These hidden gems in Ayrshire are not to be missed

Geraldo’s

Located in the popular seaside town of Largs, this family owned, 5 star tourist shop is renowned for their artisan ice cream, exquisite range of handmade chocolates, seasonal gifts and premium spirits including over 70 craft gins, malt whiskies and unusual Scottish liqueurs.  With free in-store tasting events most weekends, this is a must-see shop in Largs.

Awarded 5-stars by VisitScotland in 2019, Geraldo’s is Ayrshire’s first and currently the only tourist shop to achieve this top rating. Established in 2000 by Toni Dawson and her mother Caroline, they rebranded their shop to Geraldo’s in 2016 in memory of Toni’s late father Gerald, who earned the nickname Geraldo, while playing football for Scotland as a young man. After a two-year programme of rebranding and a full shop refit the new-look Geraldo’s, situated near the ferry terminal on Largs’ seafront, now has a stunning contemporary new look, specialising in luxury chocolates, premium spirits and artisan ice cream.

Managed by Toni’s Mum, known as sweet Caroline, on-site ice-cream production began in 2005 and the business has won numerous awards for its creative flavour combinations. Offering a twist on traditional classics, they also have a few unusual combinations such as lemon & ginger or gerry berry with balsamic vinegar. Customers can choose a deluxe sundae to go topped off with warm Nutella sauce running from a giant tap right at the window. Both Toni and Caroline maintain their greatest satisfaction comes from the look of delight on the faces of locals and visitors as they sample some of Geraldo’s ice-cream.

Working closely with several chocolate houses in the UK and Europe, Geraldo’s sells a constantly changing range of top quality chocolates including their best-selling range of Parisian creams, as well as the hand painted 'Picasso' chocolates from Visser and their hugely popular gin truffles. With seasonal flavours such as strawberry & cream, mint caramel, summer berries and mango cupcake they are the perfect chocolate indulgence for warm summer nights, all carefully selected and beautifully packed by hand in store.

A big supporter of the Scottish gin and whisky industry, Geraldo’s staff are accredited as Gin and Whisky Ambassadors. Working closely with independent distilleries and craft producers when possible, the shop offers a wide range of premium spirits with over 70 artisan gins, malt whiskies and world spirits including rum, cognac and liqueurs. Customers get the chance to meet craft drinks producers and taste a selection of artisan spirits at their weekly in-store tasting events and winter masterclasses. Full event details can be found on their website.

Visit Geraldo’s in Largs or take a look at the website, Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram.

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Burns House Museum

Whether you are a first-time visitor to Mauchline or are returning to this historic town, a visit to the 4 star Burns House Museum is definitely worthwhile.

The museum is situated in the cobbled back streets of Mauchline where Robert Burns lived and worked between 1784 and 1788, years widely regarded as being his most creative and productive period. This was the time that Burns established himself as a poet, leading to the publication of the famous "Kilmarnock Edition”.

Burns and his wife Jean Armour spent some time living in the building that is now the museum and it features a recreation of the room they lodged in. Full of rare collections, original objects and documents relating to Burns’ time, the museum also brings the Burns story up to date.

The museum’s Robert Burns Collection is officially recognised as being of national significance as part of the wider collections cared for by the Museums of the Burns Scotland Partnership.

Find out more about life in Mauchline in the 18th century by examining the artifacts and illustrations of the poet's friends and patrons. Discover the many vivid characters around the town that Burns knew, like Holy Willie, who featured in Burns’ poetry and is now buried in the graveyard opposite the museum.

The collections on display are regularly changed, and a series of events in and around the museum each year including Burns Birthday in Mauchline, an annual event that celebrates our national bard.

Mauchline is famous the decorative souvenir boxware known as Mauchline Ware and the largest known public collection in the world is housed in the museum. Mauchline is also famous for the manufacture of curling stones and you can find also find out more about these two famous local industries in the museum displays and opposite the museum in Nanse Tinnock’s (an alehouse in Burns’ day)

Visit the website to find out more. 

