Attractions and Places To See around Kilmaurs - Top 20

Kilmaurs offers a rich history with several notable sites. You can visit the historic Tolbooth, also known as the 'Jougs', which served as council chambers and a jail. The St Maurs-Glencairn Parish Church, dating back to 1170, and its Glencairn Aisle, the burial place of the Clan Cunningham, are also significant. Don't miss Kilmaurs Place, an old mansion incorporating the ruins of Kilmaurs Tower, and the Mercat Cross, a symbol of the village's market history. The village also features a row of Weavers' Houses, offering a glimpse into its industrial past.

Yes, Kilmaurs is nestled in a peaceful semi-rural setting with beautiful countryside views. The Carmel Water runs through the village, with historical sites like Kilmaurs Place and Bailliehill Mount along its banks. Just outside the village, you can explore the River Garnock, the smallest of Ayrshire's principal rivers, known for the Spout of Garnock waterfall.

For families, the area offers several engaging spots. The remains of Eglinton Castle Tower provide open green space perfect for activities and picnics. Irvine Harbour, a historical site, is also considered family-friendly. Additionally, the Eglinton Country Park Visitor Centre offers interpretative displays and a gift shop with items to entertain children.

Beyond the village's historical buildings, you can find the Bailliehill Mount Iron Age Hill Fort overlooking the Carmel Water, consisting of a circular bank and ditch. Slightly further afield, the Cairnmount Hill Standing Stones offer a unique experience, though they are a modern construction using stones from a nearby coal mine, marking the end of a long mining history.

Kilmaurs is a great base for outdoor activities. You can find several easy hiking routes, such as the Dean Castle Country Park loop or the Fenwick Water – Dean Castle loop. For road cycling, options include routes like the Kilwinning War Memorial loop or the Dunlop Main Street loop. You can explore more detailed routes and options on the easy hikes around Kilmaurs guide or the road cycling routes around Kilmaurs guide.

Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find moderate running loops starting from Kilmarnock, including routes that pass through Jubilee Wood. For more options and details, refer to the running trails around Kilmaurs guide.

The Laigh Milton Viaduct is a significant historical site located just outside Kilmaurs, near Gatehead. It is recognized as the oldest surviving railway bridge in Scotland and one of the oldest in the world. It was originally part of the railway line that transported steam locomotives between Kilmarnock and Troon.

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. For instance, the Eglinton Castle Tower is loved for its open green spaces, perfect for picnics and letting children run around. The Cairnmount Hill Standing Stones are enjoyed for the wonderful circle of stones and the reasonably steep but short incline to the top, offering views.

Yes, Kilmaurs has local legends, such as the story of Maak's Well, located next to the Carmel Water below Kilmaurs Place. Legend says the well dried up when a laird tried to prevent locals from using it, only to flow again once access was restored to the community.

Irvine Harbour holds a long and complex history, once being one of Scotland's most important ports in the 16th century. While it saw a decline in commercial traffic in later centuries, it remains a significant historical site reflecting the region's maritime past.

The Eglinton Country Park Visitor Centre provides an interpretative display on the history of Eglinton Country Park, covering its development from Norman Conquest times to its present-day status. It also offers advice and information from friendly staff, along with a gift shop selling historical books, craft kits, and souvenirs.

Yes, you can find the remains of the Bailliehill Mount Iron Age Hill Fort. This site consists of a circular bank and ditch and overlooks the Carmel Water, providing a glimpse into the ancient history of the area.