10 Perfect Date Ideas in Ayrshire

No matter how long you’ve been a couple, planning the perfect date for you and your other half is a great way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, spice up a weekend together or spend a blissful child-free night! Plus, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner the pressure is definitely on to deliver something special.

From restaurants and bars to great scenery and history hot spots, Ayrshire’s packed with great date ideas waiting to be discovered! So if you’re local to the area, keep reading to find out what our top 10 picks are:

There’s nothing nicer than strolling hand in hand with the one you love. When the weather behaves, Largs beachfront is great for an afternoon or evening walk. A pit-stop at Nardini’s for a sharing dessert once you’re done is sure to win you some extra brownie points too!

Find out more about your date’s competitive side and go retro with a game or two of 10 pin bowling. The loser buys dinner?! We love the buzz of LA Bowl in Ayr on a Friday or Saturday night, but it’s worth booking in advance if you plan to visit.

If you’re from Ayrshire and haven’t visited GRO Coffee at Irvine harbour yet, then you’re missing out big time! It’s the most chilled out café ever and the food and coffee is just unreal. They serve up everything from breakfast burritos and pancake stacks to chunky toasties and hot bowls. I’d 100% recommend leaving room for a cake afterwards too…

We’re so lucky to have some gorgeous scenery and landmarks in Scotland, and you can find some of the best right here in Ayrshire. Culzean Castle estate is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, and you can even take the dogs or kids along too for a family day out!

If it’s a bit of glitz and glamour you’re after, then be sure to check out Kilmarnock’s brand new restaurant and champagne bar La Dragon. It offers everything from divine fusion dining to Chinese tapas, luxury afternoon tea and cocktails. Doors open on January 29 ^th so get in touch quickly to book your table.

Can you honestly think of anything more romantic than gazing at the stars with the love of your life? Me either. Nestled away in the Galloway Forest Park is the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory (SDSO) where you can do just that. All visits must be booked in advance but it’s definitely worth the wait.

Enjoy some quality time together at one of the Cook School Scotland’s legendary cooking masterclasses! They cover everything like Thai food, Mexican food, Italian cuisine and Scottish Seafood, plus there’s also classes on home baking and meat free cooking too! Take a look at their website or pop in to see what’s available.

A good old fashioned night at the pictures will never get old, and you can go any night of the week! There’s a cinema in almost every town in Ayrshire showing all the latest blockbusters and some pre-released favourites too. All you’ll need to bicker over is whether to get salty or sweet...

You can always rely on one of the stunning Buzzworks restaurants for an amazing meal, but did you know that The Long House in Kilmarnock also hosts comedy and tribute nights too? Tickets vary in price for each event but it gets you entry to the show and a 3 course dinner (normally with a glass of prosecco too)! Check their Facebook page out for any upcoming nights.

Finally, if you could both do with a bit of TLC to relax and unwind then book the two of you in for an overnight stay at the Seamill Hydro. The new spa facilities are simply stunning! Treatment costs vary, but you’ll get complimentary access to the pool, gym, steam room and sauna with each booking. Their afternoon tea and lunch menu is delicious too if you fancy something light for lunch.

Images sourced directly from the businesses advertised via their website or Facebook page. See credits below each image.