Ayr with Kids
Ayr with Kids – If you’re on the trail of Robert Burns, then Ayr and Alloway are the places to be. There’s a lot of fun to be had, and a fantastic beach too. My kids love Tam o’ Shanter as it’s full of witches, the devil himself, risk, jeopardy and adventure, so consider a fab day out in the Ayrshire capital.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum – Ayr with Kids
NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND – This National Trust for Scotland museum works for all ages. While Mr Husband and I were examining the various portraits and portrayals of Burns on the walls, the kids were frantically playing Cut the Haggis on an interactive computer that entertains around 6 players. The wooden carvings depicting the story of Tam o’ Shanter caught their attention, plus the computer game where you create a haunted street for Tam to walk down was a huge hit. A well thought out museum with a lot to occupy youngsters, and that’s even before you step outside.
Playground of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
The fab playground is just outside the cafe, meaning parents can chill in the sun with a cappucino as the children play. The Tam o’ Shanter playground theme is v cool. Brig o’ Doon is a slide, a cauldron is a roundabout, a flying fox depicts Tam fleeing from the witches, and the kirk is a climbing frame. Fantastic stuff. All free to NTS members so join here.
Alloway’s Auld Haunted Kirk – Ayr with Kids
FREE – Old kirks and graveyards are pretty creepy, even in broad daylight, but my lads were so careful tip-toeing up to peer within the church because this was the ‘real life’ place where Tam saw the Deil playing the bagpipes and the witches dancing. Their imagination was on red alert!
Brig o’ Doon – Ayr with Kids
FREE – Next stop was crossing the actual bridge where Nannie the witch, pursued by her coven, flung herself at Tam as he galloped away on the back of his trusty steed Meg. Nannie only managed to rip the poor mare’s tale off. It’s just a bridge, but knowing the story, my boys were surprisingly keen to see where Tam was said to have escaped.
Burns Monument and Gardens – Ayr with Kids
FREE – Next to Brig o’ Doon are the serene Burns Monument and Gardens. Climb to the top of the 70ft Grecian-style temple monument, appreciate the flora (especially the roses, in recognition of Burns’ famous A Red Red Rose poem), and look out for sandstone statues of Tam having a cheeky pint with his mate Souter Johnnie.
Poet’s Path
FREE – Rather than simply walk the pavement linking the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and Burns Cottage, follow the Poet’s Path, a quiet path tucked away from the road, peppered with sculptures and plaques which relate to Robert Burns and his poems. My boys’ favourite was the giant mouse – not such a timorous beastie after all!
Burns Cottage
NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND – The cottage where Burns was born is a simple dwelling but the National Trust for Scotland has come up with clever way for sharing info. Little illuminated children’s nightdresses reveal the birthdates of Robert and his siblings – we all loved this charming detail. Burns’ school report delighted my eldest son, who found it hilarious that wee Robert, aged 6, was a dreadful singer. The rooms capture a time gone by and led to lots of questions about how people lived and worked.
Outside, we found willow sculptures of Tam riding full pelt on Meg, and a gentle portrayal of Burns reading a book surrounded by wildflowers. Follow this track down to a garden and pond, where the family aspired to owning and running a small market garden. [Entry is FREE to NTS members so join here.]
Rozelle House
FREE – For detailed and occasionally gory and graphic depictions of Tam O Shanter, head to Rozelle House. Entry is free to see this remarkable series of 54 paintings by Alexander Gowdie. The gallery is situated within Rozelle Park so it’s possible to stretch your legs and potentially enjoy fine weather afterwards.
Lunch
We found two places to eat in the immediate vicinity of these attractions. Grab lunch at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, or, opposite Burns Cottage, is a small informal cafe called Poets Corner.
Ayr Beach and Playground
FREE – If you’re seeking that traditional British/Scottish seaside holiday vibe you cannot fault Ayr beach. Miles of golden sand, very reasonably priced ice cream and an epic playground.
Day Out From Ayr – Culzean Castle
NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND Don’t miss Culzean Castle. Teh grounds, setting, beach, sea views, gardens, deer park, ponds, and playgrounds are glorious. The castle itself is beautiful, with a lego treasure trail for children. Thoroughly recommend.
JOIN HERE
Things We Missed – Electric Brae
Apparently if you want gravity to elude you, then Electric Brae is the place to go.
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