Attractions and Places to Visit in Kilmarnock

Located in the heart of Ayrshire, Kilmarnock has much to offer with its unique mix of culture, retail and leisure. The town centre is well-known for its wide range of independent niche shops which, combined with many of the familiar high street stores, offers a great retail mix.

Kilmarnock is well known to connoisseurs of world poetry; in 1759, the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns was born not far from Kilmarnock in a large family of a simple farmer.

Kilmarnock's cultural and commercial center is broad Bank Street in the historic core, with the elegant John Finnie Street boasting one of the best examples of provincial Victorian architecture in Scotland. The Dick Institute and Palace Theatre offer first class cultural and leisure experiences within the town centre, with the Burns Monument Centre close by in the beautiful setting of Kay Park. Dean Castle and Country Park offer a fantastic day out for all the family with a programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

The Palace Theatre and Grand Hall

The Palace Theatre and Grand Hall

Kilmarnock Palace Theatre is always a fantastic night out – whether you are a fan of drama, comedy, variety, dance, music or shows for children, the Palace Theatre has something to suit you.
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The Dick Institute in Kilmarnock

The Dick Institute

Featuring a programme of nationally important exhibitions, permanent displays of the museum’s diverse collections and innovative work by contemporary artists, film makers and young people from the area.
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Illuminight

Illuminight

Presented by East Ayrshire Leisure, Illuminight with Lidl is created and produced by Scotland’s leading independent event organisers UNIQUE Events in collaboration with production specialists Black Light.
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Dean Castle & Country Park

Dean Castle & Country Park

Dean Castle & Country Park in Kilmarnock is one of Ayrshire’s most popular and well-loved destinations. Dean Castle is one of Ayrshire’s best preserved castles and free attractions and was the stronghold of the Boyds, Lords of Kilmarnock, for over 400 years.

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Craigie Castle in Kilmarnock

Craigie Castle

Craigie Castle was originally a 12th century fortification, founded by Walter Hose or his father. Standing on a low ridge, in the mid 13th century the Lindsay family incorporate the remains of an earlier building, when adding a stone hall house
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~Things to Do and See in Kilmarnock~