This weekend in Irvine

Irvine, North Ayrshire

Scotland's national maritime collection housed in the Victorian Linthouse building at 6 Gottries Road, Irvine harbourside (KA12 8QE), with historic vessels, machinery and interactive exhibits. Up to three children go free with each paying adult.

• + Good rainy-day visit
• − Rain

Irvine, North Ayrshire

Town-centre leisure hub on Irvine High Street operated by KA Leisure, with a six-lane 25 m pool, teaching pool, six-court sports hall, gym, class studios and cafe. Fully accessible throughout and home to North Ayrshire Amateur Swimming Club.

• + Great rainy-day option
• − Rain

Irvine, North Ayrshire

Free 400-hectare country park on the former Eglinton Castle estate between Irvine and Kilwinning (KA12 8TA), with the castle ruins, walking and cycling routes, play and picnic areas, fishing and a ranger service. Managed by North Ayrshire Council.

• − Umbrella territory
• − Rain

Irvine, North Ayrshire

Long beach with parkland, beginner surf on small days, and family-friendly facilities.

• + Surfable swell (3.2ft)
• − Blown out onshore
• − Rain

Irvine, North Ayrshire

Classic 1897 members' links on a narrow strip of duneland between the railway and the Firth of Clyde shore, north of Troon. Visitor rounds are pre-bookable on set days.

• − Wind wrecks ball flight
• − Wet round

Irvine, North Ayrshire

Modern championship links at Gailes designed by Kyle Phillips (opened 2003), host of the men's Scottish Open 2015-2017, the 2022 Scottish Open and the Women's Scottish Open. Clubhouse and on-site lodge accommodation with year-round visitor tee times.

• − Wind wrecks ball flight
• − Wet round

Irvine, North Ayrshire

Championship links on the Gailes coast south of Irvine, owned and managed by Glasgow Golf Club and opened in 1892 to a Willie Park Jnr design. Visitors are bookable year-round with seasonal green fees.

• − Wind wrecks ball flight
• − Wet round

Irvine, North Ayrshire

Municipal 18-hole parkland course (par 70, 5,960 yards, est. 1907) at Kidsneuk on the north edge of Irvine, operated by KA Leisure with pay-as-you-play tee times. A 'Quick Six' express option caters for beginners.

• − Wind wrecks ball flight
• − Wet round

Irvine, North Ayrshire

Community club at Thornhouse Avenue with three courts resurfaced in astroturf in 2024, plus two smaller pickleball-sized courts that are free to play (GBP 1 for floodlights). Court booking is online via ClubSpark, with gate access codes supplied on booking.

• − Wet courts
• − Unplayable in this wind