It is situated around just 20 miles from the city.
The town is located in East Ayrshire(Image: Shopping Centre, Kilmarnock by Billy McCrorie, CC BY-SA 2.0)
Scotland is home to many iconic destinations that are known all around the world, from cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow to islands such as Skye. However, there are countless lesser-known locations across the country that are also well worth heading to for a day out or staycation.
On Wednesday, October 14, popular Scottish travel blog Walking Bonnie Scotland shared a post naming Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire as Scotland’s “most underrated town”. The settlement was praised by the experts for its architecture, history, walking trails, and easy access to nature.
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Kilmarnock is a former burgh that is the primary commercial and industrial centre of East Ayrshire. Also known as ‘Killie’ by locals, the town is renowned for its fascinating history. It is home to more than 280 listed buildings and structures according to Historic Environment Scotland.
Some of Kilmarnock’s most famous historic sites include the Dick Institute and Dean Castle. The former is a public library, museum, and art gallery that welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year, while Dean Castle sits within the picturesque Dean Castle Country Park and has a history going back to the 14th century.
Another scenic landmark in Kilmarnock is the 30-acre Kay Park, which first opened in 1879 and has been delighting locals and tourists alike ever since. Sitting in the heart of the park is the magnificent Burns Monument, which is centred around a statue of Scotland’s national poet.
Additionally, Kilmarnock is a great place to do some shopping thanks to its abundance of unique and independent stores. Standouts include fashionable clothing shop Nova Boutique, family-run children’s store The Purple Turtle, and quirky gift and trinket shop I Love Gifts.
The town has a lot to offer in terms of food too, with plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from. Popular picks include all-day destination The Long House that serves up a large and varied menu, traditional Italian eatery Cafe Da Vinci, and Jamaican restaurant Reggaelicious Kitchen.
Kilmarnock is also home to Scotland’s “best fish and chip van”, with Joanna’s Chippy Van previously taking home the title of Best Mobile Fish and Chips at the Scottish Fish and Chip Awards. The van offers an extensive menu that includes lots of classic chippy dishes alongside children’s options.
With Halloween just around the corner, Kilmarnock will also be gearing up for its annual tradition of ‘Killieween’. As locals know, the town celebrates Halloween on a different day to the rest of the country. Each year, it marks the spookiest day of the year on the last Friday of October instead of October 31 like everywhere else.
Killieween sees people across Kilmarnock take part in classic Halloween activities like guising a few days early. The origins of the tradition are not fully known, but some believe it is to do with Kilmarnock’s industrial heritage. With the last Friday of the month traditionally being payday, workers and their families had more cash to spend on treats and costumes.
