by John
•
4 February 2020
A Different View: Golfing and other things. Let’s talk Ayrshire: Ayrshire is home to several Golf Course, from the world renowned championship courses of Turnberry, Prestwick and Royal Troon, to the exposed Wester Gales and Dundonald. There is an exciting variety available to play in a relatively short distance of each other, easily allowing for two games a day. There are also a host of hidden gem courses in this area allowing for different challenges and all within a few miles of each other. Ayrshire itself has a huge variety for the travelling golfer to enjoy Here are a few of the best things to do and places to see on a trip to the West Coast If golf isn’t your cup of tea, Ayrshire has a whole host of other exciting sporting pursuits, not to mention spectacular castles, outstanding local produce and Robert Burns connections. It has everything required to shape an interesting tour. Robert Burns is Ayrshire’s most famous son. Scotland’s national poet was born in the village of Alloway where you can visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and learn about the life and work of the man. The Burns House Museum in Mauchline is another must-visit for Burns fans. Some of Scotland’s most impressive castles can be found in Ayrshire & Arran and one of the most spectacular is Culzean Castle. It enjoys a breath-taking clifftop setting and is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the National Trust for Scotland. Passes are available on their website and these get you entry to a wide range of Castles and stately homes at a discount. Dundonald Castle is a fortified 14th century tower house, Kelburn Castle dates from the 13th century and Dumfries House is recognised as one of Britain’s most stunning stately homes. Ayrshire has a good selection of award-winning restaurants that showcase the excellent produce of a region that is renowned for its quality beef and lamb as well as the exquisite fish and shellfish caught off the Ayrshire coast. Arran, which can be seen on a good day from several of the Ayrshire courses, has an amazing amount of produce for an island of its size, with everything from cheese to oatcakes and handmade chocolates. The island also has its own whisky distillery and craft brewery. A day visit across the water on the ferry is well worth it in order to enjoy. Whatever your choice, whether it is golf, history or food and drink, Ayrshire has it all. We recommend visiting the website {{}}www.historicscotland.com for discounts and passes which can save you money on entry to the castles and stately homes. Come try it out for yourself. J