The county of Ayrshire is located in Scotland's southwest, in the region known as the Scottish Lowlands, and it provides a wealth of exciting sightseeing options and enjoyable activities. The town of Ayr itself is well-known for its shopping and features a racetrack, three golf courses, and Ayr Beach, a lengthy stretch of beach with views of the Firth of Clyde and the gorgeous Isle of Arran.

Robbie Burns, the most famous poet from Scotland, was born here and is credited with referring to the inhabitants as "honest men and bonnie lasses." Burns' legacy is exemplified by memorials at the train station and the Tam o'Shanter Hotel, and admirers can even travel the Burns' Heritage Trail, a literary route across southwest Scotland that goes all the way to Dumfries and visits numerous sites with ties to Burns.

Dumfries is a lovely town worth visiting that also has a connection to Robbie Burns. It is situated on the River Nith in Dumfriesshire, which flows a little farther south into the Solway Firth. The town was granted a royal burgh charter by Robert II in 1395, and its famed bridge, which is now only open to pedestrians, was built in 1208.

This selection of the top things to do in Ayr and Dumfries will help you plan your trip to this great region of Scotland.

1. Pay a visit to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, the residence of Scotland's poet.

The most well-known poet to have ever lived in Scotland was born in a thatched home in Alloway, an area south of Ayr. Burns Cottage, which his father built, was where Robbie Burns lived for his first seven years. This wonderful tourist destination, which is now a part of the fantastic Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, has a fantastic café and store in addition to a collection of Burns' most significant literature. Scots Wa-Hey, a fun adventure playground with a Burns' theme, is a must-see for kids and encourages some learning as they play.

Numerous other historic sites, such as the Burns Monument and Gardens, are also the work of the museum. This majestic monument in the Grecian style, which stands 70 feet tall, was built in 1823 by the author's greatest admirers, and combined with its lovely gardens, it continues to be one of the best free things to do in Ayr.

The former residence of cobbler John Davidson, the real-life Souter Johnnie immortalized in the poem Tam o' Shanter, is another Burns-related location. The grave of Robert Burns' father is located at the Alloway Auld Kirk church, which dates back to the sixteenth century. An epitaph Burn's penned for his father may be seen on the monument, and Burn's himself assisted in maintaining the old church.

2. Visit the Culzean Castle and Country Park to see where "Ike" stayed.

Culzean Castle, which is under the management of the National Trust for Scotland, is located 12 miles south of Ayr in a lovely setting on the cliff tops. The current picture-book castle was built in the romantic 18th century, but a stronghold had stood here since the 14th century. Attractions include the Armory, which houses a sizable collection of pistols, and the ancient Dining Hall, which has Chippendale-style furniture and paintings by Antonio Zucchi on the ceiling.

The President Eisenhower's apartments are frequently visited by Americans. The famed American received permission to stay in Culzean Castle whenever he desired in appreciation for his assistance in bringing about the conclusion of World War 2. Visitors are welcome to rent his rooms for an interesting overnight stay. Daily free guided tours are offered.

There are more than 568 acres of gardens and countryside on the castle grounds. The Fountain Court, the Walled Garden with its vibrant flowerbeds, and Sir Herbert Maxwell's Scotch Garden are their most remarkable features. Kids can play in a fascinating adventure playground as well.

The charming ruins of the 16th-century Greenan Castle are located closer to Ayr. The tower house, which looks to cling somewhat dangerously to the clifftop and makes for a very dramatic photo opportunity, is the most remarkable aspect. Loudoun Hall, which is from the same era and is notable for being Ayr's oldest mansion and an unique example of Scottish architecture from the time, is also interesting.

3. Wander along Ayr Beach.

Ayr Beach is a wonderful place to spend some time when you're in the neighborhood. It's one of the most well-known attractions south of the city of Glasgow (it's about an hour away). Even though it is very well-liked by Glaswegians and locals alike, it can get quite crowded on summer weekends. Nevertheless, if you go during the week (or in the spring or fall), you'll sometimes discover that you have the entire 3.5 km stretch of sand to yourself.

With fine sand ideal for picnics and sandcastle building, it's equally nice for families while not being as secluded as many of Scotland's great beaches. In addition to the beach, there are other great amenities nearby, including a playground for children, a putting green, an arcade with entertaining games, and a café.

The magnificent Isle of Arran is clearly seen from here, and the views are excellent. To the north of the beach, pay attention to the Esplanade as well. It will lead you to Ayr South Pier, a well-liked fishing location.

4. Go out the Dalgarven Mill Museum of Rural Life and Costume

The Museum of Ayrshire Rural Life and Costume, which is housed in Kilwinning's fully restored Dalgarven Mill, is a repository of information and relics about the area's rich cultural history as well as traditional agricultural methods and implements. The actual working water wheel that is still driven by the River Garnock, along with the Victorian machinery it drives and the granaries that showcase costumes and everyday objects and tools, are the heart of the exhibit.

Visitors can also take a wonderful riverside stroll along the Garnock. After that, be sure to try some of the bread that was baked there using the flour that was created there. On-site amenities include an antique store, a café, and guided tours.

5. Go to the Burns and that event! Festival

The Burns an' a' that Festival, which lasts for four days each May, is the focal point of a number of yearly occasions and celebrations honoring Scotland's greatest poet, Robbie Burns, and his life, legacy, and influences. At what has grown to be the area's premier cultural festival, the town is crowded with comedians, musicians, and, of course, poets during this always-busy occasion.

BurnsFringe, a fringe program, is also enjoyable. Together with visual and performing arts, it also features food, drink, culture, and, of course, bagpipes.

