Express by Holiday Inn Ayr-Prestwick Airport

Ayr attractions

Clyde coast

Before package holidays abroad became popular in the 1960s, the Clyde coastal resorts provided a thriving holiday destination for folk from the west of Scotland, particularly during the two week summer break known as the Glasgow Fair. City families would flock to the Clyde Coast for the fresh air and freedom of the seaside.

Now a place for wealthy Glaswegians to build seaside villas. Once a place for slightly less wealthy Glaswegians to spend their holidays! The advent of the package holiday has meant a diminution of the ‘Costa Clyde' holidays but has also heralded a somewhat accidental but very significant rebirth of the area - not only as a new modern gateway to the Western Highlands - but as a superb high amenity holiday and leisure destination in its own right, with a mecca of local surrounding activity and tourism pursuits for the modern leisure and eco-tourist. This wealth and diversity for the modern traveller now comes right into its own, unblinkered by the mass seaside resort appeal it once had.

The enduring assets of a wonderful seaside location and attractive mountainous hinterland just don't die - now the gateway to a new breed of tourist and to a much more tranquil destination, still remarkably unspoilt but without the hurly burly of the bygone era.

Welcome to the delights of the Clyde Coast. From Helensburgh virtually on our doorstep - to Ayrshire and the idyllic isle of Arran – a lasting and memorable experience.

Castles and houses

Ayrshire is steeped in history with links to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns. There are over 40 castles throughout Ayrshire, many of which can be visited.

Culzean Castle and Country Park

Culzean Castle is a famous romantic 18th century Scotish Castle built by Robert Adam for David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis. It perches on the cliff edge above the Firth of Clyde with ever-changing views of Arran and the Ailsa Craig - sometimes they're hiding in the mist, at others, they seem so close that you feel you could reach out and touch them!

Culzean is set in a Country Park of over 500 acres. This offers something for everyone with its wooded walks, the Swan Pond, a new (1999) Adventure Playground, Walled Gardens, shoreline, Visitor Centre, shops and restaurants. Exciting new projects to improve facilities are ongoing.

Blairquhan Castle

One of the finest Regency castles in Scotland, Blairquhan Castle was built for Sir David Hunter Blair, 3rd Baronet in 1821 - 1824 on the site of a previous castle dating back to 1346. It was designed by the famous Scottish architect, William Burn.

The castle remains in the possession of the family. The present owner is the great-great grandson of Sir David. All the original furnishings bought for the house are still there, including the blankets with '1824' woven into them. However, the place has been discreetly modernised to provide comfortable living.

Dunure Castle

Dunure Castle was built in the 1300s for the Kennedy’s (Earls of Cassillis). Dunure was one of the first seats of this family that became the largest landowners in South Ayrshire. The castle is situated on the outskirts of the small village of Dunure about 6 miles south of Ayr on the A719 scenic coastal road. There is a car park and play area next to the castle. There is also a traditional Scottish pub at the harbour for meals or drinks. More history and photos of the castle can be found at www.maybole.org

Dundonald Castle

Dundonald Castle was built for Robert 11 (grandson of Robert the Bruce) on his accession to the throne of Scotland in 1371. The castle is situated on a hilltop in the centre of the small village Dundonald. There is a car park and visitor centre below the castle that provides information and snacks. The centre and grounds around the castle are open free of charge 10.00-17.00 1st April-31st October. Guided tours of inside the castle can be arranged at the visitors centre for a small fee. The official website for the castle is www.dundonaldcastle.org.uk

Greenan Castle

Greenan Castle was built for John Kennedy of Baltersan in 1603. The castle is situated on the south side of Ayr Beach. A large car park nearby makes this a popular walk along the beach past the castle towards Craig Tara Holiday Park. More information and photos for Greenan can be found at www.maybole.org