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"Auld Ayr,whom ne'er a town surpasses for honest men and bonnie lasses"
Robert Burns

AyrCopyright Mary and Angus Hogg

Information

County - Ayrshire and Arran | Map
Tel code: 01292 | code search
Postcode: KA7 | code search
Population: 45400
Council: South Ayrshire
Ayr Jobs
Rather interesting Ayr facts
Visitor reports
Ayr History
Birthplace of:
John Loudon McAdam Willie Ross Jim Sillars
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Cultural Britain:
Burns Country

Ayr Events

April
Dunure Folk Festival

August
Ayr Flower Show

September
Gold Cup Festival
Prestwick Show
Septembayr Street Theatre & Charity Day
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Latest reviews

Ayr Premier Taxis
"We now have a website with saecure online booking at, www.ayrpremiertaxis.co.uk

Date visited: 29/10/11 ..." More

Vulcan Tavern
"The Vulcan is now reopened under new ownership and new Management ..." More

Sundrum Castle Holiday Park
"i played there in the resedent duo joolz all 2003 it was fab

Date visited: 2003 ..." More

Travel Tip

"Ayr Racecourse Sunday Market is the best for miles around woth plenty of stalls etc - Bobby ..." More

Ayr Reviews (49)

Visitor's Views

We have stayed at the Killkeren B&B recently for 3 ...More

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Latest reviews | Events in Ayr | 10 Places to Stay

A 35 mile drive from the hubbub of Glasgow, Ayr is an attractive coastal town in the mouth of The Firth Of Clyde, whose charm has been preserved the in verse and chorus of Scotland’s most celebrated poet, Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns. Ayr is the sort of relaxed bucket and spade seaside town that draws visitors from far and wide who come to enjoy its windswept beaches, harbour and scenic walks, and its many historic sites. There is plenty to keep its guests entertained: no matter what the capricious weather of south-west Scotland can throw at it. There are some magnificent walks to be enjoyed along the River Ayr Way. A 44 mile walkway, stretching from Glenbuck to Ayr: this is a remarkably undisturbed stretch of the country – despite never straying to far from the villages which follow its trail. In 1197, William I built a castle on the banks of the River Ayr, and granted the town Royal Burgh status in 1205 – a status it held until 1975. Robert The Bruce established Scotland’s first parliament in Ayr, in 1315 at Saint John The Baptist’s Kirk. But it was Cromwell’s rule that left a more indelible mark on the town, building walls to fortify his command in 1652, and supplementing the kirk latterly with Saint John’s tower. Remnants of Cromwell’s citadel are dotted around the town. Funded by Cromwell’s purse, Alloway Kirk, or Auld Kirk as it’s known, adopts a ghostly pallor when illuminated at night, and was brought to life in the verse of Burns’ ‘Tam o’ Shanter’. Born in the suburb of Alloway, 1759, Burns had a precocious talent for kinetic, humorous poetry. In his hometown, Burns Cottage exhibits some of his handwritten oeuvres and is a wonderful place to learn about the man whose purple prose sired the Burns Supper, an evening of haggis, rhyme and merriment. Still celebrating the convivial nature of Burns’ work, the Tam o’ Shanter inn on Ayr’s High Street is the ideal place to raise a glass in honour of The Bard. The annual Burns An’ A’ That! festival is held annual to commemorate his work and has proved a huge success for the area. Ayr’s town centre is dominated by the town hall. Standing at the corner of Sandgate and High Street, its 225 foot spire spears the skyline. An unmistakable feature is that of Auld Brig (Old Bridge). The bridge was originally fashioned from timber in the 13th century, before being rebuilt in the 15th century in the more robust stone structure that survives to this day. It’s now trumped as a crossing by New Bridge (1878), but remains a fully-functioning pedestrian bridge, and a tribute to durable bridgework. Ayr’s economy was built on the trade from its harbour, and it benefits from good communications to this day, with Prestwick International Airport to its north. Ayr is also an important horse racing venue, with Ayr Racecourse hosting the premiere dates in Scotland’s racing calendar, the Scottish Grand National and the Gold Cup. Famous for another thoroughbred, Ayr is also the birthplace of Sir John L. McAdam, originator of tarmacadam. History, culture and coastal vistas; it’s little wonder Ayr’s as popular with holiday makers as ice cream and sunshine.

