John Knox Tower (photo by jeaneeem)

Ayrshire is mostly known for its picturesque rolling hills and fertile soil. It is a predominantly farming countryside and as such is not among the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland. Regardless of that fact the county town of Ayr is enough pretty to make you spend here a weekend or so. Most of the visitors also appreciate the nearby coastline and its fine sandy beaches, as well as the many excellent golf courses in the surroundings. In the southern area of the county the impressive Culzean Castle and the offshore island of Ailsa Craig, inhabited by one of the largest gannet colony, are also attractive tourist destinations. The towns in the northern part of Ayrshire are influenced by the industrialization of the nearby city of Glasgow. Much tourist interest attracts the seaside town of Irvine, where the Scottish Maritime Museum is found.

With its more than 46.00 citizens the town of Ayr is the most populous one on the Firth of Clyde coastline. In the past it was a prosperous trading port, rivalling in importance and size the nearby Glasgow. Its decline began in the late 17th century. At present day the town is an interesting destination and attracts many visitors, especially for the Great National and the Scottish Derby horse races. The birth place of Robbie Burns, the nearby village of Alloway (today a part of the town's suburbs), is another magnet for tourists.

Robbie Burns' Cottage (photo by jeaneeem)

Ayr has a nice town centre, spreading from the southern bank of the River Ayr to Sandgate. It features many shopping facilities, attracting people from around the county. The most celebrated sight here is the medieval Auld Brig, which is located east of the High Street. This is one of the most ancient stone bridges in Scotland, mentioned in one of the Robbie Burns’ poems. It was constructed during the time of King James IV, who ruled between 1488 and 1513. A few steps upstream from Auld Brig you will reach the Auld Kirk. The church was built by Cromwell to replace the older one which was incorporated in the fortification walls of the town. Its dark and gloomy interior features an interesting pulpit, as old as the church itself.

Only a small part of the mid-17th century Citadel, situated a short stroll north of the town centre, has survived. It was ordered by Cromwell and completed in a zigzag plan. The remained old walls are known among the locals as the Fort. South of here you will see the grid planned Georgian and Regency residential district of Ayr. Its attractive Wellington Square is the ideal place to relax amidst its pleasant terraced gardens. The square is dominated by the County Buildings - an impressive Palladian pile, dating back to the first quarter of the 19th century.

The long Esplanade of Ayr and its fine beach offer spectacular views of the Isle of Arran. After completing the Glasgow-Ayr railway in 1840, the town became a favourite summer destination for the population of Glasgow and the area around the Esplanade and the beach were crowded with holiday makers. Today it is a calm and pretty district, ideal for pleasurable walks, during which you will see only a few visitors and local dog-walkers. The major sight here is the Ayr Pavilion, dating back to 1911. It is a beautiful building with four imposing corner towers, housing today an indoor adventure playground.