PRESENT DAY
Newmilns
Newmilns, which has a current population of around 3,000, lies on the A71, around seven miles east of Kilmarnock and twenty-five miles southwest of Glasgow.
Newmilns currently has up to 100 businesses based in and around Newmilns, ranging from art & design to engineering and land services. For a list of all businesses, please view our Newmilns Business Directory.
Things to do
in and around Newmilns
Walks & Hikes
The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with many relaxing walks that take you up the back roads of Newmilns to Darvel or Galston.
You can also walk through the gorgeous Lanfine Estate, which leads to Darvel. We're also a short drive from Loudoun Hill. You can walk and hike up this landmark, recently featured in Netflix's Outlaw King. Here, you can see the location of the Battle of Loudoun Hill, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English Army. Loudoun Hill is a volcanic plug that offers 360-degree views of the area, and on a clear day, you can see the Isle of Arran.
Image from Love Exploring Scotland
sPORTS
From skiing to swimming, biking to working out, Newmilns offers plenty of activities to get your blood pumping.
Newmilns is home to the
Snow and Sports Complex located on High Street. Providing lots of fun for all ages, the complex is a dry ski slope where you are able to learn to ski and snowboard as well as do some fun activities like tubing. They also have a mountain bike track (currently getting re-built) for you to follow.
Newmilns is also home to a gym and swimming pool (members only) at the
Loudoun Mains Country Club. Guests staying at the cottages are also welcome to use the leisure centre facilities.
Image courtesy of Newmilns Snow & Sports Complex Facebook
Food & Drink
Newmilns has a few places to get tasty food and drinks.
The Bobbin Cafe provide great breakfast and lunches all week. A few pubs around the town centre offer lovely tipples, including the Loudoun Arms and The Riverside Inn, where you can also get food.
Newmilns is also perfectly situated for a trip to Kilmarnock, where there are lots of great restaurants and bars, as in the other surrounding areas of East Ayrshire.
THE MURAL TRAIL
Designed to encourage visitors to pause and fully appreciate their surroundings, these murals create an environment where you can engage with the art, its strong ties to the local area, and its rich history in lace weaving. The murals offer an inclusive experience for everyone, any time, sparking thought-provoking conversations through the stories and themes portrayed in the artwork.
Located at 133 Main Street, adjacent to Lady Flora's and The Loudoun Arms, on the gable wall at Castle Street, the murals were created by Frank Carty of Artisan Artworks, who is recognised as one of Scotland's top mural artists. The beautiful designs depict Newmilns' heritage, steeped in weaving and the lace industry.
THE HERITAGE TRAIL
The Newmilns Heritage Trail offers a fascinating journey through the town’s rich history, guiding visitors to places that have shaped the community over generations. Marked by new heritage signs, the trail highlights important buildings, landmarks and stories from Newmilns’ past, from its textile heritage and historic streets to the people and industries that helped the town grow. The trail offers a chance to slow down, explore the town, and discover Newmilns' unique heritage.
The town heritage trail is available in the Love Newmilns Heritage App, letting visitors explore it as part of the town’s trails. Download the Heritage App here.
