. The birthplace cottage is now part of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.
Is Ayrshire good for golf?
Yes — Royal Troon, Prestwick and Turnberry are all here, plus dozens of well-maintained clubs across the county.