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Dundonald Castle

Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre is as busy as ever, with exciting things to come throughout 2019 and beyond.

Having maintained their four star (excellent customer experience) VisitScotland Award, and have also awarded a 5th consecutive Trip Advisor 'Certificate of Excellence', this means they are now members of the Trip Advisor 'Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame'. Dundonald Castle extend a huge thank you to those visitors who took the time to review their experiences at Dundonald Castle. Both these awards are a testament to the hard work and commitment of the fabulous team of staff and volunteers. They are always seeking volunteers - from tour guides to assisting at events, so if you would like to become part of the family do get in touch.

During May they hosted a weekend of archaeological digs with support from Historic Environment Scotland and CFA Archaeology Ltd. Digs were made in Dundonald Primary School playing fields, land around the castle and in several village back gardens with many exciting finds. A further dig session running from 21st September until 6th October is planned for the castle grounds. This is another opportunity for people to get involved, so look out for announcements on their social media platforms.

Throughout July and August, Dundonald Castle have themed VIP tours. Meet your host Dave the English Prisoner, or Erik the Viking at the visitor centre and collect your keepsake VIP pass, handle weaponry/artefacts and get dressed up (if you wish) before heading to the castle for a tour lasting approximately one hour. Your dedicated tour guide will give an in-depth historical account of the castle with plenty of opportunity for photographs, questions and answers.

During 2018 two ‘spooky tours’ of the castle ran which proved very successful and so another two are set for the 28th September and 26th October 2019. If you want to hear about the castle's otherworldly goings on then this tour is for you.

They also continue to host many small groups for activities and the visitor centre is available to hire should you wish to hold a group meeting, or class in the evenings.

All event tickets are available on Eventbrite or from the visitor centre.

Visit the website, or follow Dundonald Castle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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South Beach Hotel

Located close to the beach and Royal Troon Golf Club, South Beach Hotel is ideally situated to enjoy the many draws of Ayrshire. The family run, traditional Scottish hotel has been established for nearly 40 years and the friendly staff take pride in creating a warm and welcoming environment for guests.  

The hotel has long been the preferred choice for business stays and golfing trips alike, and with Prestwick Airport and the ferry terminal close by, it’s ideal for short breaks too.

With 32 en-suite bedrooms all furnished to a high standard - many of which enjoy wonderful sea views out to Arran and Ailsa Craig – guests can stay in pleasant surroundings with the choice of twin and double rooms. Each is decorated with its own character and the small details have not been spared, with tea and coffee making facilities, TVs, radios and hairdryers in all rooms. The hotel also boasts a quiet resident’s lounge overlooking the gardens.

Guests and locals can also dine in the hotel’s relaxed, beach-facing conservatory restaurant or enjoy a more informal experience in the dog-friendly Millers Bar with Sky TV. All the menus use fresh and local produce, serving up the flavours of Scotland at value for money prices. There is also a wine list with a variety of options and two bars serving all kinds of beverages.

The team will go out of their way to make sure guests have a pleasant stay and are happy to organise golf trips if desired.

As well as being a top destination for visitors to the area, South Beach Hotel can also host functions and events. From weddings to business meetings, presentations to celebrations, they can cater for a large variety of functions.

The main function suite, known as The Paton Suite, can seat around 100 wedding guests for the meal and 150 at night, with plenty of space for a dance floor and use of the reception lounge. The Board Room meanwhile can accommodate 40 people, whilst the Classroom can host 60 people.

To find out more and book your next stay or hosting an event, visit www.southbeach.co.uk

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Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club

One of the finest championship links courses in Scotland has undergone a new look to help boost enjoyment and playability.

Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club, a former Open Final Qualifying and Amateur Championship venue, now boasts an impressive new short 12th hole and other subtle course changes that have helped increase membership at the west coast layout.

