Region guide

Family days out in Ayrshire And Arran

A long, easy-going coastline plus the ferry over to Arran, "Scotland in miniature."

Ayrshire's coast is dotted with beaches, golf towns and Robert Burns sites that make for an easy, low-stress day out, most of them within an hour of Glasgow.

Arran, a short ferry ride from Ardrossan, gets called Scotland in miniature for a reason — mountains, castles, distilleries and beaches all inside one island small enough to circuit in a day if that's the plan.

97 places · 73 free · 22 good in the rain · 70 dog friendly
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Attraction
Heads of Ayr Farm Park
Large family farm attraction with animals, indoor play barns, outdoor adventure playgrounds and rides.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Castle
Culzean Castle and Country Park
Historic castle with extensive country park, adventure play areas, woodlands, and trails.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Playpark
Ayr Seafront Playpark
Outdoor playpark right on Ayr’s seafront with slides, climbing frames, swings and sandpit overlooking the sea.
Free
Playpark
Belleisle Estate Playpark, Ayr
Playpark within Belleisle Estate, with climbing frames and slides, perfect for outdoor family play near Ayr town centre.
Free
Playpark
Ardlochan Terrace Playpark, Prestwick
Local outdoor playpark in Prestwick with traditional playground equipment for kids.
Free
Playpark
Arran Park Playpark, Prestwick
Community outdoor playpark in Prestwick popular with families.
Free
Playpark
Kennedy Recreation Park, Dunure
Outdoor play area with swings and play equipment set in Dunure parkland.
Free
Playpark
Craigie Park Play Area, Ayr
Large outdoor play area in Craigie Park with play equipment and open grass areas.
Free
Playpark
Play Park at the Old Byre Visitor Centre, Arran
Outdoor play park with swings, slides, climbing wall and outdoor games on the Isle of Arran.
Paid entry
Playpark
Lochranza Play Park, Arran
Outdoor community play park in Lochranza village on Arran - great for kids after a walk or picnic.
Free
Playpark
Culzean Country Park Adventure Play
Adventure playground with treehouses, slides and climbing features at Culzean Country Park, great for family fun.
Paid entry
Nature
Fullarton Fairy Trail
Woodland fairy trail in Fullarton Woods near Troon with carved fairy doors and themed sculptures.
Free
Beach
Irvine Beach Park
Large seafront park with play areas, dunes and views across the Firth of Clyde.
Free
Attraction
Kelburn Castle Adventure Park
Colourfully painted castle estate with adventure playgrounds, forest trails and events.
Paid entry
Park
Dean Castle Country Park
Large park in Kilmarnock with castle museum, woodland walks, animals and playgrounds.
Free
Playpark
Largs Promenade Playpark
Seaside playground along the Largs promenade with views across the Firth of Clyde.
Free
Playpark
New Cumnock Playpark
Community playground with swings, slides and climbing structures.
Free
Attraction
Brodick Castle and Country Park
Historic castle with gardens, woodland walks, adventure playground and scenic views over Brodick Bay.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Activity
Arran Adventure Company
Outdoor activity centre offering gorge walking, coasteering, kayaking and family adventures.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Nature
Arran Coastal Way
Long-distance coastal walking route around the island with beaches, wildlife and scenic viewpoints.
Free
Museum
Arran Heritage Museum
Small museum showcasing island history with traditional buildings and heritage displays.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Beach
Brodick Beach
Pebble and sand beach with views across Brodick Bay and Goatfell.
Free
Nature
Goatfell Summit Walk
The highest peak on Arran offering spectacular views across the island and mainland Scotland.
Free
Nature
Glenashdale Falls
Woodland walk leading to dramatic waterfalls and viewpoints.
FreeGood in the rain
Attraction
Giant's Graves
Ancient Neolithic burial cairns reached via a scenic walk above Whiting Bay.
Free
Attraction
Isle of Arran Distillery
Famous whisky distillery in Lochranza offering tours and tastings.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Castle
