Things to see and do Kilmarnock

People come to Dean Castle both for its beautiful 80-hectare park, which is very popular with families, and for its old ^14th-century walls. Home to the Boyd family, it contains interesting collections of weapons, armor, tapestries and musical instruments. Ideal for a bucolic and historical outing. There is a tearoom at the visitor center. Between the visit of the castle, the walks in the immense park, the Adventure Play Space for the children and the animal farm, one can easily spend the day there.

This high ruined castle was built by Robert II in the 1370s, shortly after his accession to the throne. Because of its location on a promontory, it offers a superb view of the surrounding countryside and the Firth of Clyde. The visit allows to discover the history of the place and the building, from room to room. The surroundings are also interesting and worth putting on good shoes: Dundonald Woodland (large deciduous forest), access to Auchans Castle (remains), walk on Smuggler's Trail (leaflets at the castle).

This place is a must for those who are interested in the country's heritage or for budding genealogists. It has many resources on the history of the region, with newspapers, maps, photographs, books, official and unofficial archives. If you need to do genealogical research, you've come to the right place. At its heart is the statue of Robert Burns, the centerpiece of the original monument erected in 1879. It is the only place in Scotland to have archives dating back over 500 years. For £15, you can even do genealogical research.

The Dick Institute's exhibition program is very diverse. The main gallery hosts travelling exhibitions provided by national institutions, as well as regular shows. The other galleries are semi-permanent and showcase East Ayrshire's social and natural heritage. In 2023, the museum celebrates the 10th anniversary of the spring exhibition. On this occasion, it will showcase the work of regional artists, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of contemporary practices through the finest works.