Accessible and exciting, there is much to see and do in Ayrshire. From golf courses to boutique shops, galleries to wine merchants, there is plenty to discover off the beaten track. Here we’ve rounded up some of the must-see hidden gems dotted around Ayrshire.
Corney & Barrow
What comes to mind when you think of Ayr? Robert Burns? The seaside? One of the UK’s longest established independent wine merchants?
Corney & Barrow have been curating wines from around the world for over 250 years, with over 70 per cent of their portfolio exclusive to them. Whilst best known as suppliers of wines most collectors only dream of owning, such as Le Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and Petrus, the shop in Ayr houses an exceptional range to suit every budget - from their own labels which will seriously challenge your perceptions of house wine at under £10 a bottle, to award winning champagnes and celebration worthy vintages.
The cellars beneath the shop are as unique as the bottles they protect and well worth a visit. Private tours and tastings are regularly arranged for individuals as well as corporate groups or special events.
Find out more about Corney & Barrow at www.corneyandbarrow.com
Dream Brides
Established for 18 years, Dream Brides in Irvine is the largest Bridal Shop in Ayrshire and their reputation in the bridal industry in second to none.
Choosing the right gown is a decision that's best made early on in the wedding preparations and it’s recommended that appointments are made to ensure a dedicated service. Even if a bride has a clear idea of how she wants to look on her big day, Dream Brides encourage trying on both contemporary and traditional styles, with many brides choosing a dress picked by one of the highly trained bridal consultants. Wedding gowns by leading designers are available, including Eddy K – Milano, Mori Lee, Opulence, Romantica, Phil Collins and Victoria K.
Bridesmaids come in all shapes and sizes. Recognising this Dream Brides offer a wide selection of dresses and it a bride wants, she can choose and different dress for each bridesmaid and have them made in the same colour and fabric.
Ayr Central Shopping Centre
This hidden gem in the heart of Ayr is the perfect antidote to crowded shopping streets, the frustrations of finding a parking space and long journeys to the city.
The bright, modern, covered centre is packed with all your favourite high street brands including Debenhams, Primark, New Look, River Island, Topshop and Next. So if you’re looking for great fashion and beauty, something for the home or that special gift, the chances are Ayr Central’s probably got it.
With farmer’s and craft markets to style events and children’s entertainment, Ayr Central is always alive with a busy calendar of events and promotions to enjoy all year round. So why not put a trip on your calendar soon?
Stay up to date with everything that’s going on at Ayr Central by visiting them online at www.ayrcentral.com or connecting with the shopping centre on Facebook and Twitter.
Arti Farti
Art lovers will find inspiring works for sale in family-run art gallery, Arti Farti.
After setting up the successful Art ‘N’ Joy Gallery and Framers eight years ago, owner Eddie Paterson and his wife Lynette branched out to open Arti Farti in 2016. Enhancing the local community, the gallery’s artwork has brightened up the homes of visitors and community members alike.
Located in Saltcoats, the art space boasts the largest collection of artwork in Ayrshire, specialising in sought-after originals and limited editions by both national and international artists.
Firmly at the heart of the community, the gallery is currently running a series of exhibitions highlighting the budding artists from high schools throughout North Ayrshire. Hoping to lift the morale of the community, the gallery is helping aspiring artists find out how to exhibit their work and place young people firmly in the limelight.
Find Arti Farti at 48 Hamilton Street, Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, KA21 5DS or call 01294 287207.
Golf South Ayrshire
Golf South Ayrshire is the hidden golfing gem in Ayrshire.
With eight fantastic links and parkland courses including three James Braid classics, it is open all year to visitors and societies.
Whether you’re a visitor or season ticket holder, by joining the Golf South Ayrshire family you will be joining thousands of like-minded people, each with a common passion…Golf.
Check out www.golfsouthayrshire.com for more information.
Sugar & spice
Special celebrations require a special cake, and the team of bakers at Ayrshire-based business sugar & spice take pride in their ability to create their client’s dream cake.
This June business owner Nancy Davidson will be celebrating 25 years since setting up the business. Specialising in bespoke wedding cakes, her team go the extra mile to ensure customers find the perfect cake for their big day.
Whether they are creating traditional cakes or something a little bit different, they take into consideration every details of a couple’s wedding to ensure the cake will complement the big day.
As well as creating unique designs, the award winning team can also whip up delicious flavour choices. Couples will have the chance to come along for a tasting session and decide the perfect combinations for them.
Pop into 15 Academy Street, Troon to find out more or call 01292 316830.
Wilsons Auctions
Wilsons Auctions has grown from a single auction site in Northern Ireland to become the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland with over 300 members of staff.
Based in Dalry, Wilsons Auctions also has sites across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England and Wales and is the only auction company in the British Isles to offer a national coverage allowing it to draw on experience, resources and ideas from all of its branches.
Wilsons Auctions holds over 1000 auctions annually, auctioning everything from cars to vans, plant and machinery and property to general goods, as well as the more luxurious items including planes, yachts, gold bars, supercars, designer goods and prestigious watches.
Wilsons Auctions manages the whole asset realisation process for its clients which includes collection, valuation, storage, re-marketing and auctioning of assets. Visit www.wilsonsauctions.com for more.
Sheila Kerr
Sheila Kerr is proud to bring a little extra sparkle to the Ayrshire coast.
Specialising in the design and manufacture of bespoke jewellery from her Irvine studio, the creative designer is known for creating truly stunning pieces.
She appreciates that no two clients are the same and is pleased to offer a service that reflects just that.
From wedding jewellery to pendants, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, her designs celebrate individuality.
Clients can make the most of a bespoke design service, assured that they won’t be found anywhere else.
It is this dedication to creating heartfelt pieces to last a lifetime that earned her a spot in the finals of the 2016 National Association of Jewellers Awards for Designer of the Year.
Together with her bespoke jewellery, Sheila also offers a range of listening edition, ready to wear jewellery. Inspired by Ayrshire's charm, a selection of her collections include a Robert Burns range, The Ailsa Collection and The Sunset Collection.
Find out more at http://www.sheilakerrjewellery.com
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