Ayr Things to Do Tips by hevbell Top 5 Page for this destination

AILSA CRAIG

The big lump of granite rock you may well notice popping up from the sea if you are anywhere near the coast [unless its hazy] is in fact a volcanic plug known as Ailsa Craig. Its best seen from further down the coast [between Girvan & Ballentrae] and you can actually take a boat trip out there from Girvan although its something I've never done. Its now a bird sanctuary

PRESTWICK

The town of Prestwick is pretty much joined onto Ayr. Its another popular seaside town with a lovely beach and some good pubs & restaurants. Not to mention the first golf course to play host to the British Open [the links course just up from the beach].

The International Airport [properly known, annoyingly to us locals, as GLASGOW Prestwick] was once the Transatlantic gateway to Scotland and nearly ended up closing after that right was taken away. However it has seen a resurgence thanks to the low cost airline Ryanair who had a ever growing number of European services from Prestwick. The airport is also known for being the only place Elvis Presley ever set foot on British soil, albeit for only an hour!

If you happen to be down at the beach and want an ice cream then there is a wee cafe at the front that does Mancinis and it is yummy!! :)

WELLINGTON SQUARE & COUNTY BUILDINGS

Near the northern end of Ayr beach are the County Buildings and behind them the sheriff court which faces out into Wellington Square. From there its a quick walk into the centre of town

BURNS COTTAGE

I've now been to Burns Cottage a couple of times, both during Doors Open Day. These are the gardens at the back of the cottage. The cottage itself has been restored to look much as it would have when Burns was a child and there is a museum in the adjoining building that follows his life and the songs and poems he wrote and published.

Directions: On the main road through Alloway. Can't miss it, old cottage with thatched roof & someone outside taking a picture!

PAVILLION

The Pavillion is the big white building that stands out along the shore area. Its seen many incarnations over the years, including a couple of notorious nightclub venues. However it was later given a lick of paint and is now opened as "Pirate Petes", a play centre for kids.

AYR LOW GREEN

The grassy area just behind the beach and promenade is known as the Low Green. I'm not sure of the history of it but I believe it has been set aside in some way for public use and can't be built on. So now its a nice area for having ball games, picnics, flying kites and so on.

Directions: Behind the promenade at Ayr beach

AYR BEACH & PROMENADE

This area has undergone something of a revamp in recent years with new kids playgrounds and other stuff. There is also mini & crazy golf and a gorgeous sandy beach. The promenade is great for inline skating or cycling especially if you head for the quieter Seafield end. Soon as the sun makes an appearance you can see everyone swarming here!!

There is a fair amount of free parking including a large car park.

MACLAURIN ART GALLERY

They have various temporary exhibitions - last time I was there it was a photography exhibit and also some lovely paintings by the local art club. No Monets or Picassos but nice just the same! I've also been to see a Peter Howson exhibit there and they have their own collection and show pieces from that at various times.

Address: Rozelle Park, Ayr

Directions: On the main road that runs between Alloway & Ayr. Exhibitions are generally signposted anyway. Any bus to Alloway will stop outside the main gates of the park

STEPPING STONES

One of the reasons that I first took the walk along the River Ayr was because I wanted to go to this area known as the Stepping Stones. I'd passed them every day going to and from work for the last 6 years [you can see them from the main road] but had never actually been there.

Its a nice walk though. I start beside Ayr college, in town, and walk through Craigie Park and then follow the path through the woods and passed the golf course to eventually reach the Stepping Stones and then walk back along the other side of the river passed Wallace's Heel, a small indentation in the ground that was supposed to have been made my William Wallace as he jumped across the river [yeah right!!], which is next to a small water spring.

Address: River Ayr

Directions: I start at Ayr College, at the top of Station Road but the riverside path starts at River Street. beside Asda

BURNS COTTAGE

The birthplace, in 1759, of Scotlands bard, Robert Burns. He spent the first 7 years of his life living here. Its now a museum dedicated to his life and work. Also close by are the Tam O'Shanter experience (named after his friend and the subject of one of his famous poems, tel: 01292 443700, entry: £2.50) and Burns Monument plus the Brig of Doon which also featured in the Tam O'Shanter poem. These are now known collectively under the heading of the Burns National Heritage Park

Check out my "Alloway & Burns Country" Travelogue on this page

Address: Alloway, Ayrshire.

Phone: 01292 441215

Website: http://www.robertburns.org