What's on at these top Ayrshire attractions this Easter

If you’re looking for ideas for getting out and about over the holiday weekend, here’s a list of some of Ayrshire favourite beauty spots, beaches castles and estates.

There are also details of some of the fun events being hosted across the county during the holiday.

And as Easter falls in March this year, some of these incredible Ayrshire sites should offer inside attractions - just in case of rain...

Dumfries House

This magnificent home and estate near Cumnock was transformed after being bought for £45m for the country by a consortium headed by the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles.

The house reopened in 2008, equipped for public tours.

Since then various other parts of the estate have been reopened for various uses, to provide both education and employment. And the grounds are, indeed, magnificent.

This year, foodies and families can enjoy an Easter Lunch within their Woodlands Restaurant.

Culzean Castle

Perched on the Ayrshire cliffs, boasting magnificent views, it was designed by Robert Adam for the 10th Earl of Cassilis in the late 18th century and is filled to the turrets with treasures that tell the stories of the people who lived here.

The Carrick castle has appeared on TV and in movies, including the classic The Wicker Man, a few episodes of Antiques Roadshow.

And this Easter, youngsters will just love their Easter Egg Trail.

Follow the trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win your chocolate-y reward! The trail  will help you and your family explore and learn more about the stories of the property. 

Kelburn Castle

Home to the Earl of Glasgow, Kelburn Estate and Castle is situated close to Largs. And this Easter, they are transforming their forests into a whimsical, dream-like Alice in Easterland world.

You will encounter various beloved characters from the iconic story, guiding you down the rabbit hole to solve mysteries, tackle puzzles, and ultimately aid Alice in her quest to return to our world.

But the fun doesn’t stop there – enjoy complimentary Easter games such as the egg hunt and tug of war, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your day.

Rozelle Estate

A combination of woodland, parkland, ponds and walks, Rozelle Estate in Ayr is great spot for recreation.

The 37-hectare estate is an ideal location for those who enjoy wildlife, with collared doves, swallows and blue tits among the birds found in the parkland. The pond is home to mallards, swans and herons too.

The gardens of Rozelle combine mature woodland, rhododendron walks, parkland and ornamental ponds, to produce a rich and varied landscape for all visitors.

Once you have enjoyed the walks around the estate you may wish to explore the Maclaurin Galleries in Rozelle house and have a coffee at the Rozelle Café.

Eglinton Country Park

Situated in Kilwinning, this is one of North Ayrshire’s best loved spots. It boasts the ruined Eglinton Castle, once home to the Eglinton family and later the Montgomeries, Earls of Eglinton and chiefs of the Clan Montgomery.

Eglinton Country Park is managed and maintained by North Ayrshire Council and its Ranger Service.

And this year, Friends Of Barnardo's will be holding an Easter Festival at Eglinton Park on Sunday, March 31. All proceeds go to help the children looked after by Barnardo's, and all are welcome.

Dunure Beach

Lying between the village’s harbour and its castle ruins, Dunure Beach is a picturesque coastal site.

The shingle beach is popular among walkers, and also for boating trips.

Parking is available near the castle, and there is also a play park for children.

Loch Doon

Surrounded by hills and forests, Loch Doon, south of Dalmellington, is the perfect setting for a scenic day out.

A 3.5km trail can be followed to a striking viewpoint over the water, starting from the castle ruins on the loch’s shore.

Parking is available near the start of the trail at Doon Castle.

Brodick Castle

This Arran attraction is the former home of the Dukes of Hamilton and is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

The castle is open to the public during the summer, with Brodick Country Park open all year round. And the gardens are magnificent.

And this Sunday, March 31,  you can join the team at Brodick Castle for lots of family fun and Easter themed activities.

Kildoon Hill

If you’re looking for somewhere spectacular to roll your Easter eggs, this Carrick attraction should fit the bill.

The peak of Kildoon Hill is marked with a monument which is part of a prehistoric fort. The summit can be reached as part of a circular walk which begins at Maybole train station.

The walk, while of a considerable 9.75km distance, is routed along quiet country lanes and grassy paths.

Dalcairney Falls

Situated around a mile west of Dalmellington, Dalcairney Falls is a picturesque spot which lies near Doon Bridge.

Parking is available at Cathcartston in Dalmellington itself, with a trail to the falls signposted from the car park.

If you fancy a longer stroll, you can extend your walk to take in Loch Doon (above) and Ness Glen too.