Ayrshire is well placed to offer the visitor plenty of things to do. It has a wide range of visitor attractions across the county and Castles and historic trails abound with many famous sites of interest and ruins to be explored and an abundance of family attractions and outdoor sports facilities.

The Town of Ayr

The Royal Burgh of Ayr in the south-west of Scotland is situated on the Firth of Clyde. Ayr is the largest coastal town in South Ayrshire. Ayr is a popular seaside resort in the heart of Burns Country. Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, was born in Alloway, close to Ayr. The villages various locations associated with the poet include the Burns National Heritage Park including the poet's birthplace, Burns Cottage, Brig O'Doon and the spooky Alloway Kirk.
Long stretches of sandy beach, superb sports and recreational facilities and entertainment have helped make Ayr one of Britain's premier coastal resorts. Play on some of the best golf courses in Scotland, at Royal Troon and Turnberry.

Ayr Race Course

Scotland's top horse racing centre, Ayr Racecourse, is based in Ayr and offers more racing days than any other Scottish course including the Scottish Grand National. Ayr United Football Club is South Ayrshire's senior football club. Known as the Honest Men - a quote from Scotland's National Bard, Rabbie Burns. Their home ground, Somerset Park, is located at Somerset Road, Ayr. With a diverse mix of shops, bars, and restaurants Ayr Town Centre has everything you need for a great day out. Ayr has some of the biggest names in retail situated in Ayr Central, the Kyle and Ayr Mall shopping centres as well as along the High Street and surrounding area.

Ayr Campus

Set in 20 acres of parkland bordering the River Ayr, the campus is almost self-contained with all teaching, lecture, workshop and laboratory space existing next to the Students’ Union, student accommodation, library and all other student support services. With around 3,500 students, the campus facilities are constantly being updated and now include some of the Scottish Higher Education sector’s finest media, broadcasting and recording facilities. The campus also has its own digital radio station. The campus also houses the Ayrshire Management Centre, the Business School’s management training and development facility

Glasgow / Prestwick Airport

Prestwick Airport is located around 23 miles from Glasgow and is connected to the city by road and rail. With the recent opening of the new M77 Ayrshire is now less than thirty minutes drive from Glasgow city centre. Prestwick Airport is only a few minutes from Troon and Ayr and well connected to the rest of Ayrshire by an excellent road network.

History and Heritage

South Ayrshire boasts a varied list of historical attractions including the very splendid Culzean Castle and numerous country parks. Robert Burns was born in nearby Alloway and there are now attractions showcasing his life and works and in May every year a festival of the arts, Burns an' a" That, celebrates his influence.

For the Burns enthusiast or even just the casual visitor a trip to the Burns National Heritage Park is a must. You can enjoy the audio-visual interpretation of Tam O'Shanter Experience before strolling along the road to visit Burns Cottage. Continue the experience with a visit to Souter Johnnie's Cottage or the Bachelor's Club.
Family leisure centres include The Citadel in Ayr. Other outdoor and sporting facilities which the area is renowned include yachting, bowling and country pursuits.