In the early 2000s, the prestigious Ayrshire club on the outskirts of Troon completed a project to add an additional nine holes to the existing historic 18-hole course, primarily to add length to the championship course and offer members more challenge and variety. 

However, two parts of the site required having to walk over 400 yards between holes and Barassie have moved to address this issue in an era of trying to speed up the sport.

Working with renowned designer Paul Kimber, an area of the club's property was identified to create an exciting new par-3 hole with good drainage and remove the walks. After gorse was taken away and sand imported from other parts of the site, the new 12th, known as ‘Hillhouse,’ replaces the former par-3 6th hole.

To create a better link between the 5th green and the former 7th fairway, Kimber has also built new teeing grounds near the 5th green to enable play towards the new 6th fairway from a completely different angle and achieve a right-to-left dogleg hugging the railway line.

With the alterations ready for the start of the 2019 season, the new 12th – which at 145 yards features an undulating green, pot bunkers around the green and a view to Arran looking back down the hole – has already proved popular with members and visitors.

Bob Anderson, Greens Convenor at Kilmarnock (Barassie), said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new 12th hole, it couldn’t have looked better. It is a well-designed signature par-3, with a nice yardage and improves the enjoyment of playing Barassie without the walks.

“Visitors or potential members were previously coming to Barassie and it was too long, overall. Over the years we have tried to get the playability up but retain the enjoyment and the new hole has already proved tremendously popular with all the members.”

The total yardage for the par-72 course has reduced by eight yards to 6,814, while the standard scratch for all levels remains the same.

Coupled with other initiatives such as rough reduction, the course changes have also helped Barassie to grow membership in these challenging times.

The club, which was founded in 1887 and the course finally laid as 18 holes in 1937, now has a total membership of over 1,100.

Claire Middleton, General Manager at Kilmarnock (Barassie), added: “We are thrilled with the new par-3 12th hole. Paul Kimber and his team managed not only to meet our budget and a tight schedule but, even more importantly, meet members’ expectations.

“We look forward to another great golfing season and our members and visitors enjoying the course changes.”

Barassie, which also boasts a 9-hole layout, counts former Amateur champion Gordon Sherry and fellow ex-Walker Cup winning players Jim Milligan and Jack McDonald among its current members.

The club also offers improved facilities in the clubhouse and professional's shop, run by Gregor Howie.

Visit the website to find out more.

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Lochranza Centre

Welcome to Arran’s oldest and youngest tourist attraction.

The Vikings called Arran the mysterious Island, sometimes there, sometimes not depending on the weather. The view towards the West from the Ayrshire coast can be something spectacular to behold. The jagged peaks of the North of Arran making a sharp contrast with the more  undulating hills and indented coastline of the South. Is it any wonder that the Island is often known as “Scotland in miniature”.

This amazing variation in landscape is down to one thing, its foundations - being more specific the different types of rocks and their respective ages found on the Island. The oldest rocks on the island date back to around 550 million years ago when the landscape and climate were very different to that of today, the clues being in the rocks. This situation is repeated throughout the four corners of the island, where you can encounter rocks deposited in many different environments i.e desert, equatorial/tropical  and those formed when we had a volcano located on the island. The story of the island’s development is now being told by the Arran Geopark and its partners, The National Trust for Scotland at Brodick Castle and The Arran Heritage Museum both located in Brodick. All of these centre’s have interpretation telling the island’s story.

Lochranza Centre has a dedicated interpretation centre open to the public in the North, equipped with an amazing interactive sandpit for the younger ones. Details of Geopark walks and events can be found on their website  www.arrangeopark.co.uk. Head along if you have time for a stroll, get introduced to the track made by Arran’s oldest resident “Arthur” a giant centipede filmed by Sir David Attenborough during his series “Life on Earth”. On the South coast you can also see tracks made by the fore runners of the dinosaurs or encounter what happens to sand when a lightning strike hits it in the Corrie area.