Lochranza Castle
Picturesque ruined castle on the shore of Lochranza with views over the bay.
Free
Attraction
Machrie Moor Stone Circles
Ancient standing stones and stone circles set in dramatic moorland landscape.
Free
Nature
King's Caves
Sea caves linked with Robert the Bruce legend on Arran’s west coast.
Free
Beach
Corrie Beach
Small scenic beach and harbour village perfect for exploring rock pools.
Free
Beach
Laggan Sands
Wide sandy beach near Kilmory ideal for family beach days and wildlife spotting.
Free
Beach
Pirnmill Beach
Quiet west coast beach known for sunsets and coastal walks.
Free
Beach
Whiting Bay Beach
Family-friendly beach with views of Holy Isle and nearby cafes.
Free
Nature
Holy Isle Viewpoint
Scenic viewpoint looking across to Holy Isle and the Firth of Clyde.
Free
Attraction
Arran Aromatics Visitor Centre
Visitor centre with gardens, shop and café showcasing the famous Arran fragrances.
FreeGood in the rain
Nature
Clauchlands Point Lighthouse
Scenic coastal spot with lighthouse and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Free
Activity
Brodick Golf Club
Scenic golf course with views over Brodick Bay and Goatfell.
Paid entry
Attraction
Arran Brewery Visitor Centre
Local craft brewery with tours and tastings.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Beach
Sannox Beach
Quiet coastal beach north of Brodick popular for walking and wildlife spotting.
Free
Activity
Arran Coastal Cycle Route
Popular cycling route circling the island with sea views and quiet roads.
Free
Beach
Kildonan Beach
Beautiful beach with views of Ailsa Craig and nearby seals often seen on the rocks.
Free
Beach
Millport Beach
Popular sandy and pebble beach along Millport promenade with views across the Firth of Clyde.
Free
Playpark
Garrison House Park
Public park in Millport with playground, gardens and events space beside historic Garrison House.
Free
Activity
Cycle Around Cumbrae
Famous 10-mile circular coastal cycling route around the island with sea views and quiet roads.
Free
Attraction
Crocodile Rock
Painted rock landmark resembling a crocodile on Millport seafront, popular photo stop.
Free
Attraction
Cathedral of the Isles
Small Gothic cathedral and gardens located beside theological college buildings in Millport.
FreeGood in the rain
Museum
Museum of the Cumbraes
Local museum showcasing island history, archaeology and maritime heritage.
FreeGood in the rain
Beach
Fintry Bay
Quiet scenic bay on the west side of Cumbrae popular for picnics and wildlife spotting.
Free
Nature
The Glaid Stone
Island viewpoint and large boulder offering wide views over the Clyde and surrounding islands.
Free
Attraction
Lion Rock
Natural rock formation resembling a lion located along the coastal road.
Free
Nature
Cumbrae Rock Pools
Rock pools along the coastline ideal for children to explore marine life.
Free
Nature
Millport Promenade Walk
Flat seaside promenade ideal for walking, cycling and enjoying views across the Clyde.
Free
Activity
Cumbrae Watersports Centre
Watersports centre offering kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding experiences.
Paid entry
Activity
Millport Cycle Hire
Bike hire shops around the harbour for cycling around the island.
Paid entry
Attraction
Millport Harbour
Small harbour area with fishing boats, seals and views across the Clyde.
Free
Nature
Little Cumbrae Viewpoint
Viewpoint looking towards Little Cumbrae island and lighthouse.
Free
Beach
Cumbrae Picnic Beach
Quiet coastal picnic spot along the island road popular with cyclists.
Free
Museum
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
National Trust for Scotland museum in Alloway telling the story of Scotland's national poet, linked to Burns Cottage by the Poet's Path.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Historic
Burns Cottage
The thatched cottage in Alloway where Robert Burns was born in 1759.
Paid entry
Park
Rozelle Park
Woodland park and estate in Alloway with walking trails and a remembrance woodland.
Free
Museum
Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine
Harbourside museum of historic Scottish vessels, housed in a Victorian engine shed.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Beach
Girvan Beach
Long sandy beach with views out to Ailsa Craig, next to Girvan's harbour and amusements.
