What To Do When You Stay in Ayr

Posted at February 4, 2009

The town and port of Ayr is located on the Firth of Clyde in the south west of Scotland. It has been well established for many centuries and so has many wonderful attractions for visitors to it to enjoy. In this article we take a look at just a few of the attractions that you can enjoy if you decide to spend time when you visit Ayr.

1. Culzean Castle – This is perched on the cliff tops above the town and offers you breathtaking views across it. Not only is it a wonderful place to explore but if you have the money you can always arrange to stay in it as well. The top floor of the castle was converted into an apartment in the 1940's for General Eisenhower to use. This was done as a way of thanking him because he commanded Scottish soldiers during the Second World War. He actually used the apartment on several occasions including one time when he was President of the USA. Now these rooms are used a self contained country style hotel and there are six rooms in which guests can stay.

2. TheVikingar – It is here you will learn all about Vikings when they were in Scotland from the time of their invasion to the time when they were defeated in battle in 1263 in Largs. You have the chance to come face to face with their Gods and learn what life was like for the Vikings seven hundred years ago. But not only do you learn about the Vikings you can enjoy other facilities such as the swimming pool, theatre, a soft play area for children and the cafe.

3. Burns Cottage and Museum – This is the house where Robert Burns was born and is located in a suburb of Ayr known as Alloway. The house was originally built by his father and he only actually lived in it for the first 7 years of his life, but it still houses a wonderful collection of memorabilia and manuscripts relating to this man. The museum is also home to the Burns family bible.

4. Robert Burns Monument – This overlooks the River Ayr and its two main bridges. The monument has been standing here since 1823 and inside it features more than 600 exhibits about Robert Burns. One of the two bridges you can see is Auld Brig. Which Burns prophesized would have to be rebuilt. This prophecy was realized when the original bridge had to be rebuilt in 1877.

When you next visit Ayr, be sure to book your hotel in Ayr from this list.