Built in 1833 to replace the previous structure in which Sir William Wallace is said to have been…read moreimprisoned for setting fire to a barn with 500 English soldiers inside. This is a Neo-Gothic clock tower, 113 ft high, with a statue of William Wallace carved in the facade. Interesting to visit and in the High Street so easily accessible.

St John's Tower is all that remains of a church built around sometime in the late 12 century. It is…read morethe oldest building in Ayr. The tower was an add on around the fifteenth century and has five areas that you can reach by a spiral staircase. (ground floor, bell chamber, and three rooms)This church was dedicated to St John the Baptist, the patron saint of Ayr. The history behind the long life of this tower is very interesting and can be accessed through their website.

This is very interesting to visit - I came upon it by accident when walking around the harbour…read morearea. This ruin is part of the citadel built in the 17th century on the orders of Oliver Cromwell. The round turret overlooking the street and harbour was constructed in the 19th century by John Miller and is known as Miller's Folly. When Miller returned from India he acquired the Citadel and actually lived inside. It's less than a mile from the town and worth seeing if you're interested in history.

It's small, it's a ruin and there's not a lot to see but it is pretty cool that you can just park…read moreup nearby in Kennedy Park. A steel walkway and steps have been built inside the castle and you can go up to the top and check out the view. Also, entry is free unlike many attractions. Check out the stone labyrinth nearby too.

Nothing short of perfect. A testament to the rich history that is Scotland. It is so magnificent…read moreboth inside and out that words simply cannot describe the splendour of this castle. The castle overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and on a clear and sunny day like today you can see the Isle of Arran! Aye - a truly magestic place which we will ne'er forget!

Truly one remarkable location…read more I got tired of hearing myself say "wow" over every thing. But it was all I could say. We stayed in a wonderful room overlooking the water. My favorite part is the beach (path is slightly hidden) just to the north. Keep a sharp eye out for washed up jelly fish. But the rocks and shells create a virtual painting of nature. We had high tea, and it was such a living fantasy. Great memories.

These spectacular Italianate buildings (splendid both inside and out) were finished in 1886 and the…read morebeautiful Victoria Tower (75m in height) can be seen dominating the skyline from many parts of the town. Unfortunately, the Municipal Buildings remain uncompleted to this day as a local man, Robert Cowan, refused to sell his business in front of the tower. As a result, the shop was inserted into one corner but was destroyed during a bombing raid in 1941, leaving the unusual effect still seen today. The bricks are different to the rest and this area has become known as 'Cowan's Corner'. These days the Municipal Buildings include the Town Hall and various Council offices. There are a few parking spaces nearby but it's very difficult to find a space. However, there is a large public car park only about 5 minutes walk away.

I agree with the previous reviewer wholeheartedly. Ross Priory is one of the most overlooked…read morebuildings in Scotland. It is absolutely incredible. A must for visitors to Glasgow. Even the drink prices at the bar are reasonable. The only problem is, the priory is not anywhere near a train station. So you bring your car or get a train to Balloch then a taxi.

Beautiful architecture, a perfect setting, and several guest rooms make this a sublime wedding…read morevenue on Loch Lomond.

A wonderful piece of national heritage that deserves a visit from you. It was saved from complete…read moredisintegration by the intervention of Prince Charles, and deservedly so. In this house there are some unique and priceless pieces of Chippendale furniture and some equally rare Axminster carpets. I also loved the big orrery in the entrance hall; I've never seen one that size before. The restoration has involved a lot of local craftspeople and the house & estate still employs over 200 locals to keep things running, The house tour (you have to book) is fascinating, as they explain not only the history of the place, but tell you about the conservation methods that were used. I particularly like the way they avoid roping off parts of the room to stop you walking on the carpet, but instead have custom-made carpet runners printed with the actual design of the carpet they cover so that the image of the room is not compromised. The estate is vast too, with a hedge maze, arboretum, walled garden and plenty of walks to keep you and the kids occupied for a few hours. The cafe is pretty decent, and the shop has some upmarket tourist items that are a definite cut above the norm - as are the prices, mind. Dumfries House is run by a trust, it's not managed by any national heritage body, so everything you see on the estate is due to their own efforts and the artisanal skills that they are training young folks in. Love it.

