What To Do In Ayrshire
Ayr Town
The Ayr that Robert Burns knew would have been
considerably different to today's bustling town of 50,000 people
which boasts Scotland's fifth largest shopping centre. The most
prominent remnant of the Old Town is the 13th century Auld Brig (Old
Bridge) which was the town's only river crossing for 500 years.
For The Literary
Robert Burns is synonymous with
Ayrshire. The story of his life is woven into the very fabric of the
Ayrshire countryside and many of his most famous poems and songs
were set here. At Alloway, just outside Ayr, the various sites
including his humble cottage birthplace, have been grouped together
to form the Burns National Heritage Park. A single admission fee
gives access to all the attractions.
For The Active
Ayrshire is a mecca for golfers from all
over the world. Along a 15 mile stretch of coast there are 15
courses in an almost continuous chain including Open Championship
venues such as Royal Troon, Turnberry and Old Prestwick (original
home of the Open Championship). There are also many superb local golf courses
with open access.
Ayr can also offer tennis, swimming pools, ice-rink, bike hire,
leisure centre, cinemas, bowling, horse riding, fishing and some
stunning coast, country and riverside walks.
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For The Historians
Like most parts
of Scotland, Ayrshire is rich in history and historic buildings and
its most famous castle is Culzean, perched on the edge of a cliff.
Designed in 1777 by Robert Adam and built round a 13th century
tower, the castle was partly occupied by General (later President)
Eisenhower during World War II. The apartment was subsequently
gifted to him by the people of Scotland. The Country Park
surrounding the castle was recently named "Britain's most beautiful"
and features a deer park, walled gardens, little coves, sandy
beaches and ranger service.
For a day out with a difference:
- Ayr Racecourse hosts 40 racing days throughout the year.
- The Isle of Arran offers a great day out - you can hop on a
ferry and spend the day visiting Brodick Castle, walking along
the beach or for a more strenuous hike, Goats Fell provides
superb views.
- Glasgow is only one hour away by car or train and such
attractions as Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture (Hill
House, the House for an Art Lover, the Glasgow School of Art),
opera, theatre, shopping, museums etc make it ideal for a rainy
day.
- The historical capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is also only
two hours by car or train, adding another gold mine of
activities to discover.
To find out more about what this wonderful part of the world has to
offer, visit the official site of Scotland's National Tourism Board. |
