By Dominic Ryan
Whether you prefer to visit a theatre or a museum, we've captured 5 of Ayrshire and Arran’s best arts and culture destinations for you visit.
Scottish Maritime Museum
Linthouse Building, Harbour Road, Irvine KA12 8BT
Home to Scotland’s national maritime collection, the award-winning Scottish Maritime Museum is a great day out, with lots to do. Explore Scotland’s ‘Cathedral of Engineering’ – the vast, former Linthouse shipyard building. Discover historic vessels such as MV Spartan, Scotland’s last Scottish-built puffer, the harbour tug Garnock, and SY Carola, a steam yacht built in 1898. Visit website
The Baird Institute
Lugar Street, Cumnock KA18 1AD
The Baird Institute is home to world-class collections of Mauchline Ware, Cumnock Pottery and artefacts of local and social history, it also features displays around individuals such as Keir Hardie. The art gallery features a changing exhibition programme and has previously hosted major exhibitions including ‘Picasso At Play’. Visit website
The Palace and Grand Hall Complex
London Road, Kilmarnock KA3 7AA
Situated in the heart of Kilmarnock, The Palace and Grand Hall Complex is Ayrshire’s four-star premier entertainment venue that offers a wonderfully-varied programme throughout the year including music, comedy, drama and light entertainment. Having welcomed the likes of The View, Calvin Harris, Kevin Bridges and Billy Connolly to the stage over the years, the Grand Hall is a fantastic venue for a range of events and large scale music concerts. Visit website
Dalgarven Mill
Dalgarven, Kilwinning KA13 6PL
Dalgarven Mill is situated in a tranquil rural setting in the village of Dalgarven. The Museum is housed in the historic grain mill constructed in 1880. Beautifully-restored buildings offer visitors a chance to step into the past. Experience the sight and sound of one of Scotland’s last working water wheel powered by the River Garnock. The granaries on three floors houses exhibits illuminating the lives of the past community farmers and associated trades. Visit website
Vikingar
40 Greenock Road, Largs KA30 8QL
Experience the Vikingar adventure first hand, as storytellers guide you through 500 years as Viking history is brought to life through sight and sound. Watch the amazing 20-minute, five-screen film presentation following one Viking family through generations of turmoil, battle and adventure until the Battle of Largs in 1263. Finally enter the Viking Hall of Knowledge where multi-media technology and exhibitions continue the ‘Saga of the Vikings in Scotland’. Visit website
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