If you are looking for things to do in Ayr, you have come to the right place. Ayr is a charming town on the west coast of Scotland, with a rich history and a beautiful scenery. Whether you are interested in culture, nature, or adventure, you will find plenty of options to suit your preferences. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best tourist attractions in Ayr and the surrounding area. You will discover why Ayr is one of the top tourist destinations in Scotland and how you can make the most of your visit. Here are some of the things to do in Ayr that you should not miss.
Looking for things to do in Ayr? Discover the best tourist attractions in Ayr:
1. Robert Burns Birthplace Museum: A museum that celebrates the life and works of Scotland’s most famous poet, who was born in a nearby cottage.
2. Ayr Seafront Playpark: A large and modern playground on the beach, with slides, swings, climbing frames and more.
3. Hannahston Alpacas: A farm where you can meet and feed friendly alpacas, and learn about their history and care.
4. Rozelle Park: A beautiful park with landscaped gardens, ponds, trails, a tea room and an art gallery in a historic mansion.
5. Pirate Pete’s: An indoor amusement park with soft play areas, mini golf, laser tag, bowling and arcade games.
6. Lang Scots Mile: A scenic walk along the beach, with views of the Isle of Arran and the Ayrshire coast.
7. Electric Brae: A mysterious road where cars seem to roll uphill due to an optical illusion.
8. Ayr Equestrian Centre: A place where you can take riding lessons, go on hacks or watch equestrian events.
9. Ayr Gaiety Theatre: A theatre that hosts a variety of shows, from musicals and comedies to dramas and pantomimes.
10. Bachelors’ Club: A historic site where Robert Burns and his friends formed a debating club in the 18th century.
11. Greenan Castle: A ruined castle on a cliff overlooking the sea, dating back to the 16th century.
12. Rozelle House Galleries: An art museum that displays paintings, sculptures and ceramics from local and national artists.
13. Heads of Ayr Farm Park: A farm park with animals, rides, play areas, a café and a gift shop.
14. Culzean Castle and Country Park: A stunning castle and estate with gardens, woodlands, beaches, a swan pond, a deer park and a visitor centre.
15. Belleisle Park: A park with two golf courses, a walled garden, a conservatory, a playground and a café.
16. Burns Monument and Gardens: A monument and gardens dedicated to Robert Burns, near the bridge where he set his poem «Tam o’ Shanter».
17. The Low Green: A large grassy area by the seafront, where you can relax, picnic or play games.
18. Wellington Square Gardens: A small park with flower beds, benches and a fountain in the centre of town.
19. Citadel Leisure Centre: A leisure centre with a swimming pool, a gym, a sauna, a steam room and a sports hall.
20. Alloway Auld Kirk: A 16th-century church where Robert Burns’ father is buried, and where he set another scene from «Tam o’ Shanter».
21. The Wallace Tower: A tower that commemorates William Wallace, the Scottish hero who fought against the English in the 13th century.
22. Carnegie Library: A library that offers books, DVDs, CDs, newspapers, magazines, computers and free Wi-Fi.
23. St John’s Tower: A tower that is all that remains of a 12th-century church that was destroyed by fire in 1654.
24. Tam o’ Shanter Experience: An attraction that tells the story of Robert Burns’ famous poem through audio-visual effects and exhibits.
25. Brig O’Doon: A 15th-century bridge over the River Doon that features in Robert Burns’ poem «Tam o’ Shanter».
26. The Maclaurin Art Gallery: An art gallery that showcases contemporary art from local and international artists.
27. Loudoun Hall: The oldest surviving house in Ayr, dating back to the 16th century.
28. The Scottish Industrial Railway Centre: A railway museum that displays steam locomotives, wagons and other railway memorabilia.
29. The Old Bridge House Museum: A museum that is housed in a former toll house on an old bridge over the River Ayr.
30. The Lighthouse Pottery Studio & Gallery: A pottery studio and gallery where you can watch potters at work or try your hand at making your own pottery.
31. The Grain Exchange Pub & Kitchen: A pub and restaurant that serves traditional Scottish food and drinks in a historic building.
32. The Newmarket Bar & Grill: A bar and grill that offers a variety of dishes, from burgers and steaks to salads and pasta.
33. The Treehouse: A restaurant that serves fresh and local food in a cosy and rustic setting.
34. The Waterfront: A restaurant that offers seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes with views of the sea and the harbour.
35. The Chestnuts Hotel & Restaurant: A hotel and restaurant that provides comfortable accommodation and fine dining in a Victorian building.
36. The Arrandale Hotel & Restaurant: A hotel and restaurant that offers modern rooms and a menu of Scottish and international cuisine.
37. The Fairfield House Hotel: A hotel that features elegant rooms, a lounge bar, a bistro and a function room.
38. The Savoy Park Hotel: A hotel that boasts spacious rooms, a garden, a restaurant and a bar.
39. The Horizon Hotel: A hotel that has cosy rooms, a terrace, a restaurant and a bar with live music.
40. The Mercure Ayr Hotel: A hotel that provides contemporary rooms, a spa, a pool, a gym, a restaurant and a bar.
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