On the 31st of August 2020, my helper and I went to take a visit to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and Burns Cottage which is 2 miles outside Ayr. It took 20 minutes from where I live, visitors that are coming from Glasgow it will take 45 minutes down on the M77 and A77, coming down from Edinburgh it will take 90 minutes. If you have an electric vehicle the Robert Burns Birthplace museum have type 2, 7kw charging points.
There is lots to see and do at this tourist attraction as it has got a large exhibition and nice small walking trails around the gardens and the museum is great for the wheelchairs and other mobilities as it is all on the one level. VisitScotland has given this tourist attraction a 5 stars visitor attraction quality assurance and Gold Green Tourism certification.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is where the genius legacy starts with a great exhibition which holds 5,000 Burns artefacts and unique handwritten poems and songs, and history of beloved Scottish poet. Take a walk along the Poets Path which takes you out onto the streets of Alloway where Burns Cottage and Auld Kirk are situated. While you at the museum make sure you visit the Burns Monument where tourism began in 1823 and take a walk around the gardens. While visiting the museum, why not try Robert Burns favourite dish Haggis, neeps (Turnip) and tatties (Potatoes) from the museum café. Haggis and neeps and tatties is a famous traditional Scottish dish which is eaten on Burns Night that happens annually every year on the 25th of January, it is celebrated all over of the world to celebrate the success of the poet.
Visitors can step back in time by visiting the quaint Burns Cottage, which was built by Robert Burns father, William Burnes in 1757. Robert Burns was born on the 25th January 1759, he was the eldest out of six siblings and was introduced to education and was taught how to read and wright at an early age, this is how Robert fell in love with poetry and song writing. Robert Burns parents William and Agnes were farmers who were always proud of their son Rabbie.
Entry Fee
ADULT – £10.50
FAMILY – £24.50
ONE ADULT FAMILY – £18.50
CONCESSION – £7.50
Visitors can enter the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum for free using a valid National Trust for Scotland membership card. The membership card can be bought on the official National Trust for Scotland website.
Accessible Information and Facilities
Burns Birthplace Museum – The museum is a new building which opened to the public on the 30th November 2010, St Andrews day. The museum is spacious with lots of room to manoeuvre around which is great for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids, everything is on the one level step free.
Burns Cottage – The Burns Cottage is a small walk from the Birthplace museum and Poets Path. The Cottage is very small with narrow doorways which some wheelchairs may struggle to get through. Inside the ground is uneven and cobbled, this can be an obstacle for some wheelchair users and those with other aids.
Brig o’ Doon and Burns Monument – The Brig o’ Doon crosses over the River Doon is not suitable for wheelchairs as it has large cobbles which make it uncomfortable to travel over and may cause trip hazards with walking aids, it is also quite steep on both sides. The Burns Monument is a tall structure that is situated in the museum gardens. Unfortunately, the Monument is not wheelchair accessible to go inside as it has large steps at the entrance.
Gardens and Poets Path – The museum gardens are small beautiful to walk through in a nice dry day with lots of benches, plants and trees, visitors can see the Brig o’ Doon from the gardens. Some of the paths throughout the gardens are smooth which is great for wheelchair users and those who have mobility aids. However, there is gravel paths which lead you to the Burns Monument they are a bit of an obstacle some wheelchairs may struggle to wheel across is it and other mobility aids. The poets Path is smooth enough for wheelchair users and is easy to walk along. Here you will you see sculptures from Robert Burns famous poems.
Accessible Toilets – There are disabled toilets located in between the gift shop and the café. The toilet is spacious with plenty of room to move around, especially if you have assistance with you. There are multiple grab rails for those who require them. I was able to reach the sink and hand dryer, however, was unable to reach for the soap dispenser. Soap is the most important substance that we require especially during the COVID – 19 Pandemic.
The Café – The café which is wheelchair accessible is spacious with plenty of room to manoeuvre around. It looks out onto the kids play park and outdoor sitting area. The café serves delicious food and beverages with a high standard.
Accessible Parking – There is six disabled parking spaces near the main entrance of Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.
Overall, the customer service was up to a high standard throughout my visit to the Robert Burns Birthplace museum. The staff are very helpful and willing to answer any questions about your visit at the museum or want to know what other National Trust for Scotland properties are available to visit. The museum was looking very clean and tidy, it felt safe to walk around with safety measures put in place due to COVID – 19.
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