Southern Scotland - Scotland - page 322

East Ayrshire
KILMARNOCK
In Kilmarnock , where Johnnie Walker whisky was blended from 1820 to 2012, is Dean
Castle ( 01563-522702; www.deancastle.com ; Dean Rd; admission free; 11am-5pm
daily Apr-Sep, 10am-4pm Wed-Sun Oct-Mar; ) , a 15-minute walk from the bus and
train stations. The castle, restored in the first half of the 20th century, has a virtually win-
dowless keep (dating from 1350) and an adjacent palace (1468) with a superb collection
of medieval arms, armour, tapestries and musical instruments. The huge grounds are a
good place for a stroll or a picnic, or you can eat at the visitor centre's tearoom, where
snacks and light meals cost around £5. From Ayr there are frequent buses throughout the
day.
DUMFRIES HOUSE
A Palladian mansion designed in the 1750s by the Adam brothers, Dumfries House ( 01290-421742;
www.dumfries-house.org.uk ; adult/child £8.50/4; 11am-3.30pm Sun-Fri Mar-Oct) is an architectural jewel: such
is its significance that Prince Charles personally intervened to ensure its protection. It contains an extraordinarily
well-preserved collection of Chippendale furniture and numerous objets d'art. Visits are by guided tour; book ahead
by phone or internet. The once-daily Grand Tour (adult/child £12.50/4) also takes you to the bedrooms upstairs. The
house is located 13 miles east of Ayr, near Cumnock. Buses from Ayr or Kilmarnock to Cumnock will drop you near
the house.