6. Visit Heads of Ayr Farm Park with the kids.

Visits to Heads of Ayr Farm Park are among the best things to do when traveling with kids. This well regarded family attraction features a petting zoo, a mini-theme park, and lots of kid-friendly activities. The exhilarating water activities like bumper boats, waterslides, and water pistols (yep, you'll get wet!) are among the highlights.

On the miniature construction machinery, which includes the opportunity to operate miniature electric tractors and diggers, one can have considerable fun (electric quad bikes are also available). There are also trampolines, an aerial runway, a large sand play area, and an adventure playground.

The majority of the park's animal inhabitants are cute and cuddly breeds, such guinea pigs and rabbits, while there are also a few larger (domestic and exotic) species present, like camels and llamas, as well as monkeys. There is also a café on-site.

7. See the Camera Obscura and Dumfries Museum

The Dumfries Museum is home to a sizable collection of artifacts and memorabilia documenting local history, spanning prehistoric times to the present. The world's oldest operating Camera Obscura, constructed in 1836 and still in use today, is also located there.

The camera, which is situated on the top floor of a windmill tower, offers a 360-degree panorama of the surroundings. Fossils, local fauna, historic weapons, and stone carvings created by Scotland's early Christians are some of the museum's further features.

8. The Mausoleum and Home of Robert Burns

The home on Burns Street where the renowned poet resided for his final four years of life and where his wife Jean Armour remained until her death in 1834 is now a museum with items connected to Burns on exhibit. Burns passed away here in 1796 at the age of just 37, and the house, which is now a destination for fans from all over the world, paints a vivid picture of his life. (Entry is uncharged.)

VASA @VASouthAyrshire and South Ayrshire Lifeline kindly donated 200 packs (including toiletries, puzzle books, sweets, information re activities in SA) for inpatients in University Hospital Ayr today @nhsaaa @sahscp @connieAHPmurray They crowd funded to raise money to do this 👏 pic.twitter.com/LXzpXs7Drd

— Angela Rowe (@ang_rowe) May 29, 2020

In a mausoleum built in 1815, his ultimate burial place is only a short distance away in St. Michael's Churchyard. Visit the Robert Burns Centre for more Burns, which features a superb audio-visual presentation together with displays of authentic manuscripts and memorabilia in an 18th-century mill on the banks of the River Nith.

9. See the Ruthwell Kirk Ancient Cross

It is highly recommended to visit Ruthwell Kirk (or church) with its ancient Christian cross. One of the two most well-known Christian crosses from Anglo-Saxon times is housed in a niche of the purpose-built church.

The cross measures 17 feet in height and was carved out of sandstone in the eighth century. You may still make out some of the Latin inscriptions and biblical figures on it if you look closely.

10. See the Caerlaverock Castle Ruins

Eight miles from Dumfries, at the majestic Caerlaverock Castle ruins, the English established a bridgehead in 1270 to launch an invasion of the remainder of Scotland. This magnificent triangular stronghold features a gatehouse with two towers, a drawbridge, and a moat filled with water. The castle was quickly abandoned after the first Earl of Nithsdale enhanced the appearance with heraldic insignia and rounded window and entrance pediments.

The rich history of the castle is covered in a fascinating permanent exhibit, which also includes information on medieval siege warfare. Swans, ducks, and other wading birds find refuge in the neighboring marshland, and thousands of Brent geese come here to breed in the winter.

11. Spend the day in New Abbey

The charming remnants of Sweetheart Abbey may be seen in New Abbey, which is six miles from Dumfries and only a few minutes' drive from the coast. New Abbey also has lovely views of the Solway Firth. Devorgilla, who was also involved in the founding of Oxford's Balliol College, created this Cistercian abbey in 1273.

According to legend, she was buried with her embalmed husband John Balliol's heart in a box made of ivory that she had carried with her. Visit the charming 18th-century corn mill in New Abbey while you're there; it still grinds maize the old-fashioned way.

12. See Drumlanrig Castle, the Outlander star

Drumlanrig Castle is just a short 30-minute drive to the northwest of Dumfries. Its pink sandstone picture-book castle is approached along a beech-lined lane and features multiple little towers. This four-winged Renaissance castle has 120 rooms and a rare collection of French furniture from the 17th and 18th century inside of its ornate exterior.

The Lounge and Dining Room are highlighted by Grinling Gibbons' carvings, and the collection of portrait paintings by Kneller, van Dyck, Ramsay, Reynolds, and Gainsborough is noteworthy. The most cherished valuables of the castle, however, are the three works of art by Leonardo da Vinci, Hans Holbein the Younger, and Rembrandt.

In addition to appearing in the popular television series Outlander, the castle is the setting for a number of unusual outdoor activities, such as Land Rover tours, an adventure playground, mountain biking, and fishing. Also, it's a well-liked location for fishing and game shooting, particularly partridge (a variety of packages are offered). There are also more sedate activities available, like taking part in a relaxing afternoon tea or taking a castle tour with a guide.

13. Depart for Gretna Green to get married on an anvil.

About a half-hour drive east of Dumfries is the border settlement of Gretna Green, which was once the most well-known haven for young couples. Scottish law only required two witnesses for a wedding ceremony, and these "mock marriages" quickly gained popularity around the globe, especially since the village blacksmith's shop was frequently the location of the event.

In England, parental permission was required for individuals under the age of 21, while in Scotland, once a child reached the age of 16, parents could no longer prevent them from being married. The requirement that one of the marriage partners must reside in Scotland for at least 21 days before to the wedding was added to the law in 1846. If nothing else, this provision aided the local hotel industry.

The practice persisted up until 1940, when these "Anvil Marriages" were made illegal. Yet, the legend continues, and more than 1,000 marriages take place here year. In the Old Blacksmiths Shop, visitors can experience the custom firsthand.