Culzean Castle and Country Park, is about 20 minutes drive south from Gadgirth. Culzean is truly one of the must go and see places in Ayrshire with its fantastic grounds and wonderful historic castle. Culzean is a National Trust and is worth every penny to enjoy the true splendour of the interior of the castle and walk down the side of the cliffs onto the beaches. A full day out is necessary to see everything and there are coffee shops that serve food. Heading back up the coast road to Ayr you will pass the Heads of Ayr Farm Park. Here the kids can feed and pet all different types of animals from Highland Cows to Lamas. This is a great trip for all the family. Another popular Country Park is Kelburn, situated on the coast road to Largs 40 minutes north of Gadgirth. There is a lot to do and see in this park including a maze, a pets corner and the very Secret Garden.... Still on the outdoors why not try some family horse riding. Ayr Equestrian Centre has it all to offer, whether you are a novice or ready to go on one of the many treks around Burn's country, you are sure to have a great time. If the weather's not so good why not go and catch that family film at Ayr's multi screen cinema. There is always a film showing to suit any age of family, only 10 minutes from Gadgirth. Mum can escape for the day and explore some of her favourites whether it is to visit Alloway village to capture Robert Burns birthplace, to walk on the famous Auld Brig O'Doon or to look through the Kirk O Alloway, this is truly the heart of Burns country. Why not treat yourself to a day at Turnberry Spa. When the other half is on the golf course you could be lavishing in the luxurious surroundings at Turnberry. Try a massage or simply relax in the pool and Jacuzzi. Ayr has many lovely shops and restaurants and there is always something to keep everyone happy in and around the town. Or if you prefer the quiet countryside there are many beautiful tourist routes by car, bicycle or by foot. Ayrshire really has one of the best choices of golf anywhere. Treat yourself to a game at one of Ayrshire's flagship courses. Old Prestwick the home of the open Golf Championship, in fact the first 12 were played at this links course. Royal Troon is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the world and the 2004 Open Golf championship is to be played here. This is truly a great course to play. Turnberry is again one of the most prestigious and well known golf courses in the world. People from far afield come and play this fabulous historic course. There are many council run golf courses such as Belleisle, Seafield, Darley, Lochgreen and Fullerton all of which are very good courses. The Magnum Leisure Centre, Irvine is 20 minutes drive north from Gadgirth and is a great day out for all ages whatever the weather, it has many activities including an ice skating rink, soft play, cinema, health and fitness centre, squash, badminton and leisure pool with flumes, family slides and outdoor pool. This mentions just a few of the amenities all under one roof at the Magnum and you can be guaranteed the children will love it. The Big Idea Inventor Centre is also in Irvine and is adjacent to The Magnum. This is a fascinating place for children as well as mum and dad, gran and grandpa to learn how all those handy inventions actually work. There is much to learn and see, you even get to make your own invention and as always there is time for a cuppa in the café. The Citadel is Ayr's leisure swimming pool and fitness centre. The swimming area consists of a baby pool, diving pool, full size pool and flumes. It is easily found, just head for the beach. Pirate Petes is just along the beach front from the Citadel, this soft play centre is a big favourite for the kids as well as mum and dad. The kids can run around for 2 tiring hours while mum and dad sit with a cuppa and the newspaper, knowing that the kids are perfectly safe. (Images on this page reproduced courtesy of Ayrshire & Arran Tourist Board except Culzean Castle: photograph by H.Wood)