Situated on the beautiful Clyde Coast, Ayrshire and Arran offers visitors to Scotland memorable breaks in beautiful scenery set amongst fascinating Scottish history and West coast heritage.
Visit Ayr and experience a a plethora of outdoor activities including some of the finest golf courses in the world in Royal Troon Prestwick, and prestigious Turnberry, Scotland’s premier Ayr racecourse and of course, Scotland's favourite son, Robert Burns.
Day trips in Ayrshire can offer visitors the chance to experience ancient castles (including Culzean Castle – one of Scotland-s finest) and ruins, stunning country parks and gardens, bustling market towns and captivating visitor attractions all year round. Travellers to Ayrshire and this part of Scotland can also expect stunning sunsets, windswept coastlines with views to Arran, lovely rolling Scottish countryside, lots of Robert Burns history and world class golf courses at Turnberry and historic Troon. The Isle of Arran, 55 minutes away by ferry, is very distinct from Ayrshire and is known as 'Scotland in miniature'. A fascinating island with an unrivalled range of landscapes and whole spectrum of Scottish scenery to enjoy. Big enough to offer a large variety of activities yet small enough to retain its romantic intimate island atmosphere. Ayrshire hotel breaks are best for UK Golf + Spa weekends, short haul hotel beaks from Glasgow, Robert Burns enthusiasts, racegoers, romantics and beach lovers. Those that choose to take one of the ferries over the Firth of Clyde to Arran will discover lots of walking options (Glenashdale Falls and Goatfell offer spectacular photography opportunities) the small Isle of Arran Distillery, Lochranza and elegant Brodick castles, ancient stone circles in Machrie Moor, gardens, museums, heritage centres, craft shops and art galleries. There are plenty of outdoor activities to try in Ayrshire, including hillwalking, fishing, boat trips, paragliding, water skiing, quad biking and cycling!
Ayrshire shares with Dumfries and Galloway some wonderful rugged hill country known as the Galloway Hills. Located on Ayrshire's shores of the Firth of Clyde lies the town of Troon, which has hosted the British Open Golf Championship twice in the last seven years, while nearby cities include Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine. One of Scotland's busiest airports, Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, which serves Glasgow and Strathclyde is also located very close to Ayr.
One of the best times to visit Ayr and enjoy a short hotel break in Ayrshire is during January when Scotland and most Scot descendants around the world celebrate Burns night. Effectively Scotland's second national day, Burns nights are celebrated on the 25th January with Burns suppers and celebrations as a mark of rembrance for Robert Burns. Burns nights are traditional events that begin with a general welcome and announcements, followed with the Selkirk Grace. After the grace, comes the bag piping and cutting of the haggis, where Burns' famous Address To a Haggis is read and the haggis is cut open. The event usually allows for people to start eating just after the haggis is presented. Burns night is normally capped off with a few whiskies and the singing of Auld Lang Syne making it an enjoyable event for young and old.
Booking hotels in Ayrshire is simple. Hotels you’ll find in Ayrshire and Arran are of decent quality however the best hotels are located in Ayr and Troon with some nice country golf hotels and Scottish inns, exceptional country house hotels and 5 star resorts scattered on the coastal regions of county Ayrshire.
Favourite destinations To Travel To From Ayrshire
Book your hotel deal ahead in these Scottish cities within driving distance of Ayr.
(15 Miles from Ayr)Glasgow
Glasgow constantly attracts visitors to Scotland's West coast and is a popular short break destination for leisure and business travellers alike. Awarded the European City of Culture accolade, Glasgow is alive with cultural sights, stylish hotels, bars and restaurants and has a proud history of UK events with the Commonwealth Games being held in 2014.
(38 Miles from Ayr)Loch Lomond
Discover Loch Lomond's quaint country villages and towns over a long weekend. Take part in activites from fishing and boating to west Highland walks and Loch Lomond cruises. With many accommodations from luxury hotels to budget inns,
Loch Lomond caters for every taste.
(64 Miles from Ayr)Edinburgh
Edinburgh fascinates tourists in all seasons with stunning gothic skylines to sandy beaches, from festivals to fireworks - the city does indeed have something for everyone! Renowned for its year round festivals, Edinburgh offers a superb mix of shopping, entertainment, culture and history that many cities could only wish was their own.