// Great days out
1. Dick Institute
Spend the morning at the Dick Institute and browse the exhibition spaces housing impressive collections of fine and contemporary art
before heading to Dean Castle Country Park. Explore the country park and castle or take part in one of the many events that take place
throughout the year. Why not finish off your day with a pre- theatre meal and a show at the Palace Theatre and Grand Hall Complex?
2. Burns House Museum
Visit the Burns House Museum which offers an insight into Mauchline during Burns’ time. Then why not explore some of the River Ayr
Way around Failford, a nearby stunning woodland reserve where Burns and Highland Mary met to arrange leaving Scotland together
or simply enjoy the fantastic array of wildlife.
3. Doon Valley Museum
Visit the Doon Valley Museum and discover more about the social and industrial heritage of the area as well as enjoying
contemporary and fine art displays. Then why not explore the beautiful Loch Doon, a spectacular inland loch surrounded by the
dramatic Galloway Forest Park. Discover Ness Glen - a true rock gorge which links Loch Doon to the stunning Craigengillan Estate where
you can explore the trails, spot some wildlife or horse ride. Or why not visit the nearby Patna golf course for a round of golf?
4. Baird Institute
The Baird Institute, Cumnock, features a mixture of temporary and permanent museum displays. From here you can visit Dumfries
House, discover some scenic walks including Lord Bute’s Walk or visit nearby Muirkirk and follow the first village audio tour in Scotland
which was opened in 2005 by Tony Robinson and allows you to walk back in time and discover more about mining and Muirkirk’s pit
disaster, the Covenanters, football legend Bill Shankley and much much more!
5. Other facilities
Discover the range of leisure facilities or golf courses in the area followed by an exploration of East Ayrshire using some of the varied
and extensive path networks e.g. The Irvine Valley Trail which is a walker’s paradise with a myriad of footpaths through open
countryside, dappled riverside and shaded woodland. Look for a variety of wildlife or explore Loudoun Hill - a volcanic plug where Sir
William Wallace was reputed to have ambushed and defeated an English force in 1296, during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The
Battle of Loudoun Hill took place here too in 1307.
