Ayr tourist information

Historic and attractive Ayr is the heart of South Ayrshire, with fine buildings and stone bridges that cross the wide river.

Once one of the most important ports in Scotland, this large and bustling town is an excellent place to visit for sightseeing and shopping, as well as for walks around the harbour and sandy beaches looking over to the Isle of Arran and Mull of Kintyre.

Particularly fine are the 19th century Wallace tower and town hall, and the distinctive 'Auld' (old) and 'New' bridges over the river Ayr which date from the 15th and 19th centuries.

Ayr racecourse has a long history, and runs racing fixtures throughout the year, including the Scottish Grand National in April.

Ayr is also at the centre of 'Burns Country', and the nearby town of Alloway where the poet was born has become a suburb of Ayr, containing a number of historic sights linked with this iconic figure.

The town has a tourist information centre.