WHERE do you plan to celebrate Easter this weekend?

The weather forecast for most of the holiday weekend - certainly Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and a good chunk of Monday too - is looking promising, making it the ideal time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

If you’re looking for ideas for getting out and about over the holiday weekend, here’s a list of some of Ayrshire favourite beauty spots, beaches castles and estates...

KELBURN CASTLE

Ayr Advertiser:

Home to the Earl of Glasgow, Kelburn Estate and Castle is situated close to Largs. This year, their fabulous Easter family fun returns with ‘A Fairy’s Tale’.

Youngsters can head along and help the magical creatures defeat the dastardly Ice Knight together.

Tickets also include entry to the estate’s Easter games, including the egg hunt and tug of war.

DUMFRIES HOUSE

Ayr Advertiser:

This magnificent home and estate near Cumnock was transformed after being bought for £45m for the country by a consortium headed by the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles.

The house duly reopened in 2008, equipped for public tours.

Since then various other parts of the estate have been reopened for various uses, to provide both education and employment. And the grounds are, indeed, magnificent.

CULZEAN CASTLE

Ayr Advertiser:

Perched on the Ayrshire cliffs, boasting magnificent views, it was designed by Robert Adam for the 10th Earl of Cassilis in the late 18th century and is filled to the turrets with treasures that tell the stories of the people who lived here.

The Carrick castle has appeared on TV and in movies, including the classic The Wicker Man, a few episodes of Antiques Roadshow and until 2015, was featured on the back of Scottish £5 notes.

EGLINTON COUNTRY PARK

Ayr Advertiser:

Situated in Kilwinning, this is one of North Ayrshire’s best loved spots. It boasts the ruined Eglinton Castle, once home to the Eglinton family and later the Montgomeries, Earls of Eglinton and chiefs of the Clan Montgomery.

Eglinton Country Park is managed and maintained by North Ayrshire Council and its Ranger Service.

DUNURE BEACH

Ayr Advertiser:

Lying between the village’s harbour and its castle ruins, Dunure Beach is a picturesque coastal site.

The shingle beach is popular among walkers, and also for boating trips.

Parking is available near the castle, and there is also a play park for children.

LOCH DOON

Ayr Advertiser:

Surrounded by hills and forests, Loch Doon is the perfect setting for a scenic day out.

A 3.5km trail can be followed to a striking viewpoint over the water, starting from the castle ruins on the loch’s shore.

Parking is available near the start of the trail at Doon Castle.

BRODICK CASTLE

Ayr Advertiser:

This Arran attraction is the former home of the Dukes of Hamilton and is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

The castle is open to the public during the summer, with Brodick Country Park open all year round. And the gardens are magnificent.

KILDOON HILL

Ayr Advertiser:

If you’re looking for somewhere spectacular to roll your Easter eggs, this  Carrick attraction should fit the bill.

The peak of Kildoon Hill is marked with a monument which is part of a prehistoric fort. The summit can be reached as part of a circular walk which begins at Maybole train station.

The walk, while of a considerable 9.75km distance, is routed along quiet country lanes and grassy paths.

DALCAIRNEY FALLS

Ayr Advertiser:

Situated around a mile west of Dalmellington, Dalcairney Falls is a picturesque spot which lies near Doon Bridge.

Parking is available in the village of Cathcartston, with a trail to the falls signposted from the car park.

ROZELLE ESTATE

Ayr Advertiser:

A combination of woodland, parkland, ponds and walks, Rozelle Estate in Ayr is great spot for recreation.

The 37 hectare estate is an ideal location for those who enjoy wildlife, with collared doves, swallows and blue tits among the birds found in the parkland.

The pond is home to mallards, swans and herons too.