Activity Holidays
Ayr has a traditional seafront with rides and play areas as well as tennis courts, swimming pools, a leisure centre, horse racing at the famous Ayr Races, bowling, an ice rink and a cinema. There is also a selection of restaurants and other pubs and cafes which are well worth visiting.Local attractions include the Burns National Heritage Park in Alloway, birthplace of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. The coastal route offers many attractions, including an animal park (great for small children), the Haven Holiday Village and the beautiful and historic Cuizean Castle. There are many ancient ruins along the coast as well as some fine stretches of beach.
Other places of interest include the Isle of Arran (regular ferries from Troon), Europe's largest gannetry on Ailsa Craig and the nearby Loch Doon Forest Park (about 9 miles away, off the A713, passed the mining village of Dalmellington). There are two championship golf courses nearby - Royal Troon and Turnberry and the Ayrshire Equestrian Centre is on the main road to Ayr for the more adventurous.
The nearby town of Irvine (about 25 minutes drive) is home to the Scottish Maritime Museum. For smaller children, there is an indoor adventure playground at Prestwick beach called Go Banana's and Loudon Castle Theme Park is 25 minutes north on the A77. Further afield, the bustling and stylish city of Glasgow is home to the largest collection of shops outside of London plus many other attractions to suit all tastes and interests.
Other day trip options include the beautiful and famous Loch Lomond National Park, its shore home to the quaint village of Luss, the setting for TV's Take the High Road.
The ancient capital of Scotland, Stirling, is 60 miles away and Edinburgh is about 80 miles from Hollybush, both of which are worth visiting if you have the opportunity.