Ayr

Once a bustling market town and international port, the historic town of Ayr is still thriving. It has lots of excellent shops, lively bars, well-run hotels and restaurants, plus a wide range of attractions for the whole family.

Along the wide Victorian esplanade, you’ll find an exciting play park and wide sandy beaches that are just perfect for a leisurely walk, a dip in the sea, or for enjoying a delicious ice cream.

Ayr Racecourse hosts regular meetings, from the Scottish Grand National to the Ayrshire Handicap and Ayr Gold Cup. For golf enthusiasts, you can play at Belleisle, Seafield and Dalmilling courses, or for art and culture, there’s the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, the Maclaurin Art Gallery or new Ayrshire talent at regular exhibitions and creative markets at The Grain Exchange.

Map

Eat and Drink

  • Ayr
    Ayr
    A close-up of bright red flowers in the foreground, sharply in focus, with green and variegated leaves surrounding them. Behind the flowers, a wooden-clad building with large windows is slightly out of focus. Mounted above the windows is a sign reading “Coo Shed” in dark lettering. The windows feature a decorative pattern resembling cow spots, and the overall scene is lit by natural daylight.

    The Coo Shed

    Nestled in the heart of the Ayrshire countryside on South Corton Farm, The Coo Shed is an award-winning destination that...
    The Coo Shed
  • Ayr
    Ayr
    smiths_bar_02

    Smiths Bar

    Discover Smiths Bar & Restaurant, Ayr – a vibrant Scottish bar offering quality dining, live sport, and standout entertainment. Enjoy...
    Smiths Bar
  • Ayr
    Ayr
    Two plates of café food on a wooden table: each plate holds a toasted panini sandwich, with crisp fries served in white cups. One sandwich is cut into triangles with visible grill marks, while the other is stacked high with a dark filling, served alongside coleslaw and a small salad garnish. Wooden chairs and another table are visible in the background, suggesting a casual dining setting.

    The Secret Garden

    The Secret Garden is an independent, family‑friendly café and bistro serving fresh, homemade breakfasts, lunches, and irresistible sweet treats seven...
    The Secret Garden
  • Ayr
    Ayr
    Interior of a Thai restaurant dining area with warm wooden décor. In the foreground, a wooden table is set with menus, wine glasses and cutlery. Surrounding seating includes cushioned bench seating and mixed chairs, with one red upholstered chair standing out. In the background, large windows let in natural light and show a street view of buildings outside. Hanging pendant lights and green foliage decor suspended from the ceiling add a cosy, ambient feel. A bar or service counter is visible to the left with wooden paneling. Text in the lower corner reads “@home THAI” with a stylised “H” logo.

    @Home Thai Restaurant

    Located in the heart of Ayr, @Home Thai Restaurant offers a warm and welcoming dining experience, serving an authentic and...
    @Home Thai Restaurant
  • Ayr
    Ayr
    The exterior of a pub called 'Wee Windaes'.

    Wee Windaes

    Enjoy a warm welcome at Wee Windaes, a friendly traditional bar in Ayr town centre. A relaxed local pub where...
    Wee Windaes
  • Ayr
    Ayr
    Bridges Bar facade.

    Bridges Bar

    Bridges Bar is nestled in the center of Ayr. A well know local pub steeped in over a century of...
    Bridges Bar

Stay

Things To Do

What's On

Subscribe to our mailing list

Join our mailing list for Destination South Ayrshire news, inspiration and events.

Copyright © 2026 Destination South Ayrshire. Provided by South Ayrshire Council.