The town of Darvel is situated in the Irvine Valley and is often referred to as 'The Lang Toon'. There has been a settlement in the area from at least the 14th century although evidence of Roman activity has been found in the area of Loudoun Hill, which lies to the east. Darvel, along with neighbouring Newmilns, was known for its weaving trade in days gone by. In particular Darvel was known as the 'Lace Town' and it became world renowned for the beautiful products that were made here. Sadly, due to a decline in demand lace is no longer made in the town.
The Newmilns Snow and Sport Complex offer a great range of activities and superb value for money. Contact www.skinewmilns.co.uk for further information.
Visitors are welcome at nearby Loudoun Gowf Club - the only 'gowf ' club in the world! Contact www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk for further information. Darvel Skateboard Park is great for kids and teenagers alike and Morton Park leads down to the River Irvine - Fishing permits available. Darvel Telephone Museum is also well worth a visit.
Lanfine Estate near Darvel offers pleasant walks and cycling opportunities plus stunning countryside.
Nearby Loudoun Hill is steeped in history (Romans, Bruce and Wallace etc) and has fantastic views and an amazing sculpture 'Spirit of Scotland' situated next to a small picnic area.
Royal Tandoori, Dragon Cuisine, Nat's Snax, The Sandwich Box, Olympia Fish n Chips, Universal Chinese or The Bobbin (Newmilns).
Have a pint or two at one of our local hostelries - The Black Bull or Railway Inn.
Other Food and Drink Establishments in the Area
Foxbar Hotel, 64 London Road, Kilmarnock - www.foxbarhotel.com
The Stair Inn, Stair - www.stairinn.co.uk
The Sorn Inn, 35 Main Street, Sorn - www.sorninn.com
Catrine Coffee House, Catrine House, Mauchline - www.ayrshireicecream.co.uk
The Olive Tree, 36b Main Street, Sorn - www.theolivetreesorn.co.uk
Fenwick Hotel, Fenwick, Kilmarnock - www.thefenwickhotel.co.uk
King's Arms Hotel, 89 Main Road, Fenwick - www.kingsarmsfenwick.co.uk
The Park Hotel, Rugby Park, Kilmarnock - www.theparkhotel.uk.com
The Coffee Press, 12 Queen Street, Kilmarnock - www.thecoffeepress.co.uk
First Edition, 50 Bank Street, Kilmarnock - www.firsteditionkilmarnock.co.uk
Jefferson's Restaurant, 34-36 Grange Street, Kilmarnock - www.thejefferson.co.uk
The Wheatsheaf, 3 Main Street, Symington - www.thewheatsheafsymington.co.uk
The Wee Train, 22 Wallace Street, Galston - www.theweetrain.co.uk
Rock Hard Cafe, 5-7 St Marnock Street, Kilmarnock - www.facebook.com/rockhard.neon
The Longhouse, 130 Titchfield Street, Kilmarnock - www.thelonghouse-kilmarnock.co.uk
Boswell's Coachhouse, Auchinleck - www.boswellscoachhouse.co.uk
Costa Coffee, 12 Portland Street, Kilmarnock - www.costa.co.uk
Blowmore Music & More, College Wynd, Kilmarnock - www.facebook.com/Blowmoremusic
Riverside Inn, Newmilns - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009032187630
There are also a few new and existing coffee places in Galston like Balmoral Knitwear and Loudoun Golf Range and Super 7’s.