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Ayrshire Connect

Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock has been world renowned for many things over the years - many of them lost as industrialisation went into decline. Johnnie Walker whisky in bars across the world; BMK carpets on the floors of world-famous hotels, the publishing of Burns' First Edition of poems, and more recently the home of the world beating Killie/Kilmarnock Pie. Ayrshire's finest Kilmarnock Football Club cannot be forgotten either.

All joking aside though, Kilmarnock has had to transition itself from post-industrial decline to a reinvented town acting as a conduit to Glasgow to its north, but retaining and building on its own identity.

Like many towns, seventies modernisation saw the loss of some of its old heart, but far from all of it! The heritage of shopping streets such as Bank Street are still there to be enjoyed. There is a resilience and creativity about the town's businesses. 

On the leisure side, the town is blessed with facilities indoor and out. Dean Castle and its Country Park is possibly the jewel, but the Kay Park and other green give multiple options for escape from concrete. The town has two municipal golf courses and all of the leisure facilities you'd expect - restaurants - chain and independent, multi-screen cinema, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, and a lot more to boot.

The arts are catered for too with the twin stages of the Palace Theatre and Grand Hall situated in the same building in the heart of the town, with the superb ‘Ayrshire Arts Academy’ centre stage. Between them there is a cracking selection of theatre and panto, touring bands and live music, and community musicals to enjoy.

The town is located a half hour drive from the city centre so can benefit from people travelling to or from, and it is the largest of the county's three towns. The M77 brings visitors straight to the town’s environs, there is also a very regular train service to Glasgow, and a slightly less regular one to Troon, Ayr, Stranraer and beyond for the ferry.

It may have its roots in its industrial heritage (and it will never forget them), but it is a forward thinking space with continuous development and growth and is more than worth a visit for shopping, leisure or just a wee donner roon a park!

Open sign

Shop Kilmarnock

Help support local high streets, independent businesses and perhaps shop local a wee bit more.
Explore the diverse range of retailers available in the town and start planning your next visit!

Food

Eat & Drink Kilmarnock

Ayrshire is blessed with the finest local produce which then makes up the menus of cafes, bars and restaurants in every town and village.
Explore the tastes of Ayrshire in a variety of wonderful locations and find the right place for your taste buds whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner - or something in between!

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See & Do Kilmarnock

Whether you're looking to be active or more sedentary, there is something for everyone in Ayrshire.
Explore what you can see and do around the area from family attractions, to music and sports venues, or rediscover the great outdoors.

Beds

Stay Kilmarnock

Ayrshire is well-serviced with accommodation to suit every taste and budget, from luxury resort hotels to quirky B&Bs, cottages and everything in between.
Explore where you can stay for your next visit, from great coastal locations and island escapes, to wonderful rural retreats. Ayrshire accommodation is available and affordable.

Map

Explore by Map

Explore the area using the Google Map with listings of everything you'll need. Shop, accommodation, eat and drink, things to see/do all on a single map.
Click on the map to find out more about each business and find directions on your mobile.

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Ayrshire Connect is all about local businesses and connecting them with each other and their customers. It is simple to feature your business on the website for FREE and it will only take you a few minutes.
To find out more about how Ayrshire Connect can help by featuring your business, click on the link and sign up now.

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