Lochranza Centre located in the North of Arran offers accommodation, activities and learning to people of all ages and plays host to a public interpretation centre for the Geopark. For most of the year the centre provides accommodation and residential courses to individuals and groups from schools, colleges, universities and any groups wishing to experience and investigate the National Scenic Area and the wildlife of the North.

During the summer and other public holidays they provide holidays for families and other groups which blend fun activities like gorge walking, abseiling, canoeing and archery with walking and wildlife tours. A warm welcome awaits all.

Visit the website for further details and prices.

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The Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume at Dalgarven Mill, Kilwinning

In a wonderful riverside setting on the A737 between Kilwinning and Dalry, this group of historic Listed buildings, has superb exhibitions of costume, tools, and furniture. The Miller’s Kitchen serves home baking and light lunches and there are also gentle riverside walks. Be lulled by the sound of the Waterwheel and the chiming clocks, we promise you an escape to gentler times.

They have what is acknowledged as one of Scotland’s finest Costume collections. Over two thousand pieces of dress and textiles, dating from 1775 to the present day, are beautifully displayed in annual exhibitions.

There have been two mills here since 1614, but the original mill dates from 1203. Both of these mills were powered by the water of the River Garnock, as is the present mill, constructed in 1869. 

The three floors of this old building are illuminated by the lives of the past rural community farmers, blacksmiths, joiners, wheelwrights, saddlers, dairymen, cheese makers, road menders and others. Visit their homes, see their clothes and furniture, and many other elements of their daily lives.

Enjoy a gentle stroll along our delightful riverside walk. See how the water from the river Garnock is channelled from the weir to power the Mill water wheel.

The Miller’s Kitchen Coffee Room serves delicious light lunches, homemade soups and cakes as well as a range of teas and coffees. They are pleased to welcome groups and coaches but pre-booking is essential (by phoning 01294 552 448).

Visit the website or follow them on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. 

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Mapes of Millport

Mapes of Millport has been a family run business for over 70 years and just two years ago a new family became proprietors of the brand and the responsibility of maintaining the standard set, growing and developing to be the number one on the Island.

Since then Scott and Deborah along with their fantastic team have gone through extensive training and as a result Mapes of Millport is the only bike shop on the island who have been awarded the Gold Velotech qualification, meaning their bicycle mechanics have industry recognised qualifications allowing them to work on and maintain not only their fleet but also your bikes to the highest standard.

Mapes of Millport set up a TripAdvisor account in 2018 and all the training that guided the staff to deliver the best customer experience has ensured that they have been recognised one year later with a 2019 certificate of excellence.

Now two years since starting this journey, Mapes of Millport is the number one name for bike hire and sales, and TOYS on Cumbrae.

The toy shop is well known for its traditional feel, with a huge selection of toys and games to suit all ages and budgets, including brands such as Lego, Fisher Price, Bruder, and Crayola all at incredibly competitive prices.

Mapes of Millport have Scotland’s largest fleet with over 400 bikes available which means they have plenty to fit different sizes and skills from, trikes, tandems, kiddie cabs, tag-alongs, electric, rocker, the gran tour and quadricycles.  All bikes are fitted with 'gel' saddles to provide maximum comfort, with a standard bike starting from one hour at only £4.

Mapes of Millport is located in the centre of town so why not make them your first stop when arriving on the Isle of Cumbrae.

Visit www.mapesmillport.co.uk to find out more. 

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The Wineport, Arran

Quality Scottish ingredients coupled with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere are found at The Wineport on the Isle of Arran. Perfectly situated at the foot of Goatfell, close to the Arran Brewery and easily accessible by car or on foot via the ‘Fisherman’s Walk’, all members of the family – including pets – are welcome. 

