Our beautiful region offers so much to do and explore all year round, and each season we’ll be sharing with you some ideas to help you fully experience South Ayrshire’s towns, villages, countryside and coastline.
In every issue we’ll bring you a round-up from the packed calendar of performances and events across South Ayrshire venues so you can enjoy the best entertainment in town!
In between, you can keep up to date with what’s happening on our Destination South Ayrshire website, social channels on Facebook and Instagram and app.
Whether you’re local or visiting from further afield, discover the delights of South Ayrshire this winter.
With best wishes,
The Destination South Ayrshire team
South Ayrshire can be stunning at this time of year, with crisp frost and winter sunshine making for truly remarkable scenery. So look out the woollies and head to the hills, woodlands, parks or proms to enjoy beautiful views to beat the winter blues! Rain forecast? Don’t worry, walks in waterproofs can still be fun!
Pack a flask or reward yourself afterwards with a hot bowl of homemade soup in one of our cosy cafés!
If you fancy a bit of company while you walk, there are organised Winter Hikes along the River Ayr Way and from Maidens to Culzean in January – they’re fun, free and a great way to meet new people too.
January is the perfect time to discover and celebrate our national poet and global icon, Robert Burns, who was born in Alloway on 25th January 1759.
Special events at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum include the Burns Big Birthday Bash on 24th January, where you can enjoy a family-friendly ceilidh, musical performances, entertainment and, of course, a hearty Burns Supper! There’s also She Burns, a modern take on the Burns story from award winning writer and actor Sarah MacGillivray on 23rd January.
For a full list of Burns attractions and activities in South Ayrshire – including Burns Cottage, museums, monuments and walking trails – visit the Robert Burns section of our website.
Yes, we know it might seem like the kids have only just gone back to school, but February mid-term will soon be upon us! This year, escape the screens and get your youngsters out and about in South Ayrshire for fresh air fun – or even rainy day activities – over their break.
We’re lucky to have so many great parks and open spaces in our region where your kids can let off steam. Follow the Story Stroll around Rozelle, puzzle your way through the labyrinth at Dunure or to really tire them out, how about a scramble up to Straiton Monument?
For some wheely good fun, our proms are perfect for prams, bikes, scooters and rollerblades! No bikes of your own? No problem – hire what you need from Biosphere Bikes in Girvan or the Electric Bikepost in Troon.
Go Alpaca trekking, collect clues in an escape room or try a change of scenery with a bus trip to a different town or village – there are 27 to choose from!
There’s also a Holiday Programme from South Ayrshire’s Sport & Leisure team which includes a Gymnastics Camp on 6th February and Sports Camp on 9th February, both in Ayr.
For more mid-term ideas, visit Things to do on our website.
And if you’re looking for accommodation in South Ayrshire over the break, visit Places to Stay.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and, together with Christmas and New Year, is one of the UK’s most popular days to propose! For all those newly-engaged and about-to-be-engaged couples, South Ayrshire is a perfect location for your wedding, whether you’re planning a large scale event or something more intimate.
Offering a fabulous choice of venues and stunning backdrops for photographs – not to mention beautiful bridal boutiques and a huge choice in kilt hire specialists – you’ll find everything you need in South Ayrshire for your special day.
Options for your ceremony and reception include castles, barns and, of course, a whole range of hotels, while Ayr Town Hall and Troon Concert & Walker Halls, provide an ideal, budget-friendly alternative.
For ideas on planning your dream day, pop along to the Troon Wedding Fayre on 8th March which is free to attend, plus check out the Weddings section of our website.
March 15th is Mother’s Day and South Ayrshire offers loads of experiences to celebrate all the special women in our lives, be they young, old or somewhere in between.
Traditional afternoon tea is always a popular choice, with plenty of options across the area. See Afternoon Teas on our website. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a good pampering or relaxing spa day? Visit the Wellness section for local beauty salons and more.
Or looking for something more active? You’ll find a whole range of ideas for a great day out in the Fun For Families section.
For those mums, grans and aunties who like music or entertainment, why not treat them to tickets for a show at one of South Ayrshire’s venues? With concerts, opera, dance, theatre and comedy, there’s bound to be something they’d enjoy. For a full listing, visit our What’s On section.
Psst! Really spoil them and book a table for a pre-theatre meal beforehand. Visit Restaurants for some ideas.
On the music front, indie rockers Belle & Sebastian are kicking off their 30th Anniversary tour with two nights at Troon Concert Hall on 19th/20th February, while local favourites The MacDonald Brothers perform in The Gaiety on 14th/15th February. Top tribute shows coming to Ayr include the Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (with Peter Andre), Oasis, Mumford & Sons, and Take That.
Opera lovers can look forward to a Gala Evening of Opera at Ayr Town Hall on 4th February, while the Ukrainian National Opera presents Madama Butterly and Carmen at The Gaiety on 2nd/3rd March.
Murder mystery fans are in for a treat with The Gaiety On Tour bringing Catch the Killer to village halls and community centres across the region including Ballantrae, Girvan, Straiton, Sorn, Kirkmichael, Maybole and Colmonell.
There’s also dance with Vincent Simone, comedy from Stuart Mitchell, an Evening with Gordon Strachan and loads more. Find the full listings at What’s On.
Copyright © 2026 Destination South Ayrshire. Provided by South Ayrshire Council.
