East Ayrshire is a county in Scotland, located on the western coast of the country. It borders with several other Scottish counties including North Ayrshire to its north and Dumfries and Galloway to its south.

The county town of East Ayrshire is Kilmarnock, historically famous for its shoe industry.

Elsrickle is another town in the county, but is perhaps better known for having been used as a setting in “Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets” when the characters visit Dervish and Banges (a fictionalised shop) to learn about Nicolas Flamel’s past.

The main areas of interest in East Ayrshire that will draw visitors include:

Newmilns

An attractive market town that has plenty of shops and facilities. It provides good access to other towns and villages in the county such as Galston and Catrine, both of which have historical sites worth visiting

Loudoun Hill

Where William Wallace is said to havegathered supporters for his fight against the English, has a monument on top of it that commemorates him. It is about 4 miles north of Kilmarnock

The Ayrshire Coast Path

The Ayshire Coast Path stretches from Prestwick in the South through to Portpatrick in the North, winds its way through the county of East Ayrshire and provides excellent views out over the sea. There are several places along this path where you can stop off and rest or eat something.

Cumnock

Cumnock is another town worth visiting when in the area, as it also has historical sites such as Castle Semple Loch.