Ayr Beach is significant for its long stretch of sand along the scenic Firth of Clyde with views of the Isle of Arran. It's a popular spot for anyone visiting Ayr. Being within an hour's drive of Glasgow, Ayr Beach offers a sense of tranquillity and lots of space for outdoor recreation, ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying the seaside air. Other than car parking, you can have a relatively cheap day out at Ayr Beach.
If you're curious about where Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, was born, visiting the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is a must. The museum is home to numerous artefacts, including original manuscripts and hand-written poems from the bard himself, allowing you to gain unparalleled insight into the early stages of his life. After exploring the museum, you can relax at the on-site cafe, which serves some of Burns' favourite dishes and is very good value for the money.
Be sure to check out the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum for an unforgettable tour that offers a glimpse into the life of this influential figure. The flagship museum in the charming village of Alloway takes visitors on a journey through historical buildings and landmarks associated with Burns, making it the perfect place to learn more about Scotland's National Bard and his enduring legacy in the country's literary heritage.
Scotland's Premier Racecourse, host to the Scottish Grand National in April and the Ayr Gold Cup in September, with over 20 race days annually, Ayr Racecourse is a great day out, from family race days to the famous Ladies Day at the Ayr Gold Cup.
Ayr Racecourse has a great location and you can walk to the racecourse from the town centre in around 15 minutes from the train station for those travelling by train, or just a few minutes in a taxi.
Heads of Ayr Farm Park is a great destination for a family day out. It's a farm and adventure park with an impressive collection of different species of animals. You can feed goats, donkeys, alpacas, and other animals by hand.
You can enjoy quad biking, jumping pillows, sandpits, play areas, and indoor soft play for kids or even take a train ride around the park. The park's indoor play gives a wet weather option to keep the kids entertained. It really is a great family day out.
In 2002, the Lang Scots Mile Walk was established in Ayr's seafront to celebrate the town's historical connection with Robert Burns and to promote physical activity. The "Measured Scots Mile" extends between two parking lots from Miller's Folly on Cromwell's Fort to Blackburn Car Park. The path is level and accessible for wheelchairs and offers stunning views of the Firth of Clyde and Arran. A children's playground is located midway along the route. Why not enjoy Ayr Beachfront and relax while enjoying the view?
If you ever find yourself in Ayr, Scotland, it is well worth the twenty-minute drive to visit Culzean Castle, which is an absolute must. The Castle stands tall and proud against the surrounding woodlands. From the top of its cliffside perch, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views.
But it's not just the Castle's location that makes it such a popular destination. The gardens are equally impressive, with miles of walking paths leading visitors past a swan pond, through the woods, and down to the sandy beaches below. The formal gardens are particularly stunning, with carefully sculpted hedges and colourful flowers filling the air with the sweet scent of summer.
Inside the Castle, visitors can explore a fantastic collection of flintlock pistols and military swords. The real highlight of the interior is undoubtedly the Oval Staircase, a dramatic piece of architecture that is as beautiful as it is functional. If you wish to experience staying in a castle, you can also stay in Culzean Castle in the Eisenhower Apartment.
The estate, which covers 260 hectares, was once owned by David Kennedy, the 10th Earl of Cassillis, who spared no expense in creating the ultimate playground for himself and his guests. The park is filled with conifers and beech trees, and surrounded by miles of coastline.
Located on the A719 near Dunure, Ayr, Scotland, we have the Electric Brae. If you park your vehicle on this hill and let it roll freely, it will seem like it's going uphill, defying gravity. However, this is just an optical illusion. The name "Electric" comes from an old belief that this was caused by electricity or magnetism in the Brae. Brae is a Scots word that means hill-slope or brow. Other hills in Scotland share the same name, but the most famous one is located on the A719, which is not far from Ayr.
Dunure is a charming fishing village found on the south coast of Ayrshire. It is located approximately 7 miles from Ayr. This quaint village boasts several places of interest, including the iconic Dunure Castle. The castle is situated at Kennedy Park, which offers convenient parking and public restrooms.
Dunure, one of the first filming locations for Outlander season 3, was used multiple times throughout the series. The most recognizable location is the harbour, but the beach and castle next to the harbour were also featured in scenes throughout the series.
The village is also home to the Anchorage restaurant and bar, which offers a diverse menu of delicious dishes. Just south of the village, visitors can experience the Electric Brae, an intriguing optical illusion.
Dunure is a lovely coastal fishing village that is well worth a visit if you are visiting Ayr, or the surrounding area.
From Ayr if you head South down the Coast you come to the Village of Turnberry, a small village which is home to the World Famous Trump Turnberry Resort. A stunning 5* Golf Resort and home of the Ailsa Course, regarded as one of the best courses in the world and has played host to four Open Championships, the most noteable of these was in 1977, the iconic Duel in the Sun.
If you have time it is well worth parking the car and taking the twenty minute walk through the golf courses to Turnberry Lighthouse which is now recognised as one of the Best Halfway Houses in the world of Golf.
If you continue to travel a further five miles South from Turnberry you come to the costal town of Girvan. Located at the mouth of the River Girvan, the harbour town is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Ayrshire coast. The main attraction of this town is the stunning Girvan beach, which is regarded as one of the best beaches in the area. With its golden sands and picturesque views, it offers visitors a traditional Scottish seaside experience. The beach is a perfect spot to enjoy a day out, as plenty of amusements are nearby.
Apart from the beach, the town is known for its breathtaking views. On a clear day, visitors can admire the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre from the beach. The town is also famous for its proximity to the island of Ailsa Craig, which is located 10 miles off the coast. The island is renowned for its granite, which was at a time quarried for Curling Stones.