I'm so stupid. Why haven't I visited Dumfries House before when it's on the doorstep just 20 mins…read morefrom Ayr and less than an hour from Glasgow. It's free for visitors to park the car and roam this stunning huge estate 365 days a year til dusk. I wrongly thought the house was pretty much all there was to see and now I'm kicking myself for making that mistake. I won't give everything away here. Check out their online presence to find out a little more and if walking is your thing bring some stout shoes. There's a maze, a cafe, an afternoon tea venue at weekends (a must book), a fine dining restaurant and so much more. Oh yes I musn't forget the two playparks, the Robert Adam bridge, the gobsmacking walled rose garden and all manner of cleverly crafted follies. I almost forgot the house full of chippendale and lovingly restored. Go spend the day. That Duke of Rothesay Prince Charles fella is a local hero around these parts for saving Dumfries House at the eleventh hour and opening a seldom seen gem for the public. Highly recommended!

I'm a bit conflicted on this. I came here with a group of US students. For them, the Burns museum…read morewas a bust- even after I tried to prepare them. For Scottish children- and maybe young Scottish children- it might be wonderful. For American teens, not so much. I loved it- but I'm an adult and I love Burns' poetry. So it was a great treat for me. There's a little tram you can ride if you have a disability that gets you between the home/museum and the visitor center/cafe/shop. I really, really, liked the visitors center- the food was great, the museum had lovely items, and there are playgrounds out back- perfect for picnics and walks. My teens did like that! And there are maps out there for you, so you don't get lost. The gardens all around are sheer gorgeous. And of course you MUST walk to Brig O'Doon- which is beautiful. My students, of course, had to climb down by the bank and got into something like nettles- so don't let your kids loose near the bank (for many reasons, not the least of which is nettles). Honestly, I didn't expect them to go off the path, but more fool me! Take lots of pictures and maybe read Tam O'Shanter before your visit. We had a guide trying to recite it to our kids while we were there, and that didn't work too well. Read it before hand.

Lovely spot for a stroll around the gardens behind the museum cafe, and then down through the…read moremonument gardens to the famous Brig O'Doon. Loved climbing up into the monument itself for a brilliant view and a lovely spot for a photo opportunity. Well heck the whole place is just one big photo opportunity including the bridge obviously, but also the Auld Kirk where the ghostly tale of Tam O'Shanter is famously set. Best way to experience the place is to park up at the museum (or Burns Cottage) and plan a circular route taking in the poet's path between the museum and Burns Cottage and include the Auld Kirk, monument gardens and brig. There's a big map outside the museum so its easy to figure out. The route is mainly flat and easy to navigate. The Bridge is cobbled and can be a bit slippery. The museum part itself requires an entry fee or National Trust membership. Its small and very engaging but incredibly dark which might not suit everyone especially those with visual challenges. The gardens, cafe and gift shop are accessible to all whether or not you have bought a ticket to the museum. The cafe offers haggis neeps and tatties, including a vegetarian version which is totally yum! Free and charged-for events throughout the year. Check their facebook or website for info. Tip: If you go to the rear of the Brig O'Doon Hotel, open the gate and head down into their gardens you get to walk along the river and get another iconic photo opportunity. Public access is allowed.

Newark Castle is very well preserved and stewards are always very welcoming and helpful. The…read morehistory is told in the upstairs gallery and it is a very interesting history indeed. One of the bedrooms has original wood panelling bed recesses which show grafitti of the time carved into them. It's quite shocking and sad that graffiti of this time can be found daubed on the outside castle walls! Inside the castle scottish music is played in the grand hall which gives a sense of what it was like at the time. The castle is reputed to be haunted - ask at the gift shop and I'm sure the steward will tell you the whole story as well as show you some seriously spooky pictures!