Attraction

Burns National Heritage Park
Cathcartston Visitors Centre
Heads of Ayr Park
Pirate Pete's Family Entertainment Centre
Scottish Industrial Railway Centre
Tam O' Shanter Experience

Budget

Arrandale Hotel *book online*
Daviot House *book online*
Express By Holiday Inn *book online*
Premier Inn Ayr *book online*
The Dunn Thing *book online*
Travelodge Ayr *book online*

Caravan Park

Craig Tara Holiday Park
Craigie Gardens Caravan Club Site
Heads of Ayr Leisure Park
Sundrum Castle Holiday Park

Church

The Auld Kirk

Cinema

Odeon Ayr

Classes

Yoga - Mandy Graham

Club

Club de Mar

Council

South Ayrshire Council
South Ayrshire Council

Dentist

Alloway Place Dental Practice
Andersson Dental
Dental Surgery
Dental Surgery
Quadrant Dental Practice

Doctor

Barns Medical Centre
Cathcart Street Surgery
Cornhill Surgery
Dalblair Medical Practice

Estate Agent

Allen & Harris
Countrywide Estate Agents
Donald Ross Estate Agents Ltd
James B Black Hay & Co
Murphy-Scoular
Parkhouse Property Services
Slater Hogg & Howison
The McKinstry Property Co

Farmers Market

Ayr Farmers Market

Golf Club

Belleisle Golf Course
Dalmilling

Health and Fitness Club

Academy Fitness
Active Health Scotland
Bannatyne’s Health Club
Reach The Peak Fitness
Sebastian Coe Health Club

Holiday Park

Craig Tara Holiday Park
Crofthead Holiday Park
Gadgirth Lodges
Middlemuir Holiday Park
Sundrum Castle Holiday Park

Inn

Dunure Inn
Stair Inn

Market

Ayr Farmers Market
Ayr Market

Performing Arts

Ayr Choral Union
Dansarena Studios Ltd
Jennie Campbell School Of Dancing

Pub and Bar

Balgarth Brewers Fayre

Crown Bar
Glenpark Hotel
Hollybush Inn
Redstone Inn
Schooner Bar
Ship Inn
Steamboat Tavern
Tam O'Shanter Inn
Tree House
Vulcan Tavern
Waterside
Wheatsheaf Inn
Wolf & Whistle

Racecourse

Ayr

Restaurant

Balgarth
Balgarth Brewers Fayre
Caprice
Cecchinis Restaurant
Crown Bar
Dinos

Four Cats
Fouters Bistro
Harvey's
Hollybush Inn
Hunny Pot
Kashmir
Lazeez
Meridian (The)
Mezzaluna
New City Cantonese Restaurant
Peters
Royal Blossom
Ruby
Tudor
Waterside
Wheatsheaf Inn

School

Dansarena Studios Ltd
Jennie Campbell School Of Dancing
St Ann’s Primary School
Wellington School

Self-Catering

Craig Tara Holiday Park
Gadgirth Lodges
Kilmore Cottages
Kilmore Cottages Log Cabins
Mackays Holiday Cottages & Lodges

Solicitor

Haggarty W M
Lambert & Co
Mclennan Adam Davis
Sprang Terras

Taxi

Ayr Black Taxis
Ayr Premier Taxis
Carrolls Taxis
Gribbens Central Taxis
John's Taxis
Mainline Taxis
Streamline
Town Taxis

Theatre

Ayr Town Hall

Vet

Dalblair Veterinary Surgery

Sports Clubs

Ayr Carrick TC (Tennis)

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Ayr CC (Cricket)
Ayr United Football Club (Football)
Coylton TC (Tennis)
Kyle Judokwai (Dalmilling) (Martial Arts)

