Our local attractions with global appeal

Culzean Castle and Country Park outside Maybole and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway are owned and run by the National Trust for Scotland. Each year, they attract thousands of visitors worldwide as well as being home favourites for family days out. If you’ve never been before or are planning your first visit to South Ayrshire this summer, be sure to put these NTS properties top of your list!

Stone ruined archway to a stunning large castle.

Culzean Castle and Country Park

Wonder awaits when you pass through the gates of Culzean Castle and Country Park, the former home and playground of the 10th Earl of Cassilis, David Kennedy.

It takes at least a full day to explore this superb attraction, with key highlights including:

  • The spectacular castle itself, designed by 18th century celebrity architect, Robert Adams. Perched high on the Ayrshire cliffs, it features a dramatic oval staircase, grand oil paintings, one of the world’s largest collections of British military flintlock pistols, and elegant rooms filled with treasures and artefacts.

  • 120 hectares of lush green woodland and interesting wildlife, including the Deer Park, home to red deer and llamas.

  • 17 miles of pathways for idyllic walks leading to clearings, glades and quiet glens.

  • An extensive Walled Garden, one of the largest in Scotland, and split into the pleasure garden and kitchen garden which supplies fruit and vegetables for estate catering.
Large still lake with a willow structure of a sea monster.
Border of flowers and grass path in a landscaped garden.
Quaint brick courtyard with seating area.
Landscaped gardens, path and water fountain.
  • The picturesque Swan Pond, surrounded by a footpath and sheltered by mature woodland.

  • Three miles of cliffs, caves, sandy bays and rockpools to explore.

  • Stunning views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran, Mull of Kintyre and Ailsa Craig – and on a very clear day, Northen Ireland!

  • The Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland play areas, complete with soaring towers, treehouses, slides, climbing walls and zip slides.

  • Tempting food and refreshments across the estate in the Home Farm Kitchen, Swan Pond café, Old Stables Coffee House and Aviary Ice Cream Parlour (see website for opening dates and times)
Explore Culzean Castle and Country Park
Outside Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers a magnificent celebration of Scotland’s national bard – and a fabulous day out for the whole family.

There’s so much to explore and experience at this ‘birthplace of a genius’, which starts in the flagship museum and weaves through Alloway village. Key highlights include:

  • The largest collection of Burns artefacts and handwritten manuscripts in the world, along with artworks, personal items and interactive quizzes and games for all ages.

  • The humble cottage where Robert Burns was born in 1759 and lived for seven years with his family and farm animals.

  • The spooky ruins of Alloway Auld Kirk and the iconic cobblestone Brig o’ Doon featured in Burns’ most famous poem, ‘Tam o’ Shanter’.

  • The peaceful Poet’s Path, a pedestrian pathway which connects Burns Cottage with the main museum and features Burns-related artworks, including a not-so ‘wee mouse’!
summer2026 19 burnscottage
Lanscaped gardens with large stone monument.
Plate with a ploughmans lunch on a table outside.
summer2026 20 rbbm
  • The beautiful Burns Monument and Gardens established in the poet’s memory 20 years after his death and offering scenic views of Alloway.

  • The Scots Wa-Hey Burns-themed play area with a mini Burns Cottage, Tam o’ Shanter zip wire, Witches’ Cauldron roundabout and Auld Kirk climbing wall!

  • Freshly made food (including haggis of course!), home baking and refreshments in the café, with the option to sit outside in the beautiful garden.

  • Museum shops with a range of traditional Scottish gifts, food, whisky and souvenirs, as well as Burns publications and children’s literature in the Scots language.
Explore Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Statues of Tam o Shanter and Souter Johnnie

Want some more?

For more NTS related to Robert Burns, visit  Souter Johnnie’s Cottage in Kirkoswald, the home of John Davidson, the shoemaker immortalised by Burns in ‘Tam o’ Shanter’. Drop in to see the life size statues of Tam, Souter Johnnie and his wife Nance Tinnock.

A small white cottage with a thatched roof. Warm lights from windows.

Join the National Trust for Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has over 100 historic places to explore across the country. Membership gives you free access to all these attractions, plus lots of other benefits too. For details on how to join and the different options available, see National Trust for Scotland.

Brochure cover with graphic of Robert Burns standing in a cobbled street with row of houses.

Ayrshire, Birthplace of Burns

If you want to find out more about Robert Burns connections across Ayrshire, including landmarks, walks and attractions, you can download our ‘Ayrshire, Birthplace of Burns’ brochure.

Download the brochure

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