JacMar B&B at 23

DUNURE CASTLE

by hevbell

This is situated on the coastal road south of Ayr, at the fishing village of Dunure, which is a beautiful drive especially on a clear day when you get wonderful views of Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran and Mull of Kintyre and if you are very lucky, the hills of Northern Ireland are sometimes visible.

A bit of Burns

by hevbell about SOUTER JOHNNIES INN

This is a new restaurant located in the south Ayrshire village of Kirkoswald. I visited on its opening week to celebrate a family birthday and was very impressed. Its owned by a local company who already have several other restaurants and pubs in the Ayr area and this may be why it was very busy during a Friday lunchtime in its first week!
The building itself has been totally refurbished and looks amazing both inside and out with its dark beams, Burns paintings and new thatched roof. The name comes from an old village resident who was drinking buddies with local poet Rabbie Burns, his cottage now being a National Trust property a few doors up from the restaurant.
The food was absolutely delicious and there are several Scottish dishes and locally sourced ingredients on the menu including of course Haggis neeps and tatties!
The location is handy if you are staying in the Turnberry/Maidens area or spending a day in the south of Ayrshire. I had the Macaroni cheese with leeks and Arran mustard which was served with spring onions and tomatoes on a bed of mashed pototo which seemed strange but actually worked very well and I was very happy with my choice. I had a wee taste of the chicken with leeks and white wine and that was delicious also. We only had room for fruit salad for dessert but it was very good also! I think we will definitely be returning & recommending it to friends.

Crossrguel Abbey

by stevezero

Unfortunately the ruins of Crossrguel Abbey sit right beside the main A71 road, which sort of detracts from the ambience. None the less, they are remarkably well preserved and give a good idea of the layout of a medieval abbey.
Some of the stone carving such as that of the Chapter House are exceptional. The accoustics within the Chapter House are also something special. Remains of the abbey church, cloisters and domestic buildings can also still be seen.
The abbey was founded in 1244 by the Earl Of Carrick for Clunaic monks from Paisley Abbey.
Most of what it is to be seen today dates from the 13th Century.

In the care of Historic Scotland
Admission Charge - Adults £2.50
(good value this one!)

BELLEISLE

by hevbell

One of my favourite places in the park is the conservatory. Unfortunately on my last visit there I noticed it was closed due to vandalism which is a great shame.

Inside the conservatory when it was still open. I always loved the smell when you walked in here in summer, all the gorgeous flowers! :)

There is a municipal [run by the local council] golf course in the grounds behind the house. Not sure what it costs to play but it shouldn't be too bad considering its not private.

My other favourite thing in the grounds is the pets corner. I will admit to going along and talking to the animals like a little kid. Seeing all those fluffy wee guinea pigs and rabbits always cheers me up! These were some baby rabbits that were there on my last visit.

Across from the rabbits and guinea pigs [and a chicken called Rod Stewart!] are the two Vietnamese pigs - Morgan & Bubbles. Other animals include peacocks, doves, parrots, chinchillas and possibly some others.

Follw the road passed the house/hotel and you will eventually come across this large enclosure with the deer and also some sheep and donkeys keeping each other company

There is also a walled garden of which this fountain/pond is the main feature. Its always funny to me to see this as we have pictures of my mum as a toddler playing there with her sister!

Belleisle house itself is now a hotel and quite a posh one at that!