Each town is known specifically for its contribution to the community. Ardrossan is geared more towards a relaxed and laid back feel for its townspeople and visitors. The Saltcoats area is more shopping and tourism oriented and Stevenson is more about the growth of business and the importance of living healthy. All have areas and places to attribute to the old world charm and feel, but also have the lure of modern day conveniences and townships.

The town of Ardrossan is home to the Ardrossan Castle. Today, the castle lies in ruins and pretty much all of it is gone, save for a part of the North Tower. It has given up many of its masonry stones to Oliver Cromwell, which in turn was used to aid in the building of a citadel. The town of Ardrossan is located inn an area of land that boasts of incredible natural beauty and awe-inspiring scenery and views.

Both the Saltcoats and Stevenson areas offer up their heritage and communities dedicated to preserving their towns past and also welcoming guests and visitors to their growing future. Museums and churches dot the areas of Saltcoats and Stevenson, as well as shopping complexes and entertainment that is found in many seafronts of today. One can easily find entertainment galore for any age in both areas. Saltcoats, is known mainly for it’s Town Trail that takes visitors and locals alike, on a trek throughout the town. A dynamite factory, built by Alfred Nobel, is also located in the town.

Saltcoats is an area that is permeated with historic and old world values. The heritage of this town is one steeped rich with contraband smugglers of years long past. The many landmarks found here, as well as the town’s streets and homes, present visitors with the feeling of stepping back in time. All three towns have much to offer to its permanent residents and guests.

Eglinton Country Park is a spectacular place located on the old Eglinton Castle estate. The park occupies a huge parcel of land totaling 988 acre. Close to two hundred acres alone is prime woodland and provides a great area for bird and wildlife watching. In the heart of the park is the old Eglinton Castle and estate that once belonged to the Eglinton family.

Nestled among its acreage, is the gorgeous Clement Wilson Gardens. These gardens are an ideal spot to have an intimate picnic or leisurely stroll with the family. There are children designated play areas and no one is at a loss for parking. If you are wondering where everything is located within the park, you can easily find it by visiting the visitor center. At the visitor center you will also find an exhibit that tells the story of Eglinton Country Park’s history. For those wishing to buy a souvenir to remember their visit to the park by or other novelty items, the park houses a gift shop that should meet your needs.

A restaurant, the Tournament Cafe, is located on site and allows you to purchase, food, drinks and any other supplies that may be needed. Eglinton Country Park and its facilities are handicapped equipped and loans out wheelchairs and other items that may be needed for handicap individuals. For anyone wishing to extend the visit beyond a day trip, there is also a cottage that can be rented any time of the year. Campsites with overnight facilities can be rented for a small fee.

The ranger service offers guided treks through the park and last anywhere from one to two hours. Throughout the year, Eglinton Country Park is home to many events and celebrations. Although the park is fully functional all year round, the visitor center is only open from the beginning of Easter until late October. Many groups and school children visit the park annual as a field trip and to gather a learning experience. If the weather turns inclement, there are covered shelters for visitors to seek refuge in. In addition to the outside play areas for children, there are also inside play areas so children can be occupied if they are forced inside by the weather.

Most start their trek on the Saltcoats Town Trail at the Saltcoats Railway Station. Immediately you will start to see such historic buildings as the Town House, which was built in 1826. There are many old houses you will come across as you steadily make your way down the street. You will soon find yourself at the house of the famous Captain Betsy Miller, who was a note-worthy sea captain. She passed away in the year 1864 and it was said that she might have been the only woman sea captain that actually sailed.

Such places as The Grange Hotel and The Windy-ha are both aging, fine hotels and can be seen on the trail. The Saltcoats Free Church can be seen close by and it served as the Free Church Academy for students. Sights such as The Braes, which is located by the shipbuilding yards and Saltpans, can be seen. There is also a creek nearby that many smugglers used many years ago when smuggling in their tobacco, whiskey rum and other contraband. You will have no problem envisioning a time, as the atmosphere hangs heavy, when illegal wares were smuggled and pedaled through the streets.

