Tourism

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Located in the heart of the magnificent historical Ayrshire region of Scotland, East Ayrshire is a cultural delight for visitors and residents alike, being home to a range of quality museums, galleries, castles, theatres, and parks.

Our region is packed with exciting things to see and do. Our two largest towns Kilmarnock and Cumnock are both the subjects of major regeneration and restoration and are steeped in industrial history, heritage and legend.

Robert Burns, Johnnie Walker, Keir Hardie, John Baird, Alexander Fleming and James Boswell, to name only a few, all have their place in our local history and their legacies form the foundation of many of the cultural attractions on offer in the area. 

The area is home to Ayrshire’s premier theatre and music venue, the Palace Theatre and Grand Hall complex, which attracts some of the very best names in theatre and music.

The Dick Institute, Kilmarnock, is one of Scotland’s leading art galleries and museums and it hosts a number of major exhibitions and events each year. The recently refurbished Baird Museum in Cumnock is home to a unique collection relating to local man James Keir Hardie, joint founder of the Scottish Labour Party movement in 1888.

Dean Castle and Country Park offers a fantastic free day out for all the family, while our new state of the art genealogy facility in the stunning Burns Monument Centre in Kay Park allows people to trace their family history with skilled researchers on hand.

Our smaller towns too have much to offer. Mauchline was home to Robert Burns during his most creative period and now a must see destination for any Burns enthusiast, with the Burns House Museum and National Burns Memorial.

Nestling in between Cumnock and Auchinleck is Dumfries House, one of the country's most beautiful stately homes, recently rescued by HRH The Prince Charles in 2007. 

Keen walkers can explore the River Ayr Walk discover more about our beautiful countryside, and as you pass through Cumnock you will notice the changing landscape and the mining that still takes place today. Doon Valley Museum in Dalmellington explores this history alongside a contemporary changing exhibition programme.

Explore what we have to offer by clicking on the links  opposite or use the navigation bar to pick out things of interest. 

 

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