Ayr Guide

Unearth the treasures of Ayrshire’s beautiful coast

A coastal gem nestled in south Ayrshire’s heart and just 37 miles from Glasgow, Ayr unfolds like a postcard stand – with its windswept sandy beaches, charming neighbourhoods, and an esplanade that practically begs you to wander, breathe deep, and fall in love with Scottish coastal life. The photos really don’t do it justice, so here’s some must-do’s to help you get planning a trip you’ll talk about for years to come.

Greenan Castle

11min drive / 54min walk

Image credit VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

9min drive / 60min walk

Heads of Ayr Farm Park

10min drive

Isle of Arran

40min drive + 55min ferry

Ayr Racecourse

7min drive / 28min walk

Ayr United Football Club

6min drive / 25min walk

Ayr Beach

1min drive / 5min walk

Prestwick Beach

14min drive

Troon Beach

22min drive

Image credit VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Culzean Beach

30min drive

Discover your next golfing adventure in Ayrshire

Golf lovers, buckle up. With nearly 50 courses at your fingertips, including 5 of the UK’s top 100 and 3 Open Championship venues, you’re about to enter golfing nirvana. Whether you’re here to watch the pros or perfect your swing, Ayrshire is your ultimate golfing playground.

Royal Troon Golf Club

This legendary links course has been the stage for major golf championships, hosting the Open Championship in 2016 and AIG Women's Open in 2020. Golfers dream about its challenging holes, especially the infamous "Postage Stamp" 8th hole.

23min drive

Prestwick Golf Club

Prestwick has undergone many changes since its inaugural 1860 Open, but its terrain still presents the same challenge, the same allure. Steeped in history and appreciated by Golf lovers across the globe, this new and improved version of Prestwick is a must-see if you get the chance.

13min drive

Western Gailes Golf Club

Western Gailes has built a global reputation as one of the finest and toughest links courses out there, drawing golf legends for over a century. From Harry Vardon and Gene Sarazen to modern stars like Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson, some of the game's best have tested their skills on this historic course - and it still challenges top players and visitors from around the world today.

26min drive

Turnberry Golf Club

The Ailsa Course has been dramatically reimagined since its last Open appearance in 2009. Every hole tells a story: the 9th is now a spectacular par 3, the 10th a thrilling par 5, with a stunning new par 3 added as the 11th. Three-time Open host, endlessly impressive.

27min drive

Dundonald Links

Opened in 2005, Dundonald is a modern links that perfectly balances tradition and innovation. Its 2017 Scottish Open hosting proves its world-class status. Expect memorable holes that stand out from the traditional links experience.

24min drive