On the trail you will find North Aryshire Museum, which house many relics of years past and times almost forgotten. Your trek along the Saltcoats Town Trail will end at Landsborough and Trinity Church and will put you back where you began. The streets are colorfully lined and dotted with gorgeous planting of flowers and perfectly manicured lawns and yards. As you explore the Saltcoats Town Trail, the quaint old world feel grabs you. There are many new buildings and businesses that have taken up residence and offer a dose of modern day as well.

Auchenharvie Golf Course has long par three holes and some of the narrowest playing greens that are around. The course offers some of the best holes to be played by both beginners and experienced golfers. It has really great amenities, club facilities and services and is a great value for anyone wanting to play a round. Beautifully manicured and well kept, the course has a great overall rating. Golf course staff are very friendly and enjoy giving advice, and pointers, to anyone who is interested in improving their game. They are also very customer oriented and will help whenever they can and when asked.

Laid out over gentle rolling hills, the golf course offers up astounding breath-taking views as you play. Designed by a man named James Braid, Auchenharvie Golf Course first opened its doors in the year 1914. The club is housed on the premises and sports a lounge and a bar, which is open from March until late October. There are appropriate facilities for both men and women to change into golf play attire.

The Auchenharvie Golf Course has a well-stocked golf shop that can supply all your golfing needs. They also offer assistance with golfing lessons and guidance if needed. The food in the clubhouse is superb and Scottish hospitality wins over any visitor or player.

To find out further information on the course, its club and fees, you should contact the course directly. You can call for information for tournaments as well.

The people who live there, then and now, have always been a trade-laden town. Whether it was salt, coal or weaving then, or todays importing timber and exporting coal, trades seem to be what has predominantly been dealt with. There are a great number of people who work as weavers though agents and there are also dairy and agriculture farmers as well. The production of dairy products, wheat, oats and potatoes are considered quite a valuable commodity.

The town of Saltcoats is one that is alive with inhabitants that have been living there a very long time. Ancient streets lay claim to some of the oldest homes and buildings that have seen their share of many transitions and even tobacco, rum and whiskey smugglers. The streets are lined with old shops, office, churches and such. A great relaxing, lazy day of strolling around the small and meek town makes for an enjoyable, and educational, experience. Discoveries lie around every corner and there is much to be learned of the town’s past and people. Walking around Saltcoats you will notice that much of the concrete has different color variations, this is due to the salt crystals

Churches are abundant and line the streets, very much a part of Saltcoats past. Catholic churches and parishes are found quite frequently throughout the small sea-faring town. One church has even opened its doors today as a museum. It houses many local relics of the past. There were also a variety of craftsman within the small town such as blacksmiths, boot and shoemakers, makers of fine linen, wool and stonemasons. Watch and clock makers inhabit Saltcoats as well.

This family park and resort has so much to offer, such as the Buccaneers Family Showbar. You can order up a round of refreshing drinks for the whole family and also partake of some shows and dancing. Sandylands Holiday Park and Resort offers different accommodation packages and the longer you stay the more money you can save. What with the awe-inspiring views of Arran, the park and resort does offer you the most you can turn out of a holiday with the family.

While you are there, you can find a fishing area not far from Sandylands Park and the resort offers up sport programs to participate in as well. Specially designated areas for the smaller children to enjoy in water areas and playgrounds are also located within the resort. They have shops and some of the best entertainment for families around. Some the shows are aimed specifically towards the very young, so there is indeed something here for everyone.

Sandylands Holiday Park and Resort are easily reached and accessible by ferry trips to and from the isles. It is a haven for golf enthusiasts and individuals who love to take scenic walks around the area. Gorgeous mountains and glens are all waiting to be explored and viewed at your leisure. There are caravans that you may rent or you can even consider buying one. The staff of Sandylands Park and Resort will gladly help you with any information or questions you may have about the grounds and facilities. If you are contemplating a vacation home here, then you will not be disappointed.