It is the industrial center of Ayrshire and at the same time it is a city that combines culture, entertainment and shopping. It is the place where you can find everything your mind can imagine for your purchases. Walking the streets you will travel back to the Victorian era and experience the magic of the poems of the great Scottish poet Robert Burns. On a daily basis you will come across cultural and entertainment events that will make you love the city.
Currency: British Pound
Calling Code: +44
Nearest airports from city center: Glasgow Airport (42km), Edinburgh Airport (98km), Belfast Airport (195km), Manchester Airport (386km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** DEAN CASTLE COUNTRY PARK (Dean Rd, Kilmarnock KA3 1XB)
It is one of Scotland’s finest country parks. It is over 200 acres and offers walks, food and games if you have children with you. See also the 14th century castle.
*** KILLIE FOREVER FOOTBALL MUSEUM (Rugby Park)
If you want to know all about Kilmarnock FC then you’ve come to the right place. Learn the history of a club founded in 1869.
*** KAY PARK and BURNS MONUMENT (2 Kay Park Terrace, Kilmarnock KA3 7AZ)
It is a park for walking and recreation. There you will also find the Burns Monument which commemorates the poet Robert Burns (1759–1796) and dates from 1879.
*** EDWARD VII MEMORIAL (S Dean Rd, Kilmarnock KA3 7RU)
See the fountain that was erected in 1902. It is located in Kay Park and is considered one of the most important historical spots in the city.
*** HOWARD PARK (1 Wallace St, Kilmarnock KA1 1SB)
Another nice public park for walking and recreation. Locals say Kilmarnock Football Club is inextricably linked to the park.
*** THE DICK INSTITUTE (Elmbank Ave, Kilmarnock KA1 3BU)
It is one of the most important cultural parts of the city and Scotland. See the collections of contemporary artists, filmmakers and a separate library of immense importance.
*** NEW LAIGH KIRK (John Dickie St, Kilmarnock KA1 1HW)
It is a special church that dates back to 1802 and is one of the most visited places in the city.
*** DUNDONALD CASTLE (Winehouse Yett, Dundonald, Kilmarnock KA2 9HD)
It is one of the most beautiful sights in Scotland. The 14th century fortified ruin is just 15 minutes’ drive from Kilmarnock town centre.
*** ST MARNOCK SQUARE MURAL (St Marnock St, Kilmarnock KA1 1QW)
The mural depicts the story of Lady Ann Livingston Boyd, The Countess of Kilmarnock and is one of the most photographed parts of the town.
*** THE BURNS AND WILSON MONUMENT (The Cross, Kilmarnock KA1 1LR)
It is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Located in a pedestrian area in The Cross.
TΗINGS TO DO
*** It is worth visiting the Palace Theater and enjoying a show.
*** Craufurdland Castle is a place worth visiting.
*** About 20 minutes away from the city center is the Scottish Maritime Museum- Irvine.
*** The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is about half an hour away from the city center.
FOOD AND DRINK
Traditional foods are Scotch Pies from Old Salty’s, Black Pudding with scallops at The Bothy, Scottish Porridge, Haggis, Cullen skink and Deep fried Mars Bar. Also, taste the steaks and varieties of meats, accompanying them with local beers. Try also traditional Ecclefechan Butter Tart. You can of course find cuisines from Asia, America and Europe.
WHERE TO STAY
Kilmarnock town does not have many hotels and apartments. You can also find accommodation a few kilometers outside the city center.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Kilmarnock’s main shopping street is King Street.
*** Burns Mall is one of the most famous malls.
*** In the city center there are many shops for your shopping.
*** The Garage – Leisure Complex is a nice place to have fun.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bus.
CITIES NEAR KILMARNOCK
Major cities close to Kilmarnock are Glasgow (38km), Edinburgh (111km), Dundee (165km), Belfast (196km), Newcastle ypon Tyne (273km), Liverpool (380km), Manchester (383km).
