Located at the junction of the Kilmarnock Water and the River Irvine, Kilmarnock is a historic Scottish town in East Ayrshire. It was the birthplace of Johnnie Walker whisky and where the Nobel Prize Laureate Sir Alexander Fleming was educated before going on to discover Penicillin.
Things to do in Kilmarnock
Ayrshire's largest museum and art gallery is housed at the Dick Institute, which originally opened in 1901 before serving as a hospital during World War I. You can delve into the area’s social and cultural history in the South Museum and Loom Room before getting up close to archaeological findings in the North Museum. Major exhibitions by contemporary Scottish artists are regularly showcased at the museum.
One of Kilmarnock’s most popular green spaces is Kay Park, which centres around a large monument to the Scottish poet, Robert Burns. You can stretch your legs on the walking trail that rings the duck-filled pond before learning about the Parliamentary reformers who protested here in 1816. In addition to two children’s play areas, there’s a basketball court and fitness equipment.
Sprawling north-east of Kilmarnock is Dean Castle Country Park, an 80-hectare estate that centres around a 14th-century castle. Learn about sustainable living at the Rural Life Centre or let loose in the adventure playground before saying “hello” to the friendly farm animals at the Urban Farm. Events are held at Dean Castle Country Park throughout the year, including harvest festivals and guided nature walks through the surrounding woodlands.
Getting around Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Glasgow and 20 minutes from Glasgow Prestwick Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Kilmarnock railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Kilmarnock is compact enough to explore on foot.