Free
Museum
Stumpy Tower, Girvan
Girvan's old town prison, now a small museum in the heart of the town.
FreeGood in the rain
Beach
Saltcoats Beach
Sandy North Ayrshire beach with promenade, popular for family visits.
Free
Castle
Portencross Castle
Small medieval tower on a rocky headland near West Kilbride, free to explore.
Free
Museum
Dick Institute
Free museum, art gallery and library in Kilmarnock, a VisitScotland four-star attraction.
FreeGood in the rain
Historic
Ballochmyle Viaduct
The highest railway viaduct in Britain, near Mauchline, with ancient carved rock art nearby.
Free
Nature
Loudoun Hill
Ancient volcanic plug near Darvel and site of Robert the Bruce's first battle victory, with a summit path.
Free
Beach
Troon Beach and Harbour
Sandy beach and working harbour in the seaside town of Troon.
Free
Museum
Dalgarven Mill
Working watermill near Kilwinning housing a museum of Ayrshire country life and costume.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Park
Eglinton Country Park
Large country park near Kilwinning with a walled garden, tournament bridge and woodland trails.
Free
Historic
Greenan Castle
Ruined clifftop tower south of Ayr, dramatically sited above the sea.
Free
Historic
Seagate Castle
16th-century town-house ruin in the centre of Irvine.
Free
Park
Howard Park
Park in the centre of Kilmarnock with play areas and open lawns.
Free
Beach
Prestwick Beach
Sandy beach running along Prestwick's seafront, popular for family walks.
Free
Beach
Barassie Beach
Quieter sandy beach north of Troon, backed by dunes.
Free
Beach
Ayr Beach
Long sweep of sand along Ayr's seafront, looking out to Arran.
Free
Historic House
Dumfries House
18th-century estate near Cumnock restored by The King's Foundation, with an adventure playground and farm shop.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Nature
Loch Doon
Scenic upland loch near Dalmellington with a relocated medieval castle on its shore.
Free
Beach
Maidens Beach
Small sandy beach beside the fishing village of Maidens, near Turnberry.
Free
Nature
Turnberry Point
Coastal viewpoint and lighthouse at Turnberry, with views to Ailsa Craig and Arran.
Free
Attraction
Electric Brae
Famous stretch of road near Dunure where the slope of the land plays tricks on the eye.
Free
Historic
Dunure Castle
Ruined coastal castle above Dunure harbour, with rockpools below.
Free
Attraction
Vikingar!
Largs attraction combining Viking history exhibits with a leisure pool.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Cafe
Nardini's
Iconic Art Deco café on the Largs seafront, famous for ice cream since 1935.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Beach
Ardneil Bay, Seamill
Sandy bay near Seamill and West Kilbride with views to Arran and the Cumbraes.
Free
Historic
Kilwinning Abbey
Ruined 12th-century abbey at the heart of Kilwinning, said to be the birthplace of Freemasonry in Scotland.
Free
Historic
Brig o' Doon
Medieval bridge over the River Doon in Alloway, made famous by Burns's poem Tam o' Shanter.
Free
Farm
Bellevue Farm
Family-run working farm near Blackwaterfoot offering animal tours and farm experiences.
Paid entry
Playpark
Isle Be Wild Adventure Playground
Woodland adventure playground at Brodick Castle inspired by Arran's natural heritage.
Paid entry
Beach
Blackwaterfoot
Small coastal village on Arran's west coast with a beach, harbour and golf course.
Free
Activity
Auchrannie Resort
Family leisure resort in Brodick with swimming pools, soft play and spa facilities.
Paid entryGood in the rain
Attraction
Torrylinn Creamery, Arran Cheese Shop
Working creamery near Kilmory where Arran's cheese is made, with a visitor shop.
FreeGood in the rain
Beach
Machrie Bay
Quiet sandy beach on Arran's west coast, near the Machrie Moor stone circles.
Free
Activity
Arran Snorkel Trail
Waymarked snorkelling trail off Whiting Bay letting families explore Arran's shallow sea life.
Free
Attraction
Catacol and the Twelve Apostles
Row of distinctive white fishermen's cottages in the small village of Catacol.
Free
Activity
Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex
Dry ski slope in East Ayrshire offering skiing and snowboarding lessons regardless of the season.
Paid entryGood in the rain