With the warmer weather setting in and the brighter days ahead, now is the perfect time to enjoy some gorgeous Ayrshire spots with a drink in hand and a tasty picnic for you and the kids.

With lockdown restrictions easing, we can now enjoy an outdoor catchup with our friends, and what better way to do it than relaxing in the sun and enjoying the stunning Ayrshire views.

Here is our list of the Top 5 places in Ayrshire where you can pack a homemade picnic and finally enjoy a safe gathering with your friends and family.

Eglinton Park, Kilwinning

First up is Eglinton Country Park in Kilwinning. With plenty of beauty spots to choose from and wildlife to see, this makes the perfect picnic location. Not only is there plenty of space to relax in the sun, but there is also a playpark where the kids can burn off their energy whilst you enjoy a chat with a friend.

Cumnock Chronicle: Eglinton Country Park; Mark Northcote.Eglinton Country Park; Mark Northcote.

Portencross, North Ayrshire

Next is Portnecross, the perfect place to cycle to and the enjoy the views of the Ayrshire Coast along the way.

With a beautiful picnic area looking on to the stunning views of Arran, this is a great spot to enjoy some time with friends, and when the sun comes out it will be glorious! You can even enjoy a scenic coastal walk around Portencross Castle and enjoy the fresh air.

Cumnock Chronicle: Portencross: Susan Bamford.Portencross: Susan Bamford.

Culzean Castle, Maybole

Immersed in Scottish History and a great place to take the kids for an adventure is Culzean Castle. After a long walk around the castle grounds, you can find a picture-perfect spot to sit down and have a picnic whilst you soak in the sun and recharge your batteries!

Cumnock Chronicle: Louise Dalton: Culzean castle.Louise Dalton: Culzean castle.

Dunure Shore and Castle, South Ayrshire

Around five miles down the Ayrshire Cost from the Ayr town is Dunure beach, which boasts nearby facilities including picnic areas and local shops. Offering some of the finest scenery in Ayrshire, this spot has some great views of Ailsa Craig and Arran and is the perfect location to enjoy the peaceful sound of waves crashing on the shore.

Cumnock Chronicle: Dunure Castle: Morag Gordon.Dunure Castle: Morag Gordon.

Dean Castle and Country Park, East Ayrshire

Dean Castle is an excellent day out for all the family, and a beautiful spot to enjoy a delicious picnic. The Country park also offers some impressive woodland walks where the kids can get competitive and see who can spot the most wildlife on their travels. What is better than enjoying the great countryside views with a drink and snack in hand after a long adventurous walk?

Cumnock Chronicle: Dean Castle: Jim Johnstone.Dean Castle: Jim Johnstone.