A pretty little seaside town in Scotland is hugely underrated, with hardly any tourists. Ayr, on the southwest coast of Scotland, has a population of 46,982. It is a popular seaside resort, complete with charming seafront, esplanade, and long sandy beach perfect for walking.
Ayr is a quieter town, with historic buildings and beautiful streets like the cherry blossom tree-lined street Park Circus. There are few classic seaside enhancements, like arcades and tat shops. On the southern bank of the River Ayr sit the ramparts of a citadel constructed by Oliver Cromwell’s men in 1657 after the end of the Civil War to control a hostile Scottish population. Other historic sites in the area includes Loudoun Hall, a restoration of Scotland’s oldest merchant’s house, built in 1513.
Less well known is St John’s Tower, all that remains of a church standing within the Citadel, while nearby is the classical frontage of the County Buildings, the town’s courthouse dating from 1822.
The Guardian said the town had refused to become a traditional resort, with an “absence of any clutter” on the seafront. It added: “There are places to play on swings and get an ice-cream or a pint, but lovers of amusement arcades and bucket-and-spade shops should probably stay away.”
The town’s beach is around two miles long with the historic harbour to the north.
The coastal town lies on the mouth of the River Ayr which flows into the larger Firth of Clyde estuary. From the coast, the Isle of Arran can be seen and, on a very clear day, the northern tip of Northern Ireland is also visible.
Towards the south of Ayr is the birthplace of beloved Scottish poet Robert Burns in the suburb of Alloway. Visitors should make the short trip to visit his birthplace and the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.
Ayr Racecourse, dating back to the 16th century, runs many Flat and National Hunt meetings throughout the year and is particularly famous as the venue of the Scottish Grand National, the Ayrshire Handicap and the Ayr Gold Cup.
The town can be reached via train from Glasgow, where the nearest airport is also located. There are a number of places to stay, including bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs, hotels, and holiday lets.
