Capture ancient castles; sink your toes into sparkling sands; and experience the tranquillity of island life – Ayrshire has no shortage of incredible experiences and Troon Yacht Haven is the perfect base to explore them!
We’ve picked out just a few of the epic adventures that are easily accessed from the Haven.
Capture Culzean Castle
A trip to Culzean might be the closest you’ll ever come to exploring a fairy tale castle and its grounds. The sprawling, soaring cliff-top mansion is filled to the turrets with treasure but it’s the estate that’ll take your breath away – more than 260 hectares planted with conifers and beech, sculpted around miles of sandy coastline dotted with caves, and finished off with a swan pond, an ice lodge, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses.
Pay tribute to Scotland’s Bard at his birthplace
Robert Burns is Scotland’s National Bard, and his poetry and songs are loved the world over. Whether it’s learning about a wee, sleekit, cowerin’, timerous beastie at school; slurring Auld Lang Syne at Hogmanay; or draining a dram as someone addresses a stuffed sheep’s stomach, chances are you’ve heard at least some of the great man’s work. Discover his genius in the beautiful village of Alloway, see the world’s most important collection of Burns artefacts and works in the interactive museum, and visit the humble cottage where he was born and raised.
Explore the exhibits of The Dick Institute
In no other museum in the world can you meet Brian the lion and Samantha the dinosaur; gaze upon a 400-million-year-old scorpion fossil; and explore major exhibitions from the likes of Quentin Blake. Opened in 1901, The Dick Institute is the largest museum and gallery spaces in Ayrshire and is widely known as one of Scotland’s best museums. Pay it a visit and see why – and be sure to tell Brian we said hello!
Picture (c) Peter Mahon
Gaze at the glory of the night sky at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Ayrshire has some of the largest expanses of dark sky in Europe making it a perfect destination for eager stargazers seeking amazing sights. Make your way to the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory near Dalmellington for an experience that’s quite literally out of this world.
Stand in awe at the sight of Ailsa Craig
This wee island in the middle of the outer Firth of Clyde has a storied past. It’s said that smugglers, dragons and sea monsters have called it home over the centuries. It’s also one of only two locations in the world to provide granite for curling stones. One thing is for sure, the view of the sun slinking beneath the horizon as the stout silhouette of Ailsa Craig stands defiant is a near-mythical sight.
Seek out the summit of Goatfell
The highest point on our wee neighbour the Isle of Arran, Goatfell stands a mighty 2,866 feet (that’s 874 metres for our European friends) and offers spectacular views of the west coast – if you manage to get to the summit! Keep an eye out on your ascent and you might just spot buzzards and golden eagles soaring (not so) high above you.
Brighten up your day with a trip to Kelburn Castle
Make your way to Kelburn Castle near Largs to explore Scotland’s most unusual – and colourful – castle. The 13th century castle has had an amazing makeover courtesy of a team of Brazilian artists and also features dramatic walks, breathtaking gardens and many features of historical interest. Only in Scotland can a castle become a canvas!
Take a different path in Ayrshire & Arran
Like what you see?
Make Troon Yacht Haven your berth and enjoy all this and more around the marina.
Find out more about annual berthing at Troon Yacht Haven here
