Exploring Robert Burns Birthplace In Alloway
Written by Graeme Johncock
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Every 25th January is Burns Night which makes this the perfect time of year to visit Alloway, the birthplace of Scotland’s National Poet. It might be a small village, but it’s got a lot to offer any fans of Robert Burns.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
The best place to start any trip to Alloway is at the Burns Birthplace Museum run by the National Trust for Scotland. It’s the largest collection of items relating to Robert Burns anywhere in the world with over 5000 pieces. They range from historically important artefacts like his writing desk or letters written in his hand to smaller, seemingly mundane things like the shaving razor Burns used to shape his iconic sideburns! Inside, you can learn more about who Robert Burns really was and listen to recordings of his poetry. It’s the perfect background you need before exploring the rest of Alloway.
Walk The Poet’s Path
From the museum, head further into the village along the Poet’s Path. You’ll find statues commemorating different Robert Burn’s poems starting with the ever popular To A Mouse and Address To A Haggis. Along the 5-minute walk, weather vanes tell the epic horror story Tam o Shanter which was set by Burns in Alloway. I can never help but pat the statues of the Twa Dogs when passing by and if it wasn’t for the Fox on its plinth, I would maybe never have heard the poem “On Glenriddell’s Fox Breaking His Chain”.
Visit the Burns Cottage
At the end of the Poet’s Path, you’ll reach the Burns Cottage, built by Robert’s father William. This is where the poet was born and lived until he was 7 years old. In his day, this wee thatched building consisted of just two rooms – one for animals, another for the family. It’s a place that still feels alive with stories, with the ability to transport you back in time. As well as being the birthplace of Burns, it’s also where the very first Burns Supper was held on the 5 year anniversary of his death. Now moved to his birthday, it’s a tradition that’s last over 220 years!
Grab Lunch At The Poet’s Corner
Across the street from the cottage, the Poet’s Corner makes the perfect place to stop for lunch. As well as serving delicious Scottish food, it’s a hub for the local community with a great buzz around it.
Alloway Auld Kirk
Follow in the footsteps of the heroic Tam o’ Shanter from one of Burns’ best loved poems as you walk up to Alloway Auld Kirk. This is where Tam saw warlocks and witches in a dance while the Devil played the bagpipes! It’s a very atmospheric place, with fascinating carved gravestones from as far back as the 1600s and heavy, metal mortsafes to deter bodysnatchers. The first grave you’ll see on entry is for Robert’s father William, although the original was chipped away by souvenir hunters!
Brig o’ Doon
A short walk away the Brig o’ Doon stands as another memorial to the tale of Tam o’ Shanter. Built in the 15th century, this is where Tam’s horse Meg is racing to reach since the witches chasing her can’t cross running water. Even for those unfamiliar with the poem, it’s a beautiful single arch bridge paved with old cobbles. You won’t reach anywhere on the other side, but the view down the river is still spectacular!
Explore The Burns Memorial Garden
Retracing your steps across the bridge takes you to the Burns Memorial Garden, dominated by the enormous Grecian-style monument. Opened in 1823, less than 30 years after the poet’s death, it shows how important his legacy was already. You can climb up inside that for the view over the garden, however be aware that the steps are steep and narrow. Elsewhere, a recording of Tam o Shanter is played in a small building alongside statues of characters from the poem. Walking past the Red, Red Roses that remember the famous Burns’ song, you’ve come full circle back to the museum where you began this trip around Alloway!
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