School Summer Holidays – In Ayrshire Your Children Will Never Be Bored!

Ayrshire is an incredible place to live. We have Arran right on our doorstep, beautiful countryside, historic country parks, castles and visitor attractions, unspoilt beaches and of course some of Scotland’s best seafood – caught daily. Ayrshire also gave us our national Bard, Robert Burns.

With that in mind, there’s absolutely no reason you should hear the words ‘I’m bored’ from your children this summer! We’ve rounded up some of the best local attractions to keep you busy over what’s left of the summer holidays.

Culzean Castle and Country Park

This is the Scottish National Trust’s flagship property. It’s a magnificent beach side castle designed by Robert Adam. It is dramatically perched on a hilltop with incredible views over to Arran. The castle itself has meticulous attention to detail with elegant classical embellishments including decorated ceilings and fireplaces and the beautiful oval staircase is regarded as one of the finest in Scotland. Did you know that you can stay at Culzean Castle? The Eisenhower at Culzean Castle is a small, country house hotel, located on the upper floors with superb panoramic views along the coast and across the sea to the mountains of Arran. It’s the perfect staycation spot.

Take a lovely walk up to the play area via a large swan pond and discover the play castle, a recreation of a Victorian vinery,an orangery, a deer park and an aviary. There’s also a couple of great cafes for when the children are feeling weary!

Heads of Ayr

This is a fabulous day out for the whole family – it’s located right on the spectacular Ayrshire coast and not only does it have a huge playpark featuring trampolines, sand pits, slides, games and activities – it’s also home to more animals than you can imagine including mammals, small animals, reptiles, birds and more. There’s also a fabulous Adventure Barn. Makes sure you look out for the daily animal handling sessions too.

Dean Castle Country Park

This is another fabulous family day out – what’s more, it’s free! The park covers over 200 acres with something for everyone, including wonderful woodland walks, a 14th century castle, an urban farm, a visitor centre and an adventure playground. At the farm you can meet a family of llamas, a fallow deer herd, kune kune pigs, plus two friendly donkeys. The Pets Corner also has a selection of animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and pygmy goats. There are also some scenic paths with plenty of paths and wildlife so it’s a great day out.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

This is an impressive museum with a fantastic range of Burns memorabilia, including manuscripts and possessions of the poet. It has lots of interesting biographical information along with displays that bring to life his poems, translations and recitations. If you think this isn’t for children, you’re wrong! It has lots of entertaining audio and visual performances to keep the little ones amused and what better way to help them get ahead at school by knowing all about Robert Burns.

Dundonald Castle

In the main hall at Dundonald Castle is one of Scotland’s finest preserved barrel-vaulted ceilings. It was the first home of the Stuart kings, built by Robert II in 1371, and is widely thought of as the third most important castle in Scotland in its time, after Edinburgh and Stirling. The visitor centre is a great starting point to find out more about its interesting history.

Dumfries House

This Palladian mansion was designed in the 1750s by the Adam brothers and it is considered to be one of Scotland’s architectural jewels. Prince Charles has personally intervened to ensure its protection such is its historical importance. Here you’ll find an extraordinarily well-preserved collection of Chippendale furniture and numerous objets d’art. There’s a nice café here too.

Arran

When the weather is good, there’s nowhere like Arran! The views are incredible, the beaches are stunning, and you can even take your car over on the ferry to spend the day exploring the island. Take a trip to the historic Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park and discover the many play parks, cycle and walking routes and local attractions. Find out more: https://www.visitarran.com

Glasgow 

It’s just a 40 minute drive into the city! Visit the Kelvingrove Museum, Pollok House and Country Park, shopping on Buchanan Street (with a trip to Hamley’s Toy Store), The Botanic Gardens in the West End, the Science Centre and IMAX Cinema and the Riverside Museum to name just a few! Find out what’s on and upcoming in Glasgow every day over the summer holidays: http://www.whatsonglasgow.co.uk

Roxburgh Group is a local estate agent with in-depth knowledge of the Ayrshire property market. Whether you’re buying, selling, renting or letting residential or commercial property in our corner of Scotland contact us today for friendly, professional advice.

Roxburgh Group is a local estate agent with in-depth knowledge of the Ayrshire property market. Whether you’re buying, selling, renting or letting residential or commercial property in our corner of Scotland contact us today for friendly, professional advice.