Local Attractions
Golf in Ayrshire
Ayrshire has some of the finest golf courses in Scotland, including Open venues of Royal Troon and Turnberry. The 2004 Open was held at Troon, and Turnberry hosted the 2009 Open, with Tom Watson almost becoming the oldest player ever to win it. The first Open was held at Prestwick Golf Club in 1860, and there are many other fine courses with a variety of prices to suit everyone.
South Ayrshire Council run eight golf courses, with greenfees at reasonable prices. There are three in Ayr, three in Troon along with Girvan and Maybole.. The best of these is Belleisle, which is a fine parkland course in Ayr. It is regarded as the best Council owned course in Scotland, after St Andrews and Carnoustie.
Please email for information on prices and starting times |
The magnificent championship course at Turnberry, with Ailsa Craig in the background
Royal Troon's clubhouse, extended in 2006
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Robert Burns
The area also has important connections with Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, who was born in Alloway, close to Ayr. There is an excellent visitor centre, part of the Burns National Heritage Park, along with a museum housed in the cottage where he was born. Ghost tours can be arranged around "Alloway's Auld Haunted Kirk", which Burns describes in his famous work, Tam o'Shanter |
Burns' Cottage is
now a museum
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Culzean Castle
This is regarded as the best National Trust attraction in Scotland. It is a magnificent mansion house, with its origins in the 15th century, but much of what you see today dates from the 18th century. The National Trust have restored it to its former glory, and very interesting guided tours tell the lively history of the Castle. There are also beautiful gardens, swan pond, sea-shore walks and much for children to do, all within the estate. |
Culzean Castle, perched
on the cliff edge, is only 20 minutes from Ayr
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Waverley
The world's last sea-going paddle steamer PS Waverley sails to various places on the Clyde in the summer months, and calls in to Ayr harbour to pick up passengers. |
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Plenty to see in the local area
Ancient castles, beautiful country parks and gardens, busy towns and award-winning visitor attractions are all to hand and set in awe-inspiring scenery. The Firth of Clyde provides excellent sailng opportunities, with the Island of Arran only a one hour ferry crossing from Ardrossan. whcih is 35 minutes north of Ayr. |
Dunure Castle, looking towards Arran
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