Whatever the weather, The Wineport is the perfect place to rest and refuel after hiking or exploring the island. The large beer garden is an ideal sun trap to enjoy any warm weather; visitors can tuck into food and drinks and soak up the rays in comfortable surroundings. Similarly, on cold and wet days the restaurant’s open fire offers a cosy escape from the outdoors. 

Passionate about championing local produce, the menu features comforting, simple dishes. Highlights include “yesterday’s soup” for the best second day flavours, Arran Ale battered haddock, goat’s cheese and pine nut salad and smoked mackerel pate and Arran oaties. Desserts are equally mouth-watering, with options including warm chocolate brownie and homemade salted caramel ice-cream.

Their Lobster Tuesday’s have also proved a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, with delicious locally caught half lobster, chips, salad and a glass of wine costing only £18.50. 

With a focus on supporting local suppliers whenever possible, The Wineport are proud to use produce from Arran Dairies, The Arran Butcher, Island Cheese Company, Arran Brewery, Creelers, Taste of Arran, Wooleys, Arran Ceramics and Arran Aromatics. This ethos means customers are served up the very best local produce and get an authentic taste of the Island. 

For informal, quality food and drink served by friendly staff, make time to visit The Wineport. Open from 11am daily, head along for your next great lunch.

 Visit www.wineport.co.uk to find out more. 

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Tea in the Square at Largs Post Office

On a visit to the popular coastal resort of Largs you will come across one of North Ayrshire’s true hidden gems, a family ran cafe called Tea in the Square, run by local married couple David and Susan Craddock.

Located at the Post Office shop in Gallowgate Square since December 2017, this warm and friendly cafe combines David’s 40 years of experience in the catering trade and Susan’s 36 years of Post Office experience, clearly complimenting each other perfectly.

Tea in the Square boasts fresh, locally sourced produce offering fabulous cooked breakfasts and hot rolls. Another favourite with visitors is the café’s homemade soup selection, accompanied with a menu which offers a variety of special lunches daily. Home baking, always popular at Tea in the Square, provides a mouth-watering selection of fresh cream cakes to suit every palate while a variety of ice cream sundaes, milkshakes plus hot and cold drinks including the 'best coffee' in town.

Tea in the Square is open 7 days a week in the summer and there is a lovely outdoor seating area to capture those sunny afternoons at the seaside, perfect for snacks like ice creams and homemade scones.

The premises are fully accessible to prams and wheelchairs and assistance will always be available to anyone who needs a little help. Tea in the Square is also dog friendly.

Attached to the local post office, Tea in the Square visitors also gain the added benefit of being able to use services available from a main PO branch, such as digital passport and driving licence needs or just simply requiring some expert advice on mail and parcel services from Susan and her team.

Whether it’s cafe refreshments or postal requirements, one thing is certain, the Craddocks family business in Largs has already earned a stamp of approval.

Find out more on Facebook or visit for the website.

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Rivergate Shopping Centre

Rivergate is an established under cover shopping centre located in the town centre of Irvine, North Ayrshire. The centre is a 365,000 sq. ft. development, which contains over 60 retail units varying in sizes from as little as 250 sq. ft. to 42,000 sq. ft. Anchor stores include Primark, Boots, JD Sports, New Look, Watt Brothers, Wilko and Asda. 

The Centre is the only one of its kind within Ayrshire and is easily accessible with great transport links to Glasgow and the surrounding towns. Irvine train station is within 5 minutes walking distance and there are also numerous bus stops near the centre.

The Rivergate strives to be an integral part of the town where local people can go to shop, eat and socialise. Local families with young children benefit from a varied programme of events and activities throughout the year with their Rivergator Kids Club.

They regularly host kids club events, specially designed for families with young children. These range from summer fun days and spooky Halloween bashes to educational roadshows with touch and learn experiences. The loveable and friendly mascot, the Rivergator, makes regular appearances at events and is more than happy to meet young guests and pose for photos. 

Visit the website to keep up to date with all the exciting events happening over the coming months.