Things to do in Ayr please 28 September 2007 at 5:20PM edited 30 November -1 at 1:00AM in Scotland 16 replies 10.9K views

Violetta_2

Hi we are off to Ayr next week for a Caravan hol with our 2 yr old. I would appreciate any suggestions of things to do to keep LO entertained. We have a car so a wee drive will be ok. Any places for nice inexpensive meals that are family friendly too would be helpful.
Also where is good for shopping? This cold weather has come on quick and we don't have a lot of winter clothes for LO.:beer: thanks in advance.
P.S. keep your finger's X'd it doesn't rain please

Angua2

Must confess have only been to Ayrshire once, but thought these sites might help:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g186574-Activities-Ayr_South_Ayrshire_Scotland.html

http://www.heritagebritain.com/county/Ayrshire.html

http://www.agreatplacetosee.com/scotland/Ayrshire_and_Arran_Scotland.php

http://www.yesscotland.com/searchk.php


Hope this helps.

Wondered if you can find a community bulletin board for Ayr....? With your ween so wee, if the weather - heaven forbid - is dreich, maybe you can make new pals at a play group...

Look for soft play places - just saw Pirate Pete's online at:
http://www.piratepetes.co.uk/location.htm

arnie&caseysma!

There is Pirate Petes which is an indoor play area with different sections for different ages, they also do food at a little cafe you can buy when ur there.
There is a cinema in the town centre and Culzean Castle is just down the coast road and not bad for a visit depending on age of LO.

Try http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/ayr/ayr/index.html
http://www.intayrnet.com/ayr/ayr_town.html

There is shopping in the town centre and the Kyle Shopping Centre on the High Street, and the newest shopping centre which is just off the High Street can be seen here http://www.ayrcentral.com/index.html

You are also in Burns Country and you can visit Alloway and the Burns House which I think is a museum now.

Hope you have a nice time and the weather holds out!

wallacebob

Maybe a bit adventurous for the time of year, but if the weather is good go to Cumbrae. Ferry crossing (foot passenger is cheap) is lovely if the sun shines, (short if the wee one is worried), hire bikes and trailer for a nice cycle, ice cream, beach and very good play area at Westbay now. Cheap day, fresh air and sea. Back in time for more ice cream at Nardini's.

ailuro2

If you're going to Craig Tara the farm park next door has lots of animals to visit (foot and mouth willing!) and an indoor playbarn etc. It's up the hill and turn right, and is a 5 min walk.

Electric Brae in the car is cool for adults, but it will be over the kids heads.

There are lots of nice beaches in the area, and some really pretty scenery further south too.

Have a great time!

jumpingjackd

My kids loved the playground on Ayr seafront and used to spend hours in it.

Violetta_2

Brilliant you are all stars. Thankyou so much, not sure 5 day's will be enough time to do everything.

Violetta_2

Just wanted to thank you all again for your help. We had a great holiday,ailuro2 LO loved the Heads of Ayr Farm Park,
She also enjoyed Pirate Pete's which was great on the only day the weather was bad.
We went to Dean Castle Castle &Country park for a picnic and a run around for the LO she enjoyed all the animals there too, which I found via 1 of the link's above, lovely day out (free entry too).

Taffyscot

oh dear read this too late. Just came back from the best ever car boot in Ayr racecourse and if you wanted clothes for the wee one they go for 50 pence each in the car boot and are top notch like new and really good brands. Also loads and loads of toys for next to nothing. Thanks for all of you that had tips and links. Anyone got any for a big boy my son is 34 and cominig over for a holiday from Canada at the end of December. Where shall I take him? Pubs, clubs, history, castles, museums, Arran. Good meals, cheap meals? Any advice will be appreciated. Taffy who hasn't been living in Scotland long.

fishhawks

HI TaffyScot

Eating out in a trendy cafe bar - try Elliotts in Prestwick or Scotts in Troon. Elliotts has 80's style music at the weekends. Scotts overlooks the marina which is nice. In Ayr the busiest bars are the Treehouse in the Sandgate, Four Cats and McArthurs, if you want something more traditional go the the famous Billie Bridges bar in the Sandgate or the Tam a Shanter in the High Street with the thatched roof. Harveys in Wellington square is good for food they do a 2 course special before 6.30-7.00ish £10, Mezzaluna opposite the Ramada and Cecchinis in wellington square both serve nice food and have 2 course specials early evenings.

In Troon there is also a takeaway chippie called the Wee Hurrie at the fish market - best fish and chips ever, buy them from the wee hurrie and drive round the corner and park at the seafront overlooking Arran and watch the seals.

If you want a bit of Ayr history, try the Walkabout tour which takes about 90 minutes leaving from the Tourist Information centre. Culzean Castle is a real treat, lovely walks overlooking the sea, the castle is very interesting with lots of Adam features - check the opening times in winter though.

Taffyscot

Thanks so much for all your info fish. Have walked by Elliotts and it looks as if it is hopping. Have been to Tam a shanter. Going to take him to the electric brae too as it is quite amazing when you first see it. He loves castles (His mum in Welsh what do you expect lol) so going to take him to them too. Any bogofs for Edinburgh castle or anything in Edinburgh or surrounding areas, anyone know?