Historical Ayr: A Self Guided Walking Tour

Ayr , Scotland

Historical Ayr: A Self Guided Walking Tour

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(1 reviews)

40m - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On this self-guided walking tour, you'll scrape back the layers to reveal this once-fortified Scottish town's underbelly. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through historical Ayr.

Hear from Kris, a resident of Ayr since birth, and trace the history of Ayr from a fortress 800 years ago to a county town, royal burgh, garrison, and the administrative centre of Scotland today.

The Ayr you see today is a bustling shopping centre, but if you scrape back just a few layers, you'll discover reminders of years gone by. On this walking tour, you'll travel back in time to explore some of the town's amazing architecture and murky underbelly.

Along the way, you'll hear stories about the town's past and the people that shaped it. You'll learn about the ingenious method devised to thwart body snatchers in the 1800s and the betrayal and torture of Cornelius Anderson.

There's much more than meets the eye on these quaint streets, so get stuck and see what you can find!

Available options

Historical Ayr: A Self Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Discover the rich history housed within the walls of the Carnegie Library, a testament to the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie and a treasure trove of local lore.

This historic pub offers a glimpse into the social life of Ayr's residents over the centuries. Hear tales of revelry and secrets shared over pints of ale.

The iconic medieval bridge over the River Ayr, immortalized by Robert Burns, stands as a symbol of the town’s ancient roots and connection to Scotland’s national bard.

One of Ayr’s oldest religious sites, the Auld Kirk, has witnessed countless events in the town's history, including witch trials and revolutionary sermons.

Explore the bustling heart of the town, Ayr High Street, which blends modern commerce with centuries-old architecture and tales of market days gone by.

Discover the remnants of the fortress built by Oliver Cromwell's troops, a symbol of the town's strategic importance during the English Civil War.

The lone survivor of a once grand monastery, St John's Tower stands as a silent witness to Ayr's religious and architectural transformations.

Learn about the prestigious history of Ayr Academy, an educational institution that has shaped the minds of the town's youth for generations.

What's not included

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please bring your own smartphone and headphones

Meeting point

Our tour starts at Carnegie Library at 12 Main Street. This is within walking distance of the town centre and is well signposted throughout the town.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Ayr

Ayr is a historic town in Southern Scotland known for its stunning coastline, rich literary heritage, and close association with Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet. Nestled between the Firth of Clyde and the rolling hills of the Ayrshire countryside, Ayr offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural landmarks, and outdoor activities.

Top Attractions

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

This museum is dedicated to the life and works of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. It includes his birthplace, Alloway Auld Kirk, and the iconic Burns Cottage.

Historical 2-3 hours £10-£15

Ayr Beach

A long, sandy beach along the Firth of Clyde, perfect for walks, picnics, and water activities. The beach is part of the Ayrshire Coastal Path.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Culzean Castle and Country Park

A stunning 18th-century castle with beautiful gardens and a cliff-top location overlooking the Firth of Clyde. The estate includes woodland walks, a visitor center, and a golf course.

Historical Half-day to full-day £15-£20 for castle and country park

Ayr Racecourse

One of Scotland's most prestigious racecourses, hosting major horse racing events throughout the year, including the Ayr Gold Cup.

Entertainment 2-4 hours (depending on event) £10-£50 (varies by event)

Ayr Town Centre

The heart of Ayr, featuring a mix of historic buildings, shops, cafes, and restaurants. The town center is compact and walkable, with a variety of architectural styles.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cullen Skink

A creamy smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions, a classic Scottish dish.

Soup Contains fish and dairy.

Ayrshire Beef

Tender and flavorful beef from Ayrshire's renowned cattle, often served as steak or in traditional dishes like beef stew.

Main Course Contains beef.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten (from oats).

Ayrshire Smoked Salmon

Locally smoked salmon, often served with cream cheese and oatcakes.

Appetizer Contains fish.

Popular Activities

Hiking the Ayrshire Coastal Path Golfing at Royal Troon Horseback riding in Culzean Castle's estate Beach walks at Ayr Beach Spa treatments at local hotels Picnics in Culzean Country Park Visiting the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Exploring Ayr Town Centre's historic sites

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The summer months offer the warmest weather, longer daylight hours, and the best conditions for outdoor activities. This is the peak tourist season with festivals and events in full swing.

12°C to 20°C 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic (limited)
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ayr is a generally safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. As with any destination, it's important to take standard precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Only use licensed taxis and tour operators

Getting there

By air

Glasgow Prestwick Airport • 10 km
Glasgow Airport • 80 km

By train

Ayr Railway Station

By bus

Ayr Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Ayr, with frequent services connecting the town center, suburbs, and nearby attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Alloway Ayr Town Centre Ayr Seafront The Galloway

Day trips

Culzean Castle and Country Park

15 km • Half-day to full-day

A stunning 18th-century castle with beautiful gardens and a cliff-top location overlooking the Firth of Clyde. The estate includes woodland walks, a visitor center, and a golf course.

Dumfries House

40 km • Full-day

A beautiful 18th-century estate with a stunning house, gardens, and parkland. The estate is known for its collection of Chippendale furniture and its connection to the Duke of Queensberry.

Troon

10 km • Half-day

A charming coastal town known for its beautiful beach, golf courses, and marina. Troon is a popular destination for water sports, golfing, and relaxing by the sea.

Festivals

Ayr Festival of Music • June Burns an' a' That • January Ayr Raceweek • September

Pro tips

Visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Take a leisurely stroll along the Ayrshire Coastal Path for stunning views and a chance to spot local wildlife
Try the local Ayrshire beef and smoked salmon, which are featured in many dishes at local restaurants and cafes
Check the tide times before visiting Ayr Beach, as the tide can significantly impact the beach's accessibility and safety
Attend a traditional Burns Supper during the Burns an' a' That festival in January for an authentic Scottish experience