In this part of our web guide, we will focus on things to do and places to go in Ayr, Scotland.
These may include local museums and historical places, art galleries, libraries, and entertainment venues, as well as recreational facilities, such as parks hiking or biking trails, skating rinks, swimming pools, or beaches. Sporting facilities or programs, such as squash courts, pickleball courts, badminton, tennis, or other recreational or competitive sports facilities, as well as amateur, semi-professional, or professional sports programs or teams based in Ayr.
Festivals, concerts, and other events in Ayr would also be appropriate for this category.
Ayr is home to the Gaiety Theatre, a performing arts venue known for its interior rococo features. Built in 1902, the building was remodeled several times, and was closed from 2009 to 2012.
There are three libraries, as well as a mobile library, in Ayr. These are the Alloway Library, the Carnegie Librarie, and the Forehill Library.
Established in 1907, the Ayr Racecourse is a horseracing facility with courses for flat and National Hunt racing. The Racecourse hosts several meets throughout the year. The Scottish National, which runs for two days each April, and is a Grade 3 handicap National Hunt steeplechase race. Each September, the Ayr Gold Cup is run over six furlongs, with eight races each day.
Ayr is home to two Football Club (F.C.) teams. Formed through the merger of Ayr Parkhouse and Ayr F.C. in 1910, Ayr United F.C. plays in the Scottish Championship, the second tier of the Scottish Professional Football League. They play at Somerset Park. Historically based in the Whitletts area of Ayr, the Whitletts F.C. currently plays at Dam Park Stadium, near Ayr town centre. Formed in 1944, they are in the West Scotland League First Division.
The Pavilion Festival has four stages with live music and entertainment, as well as Scotland's largest 33m observation wheel, offering views of the Ayrshire coastline. The festival takes place next to Ayr Beach, typically across a weekend.
The Fresh Ayr Folk Fest is a music festival that takes place in Ayr Town Centre, offering a variety of uniquely Scottish music, such as Folk, World, and Roots music.
These are a few of the things to do and places to go in Ayr, Scotland.
Recommended Resources
Opened in 1907, the Ayr Racecourse is Scotland's premier racecourse and only Grade One track, home to the most prestigious races in the country. The history of horse racing in Ayr is presented, along with the story of the Ayr Racecourse, including its awards, community engagement, announcements, and career information. Membership information, fixtures, schedules, owner and trainer resources, contact data, vacancies, and online ticket bookings are included.
https://www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk/
In partnership with the Ayr Film Society, the University of the West of Scotland School of Creative Industries, and the Ayr Student Film Festival UWS Society, the Student Film Festival showcases the best short films, documentaries, and music videos created by UWS students, and features industry guests who provide feedback, engage in Q&A sessions, and participate in networking opportunities. Schedules, programmes, contacts, and ticket information are posted.
https://www.ayrstudentfilmfestival.com/
The Ayr United F.C. was formed through the merger of Ayr Parkhouse and Ayr F.C. in 1910. The history of the club is told by decade, from 1910-1920 and on upward. Also included is a club directory, policy information, its Former Players Club, and Michael Moffat Testimonial Year, along with its current squads (men's, women's, and under 18s), results, league tables, and statistics. Advertising, sponsorship, and venue hire opportunities are published, and team news is included.
https://ayrunitedfc.co.uk/
Featuring three days of Folk, World, and Roots music, by more than thirty artists from Scotland and beyond, the festival is packed with workshops where attendees can learn new tunes, trade stories with music lovers, or try their hand at a new instrument. Included are lively pub sessions, a festival club, and a silent ceilidh. Concert schedules, featured artists, volunteer opportunities, and other daytime events are published on the website, where tickets may be purchased.
https://freshayrfolkfest.com/
The Gaiety has been part of Ayr Town Centre since 1902, and is currently owned and operated by the Ayr Gaiety Partnership, a membership organisation open to all local residents. The theatre is home to the Borderline Theatre Company, an award-winning Scottish touring theatre company founded in 1974, as well as The Gaiety Youth Theatre and The Gaiety Young Company. The address, a map, office hours, and booking telephone number and email address are provided.
https://thegaiety.co.uk/
Funded by the Maclaurin Trust, as a bequest from the late Mrs. Mary Maclaurin, the art gallery in Ayr, Scotland features a wide range of works from local, national, and internationally acclaimed artists. The facility was enabled through the conversion of the coach house and stables into an art gallery in 1976, and the ongoing acquisition of a unique collection of contemporary 20th and 21st century art. Its works are included in a virtual gallery, and its history, and children's exhibitions.
https://www.themaclaurin.org.uk/
Held in an area next to Ayr Beach, the festival features four stages with live music and entertainment, with an Open Air Main Stage, a Sub Club Stage, Ten Tent, and Secret Stage on Saturdays, and an Open Air Main Stage, SR Tent, and a Rave Cave on Sundays, with a VIP area both days, featuring separate bars, comfortable seats, posh restrooms, and a dedicated food truck. Also included is a large observation wheel. Schedules, ticket sales, and contacts are posted.
https://pavilionfestival.com/
Whitletts Victoria Football Club
Today, Whitletts is a district within the town of Ayr but, until the 1940s, it was an independent village and home to miners who worked at the local pits. Prior to World War II, Whitletts hosted two junior football clubs, Whitletts Thistle and Whitletts Celtic. As the war came to an end, Whitletts Victoria F.C. was formed. Closing in the middle of the 1974-75 season, the club was resurrected in the 1980s, moving to New Voluntary Park, Ayr in 2011. Club information is provided.
https://www.whitlettsvictoria.com/