Shops

The Bookshelf
Hollow Park Florists
Boots
Early Learning Centre
Chisholms of Ayr
Dobbies Garden Centre
Cassillis Living Colour
Acorn Pet Centre
Precious Pets
As-nu Kitchens & Replacement doors
Bella Home & Gifts
Forehill Pharmacy
Kilgour
One Step Ahead
The Rieker Shop
Carphone Warehouse

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BodyShop
Majestic Wine
Reid Furniture
PC World
H Samuel
Ernest Jones
Superdrug
B&Q
Art Of Acupuncture
Dreams
Lloyds Pharmacy
Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Rowlands Pharmacy
Specsavers
Julian Graves
T K Maxx
Art of Acupuncture
J J B Sports
Pets At Home
Rainbow Room International
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As-nu Replacement Kitchen Doors
River Island
Topshop
BHS
Moonstone

Antiques

QS Antiques

Activities

Ayr Roads Cycling Club(Cycling)

Places to Stay near Ayr

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Ivy House Hotel (0.59 miles)

Ivy House Hotel

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Located in the Heart of Burns Country, just 5 minutes from Ayr Town Centre and 100 metres from Burns Cottage, The Ivy House is one ... More

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Old Racecourse Hotel (0.62 miles)

Old Racecourse Hotel

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We pride ouselves on traditional fayre, with bar meals and real ales.Located less than 1 mile from the centre of Ayr, and 1/2 a mile from Belleisle and Seafield Golf ... More

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Inverlea Guest House (0.69 miles)

Inverlea Guest House
Inverleas Guest House is a traditional Scottish Guest House located in Ayr with a wealth of activities and sites of interest nearby.Burns cottage, Brig o' Doon and Culzean castle are all within easy travelling distance ... More | visit website
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Chalmers Bed & Breakfast (0.69 miles)

Chalmers Bed & Breakfast

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This beautiful Victorian property with ample car parking is located in Ayr, 15 minutes from Glasgow Prestwick International Airport with private transfer services available. Chalmers is 5 minutes from Ayr bus and ... More

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Grange View B&B (0.81 miles)

Grange View B&B

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2 minutes walk from Ayr town centre, 2 minutes walk from Ayr Rail Station,10 minutes drive from Prestwick Airport Free airport drop off service available on departureAll accommodation on ground ... More

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One Alloway Retreat (0.83 miles)

One Alloway Retreat

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“One Alloway Retreat” Luxury, stylish, contemporary boutique accommodation in Alloway Village ~ Ayrshire ~ West of Scotland.
A new concept in providing luxury, boutique style accommodation located in the romantic village ... More

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Turas-Mara Guest House (0.85 miles)

Turas-Mara Guest House

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A beautifully maintained Victorian villa which is close to the town centre and the railway station. Less than 10 minutes from Prestwick Airport.
Ideal base for golfing parties with the vast variety ... More

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Crescent (The) (0.88 miles)

Crescent (The)
Built in 1898, The Crescent lies amidst an impressive row of imposing terraced houses. Its quiet location allows guests complete peace, yet enjoys close proximity and easy access to Ayr's busy shopping centre and seafront. ... More | visit website
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Leslie Anne Guest House (0.91 miles)

Leslie Anne Guest House

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This comfy, refurbished Victorian guest house is 5 minutes from the town centre. The racecourse, seafront and Ayr River Walk are within walking distance. Leslie Anne Guest House is a 5-mile drive ... More

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Garth Madryn (0.92 miles)

Garth Madryn
Warm and friendly B & B. On the outskirts of Ayr, 100 yards from A77. Prestwick International Airport only 6 miles. Provides easy access to international golf courses - including Turnberry, Troon and Prestwick (tee ... More | visit website

Brit Quote:
No benevolent man ever lost altogether the fruits of his benevolence. - Adam Smith
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On this day:
Battle of Berwick - 1296, Fire Claims 19 Glasgow Firefighters - 1960
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