Top recommended things to do in Ayrshire - Ayrshire golf breaks, a day at Ayr Races, enjoy miles of safe beaches, and much more

Our highlights for those wishing to be active when visiting Ayrshire, one of Scotland’s top activity break destinations

1. Play golf
Ayrshire and world class golf are synonymous – check out our guide to Ayrshire golf and golf breaks

2. Walking & Cycling
If you're into walking and cycling, Ayrshire and the Isles of Arran and Cumbrae are great places to bring your walking boots and bikes and head off into the open countryside. Walkers have a choice of hillwalking and rambling while Arran poses greater challenges of ridge walking, mountaineering and the Coastal Way. Numerous nature trails, coastal walks and waymarked country paths provide gentle walking alternatives...

Ayrshire shares the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and the Galloway Forest Park with neighbouring counties and both are beautiful settings for walking or cycling. The National Cycling Network has routes in Ayrshire passing through some of the most scenic countryside

3. Watersports
The sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde make a wonderful watersports playground. And as befits an area with a world class reputation for yachting, Ayrshire boasts three superb marinas: at Largs, Ardrossan and Troon. All three are accessible at any state of the tide and offer berths for visiting and resident yachts as well as charters for competent sailors

4.  Island hopping
The Isle of Arran, known as 'Scotland in Miniature', is like a condensed version of the rest of Scotland, with mountains and small lochs in the north, and rolling hills and meadows in the south, surrounded by a stunning coastline. The Isle of Cumbrae, along with Arran and Bute, became part of Scotland in 1263. Alexander the Third defeated the Norse King Haco at the Battle of Largs. The island is extremely rich in wildlife and a paradise for cyclists

5. Go to the beach
Stroll along acres of wide Ayrshire beaches, from Girvan in the south to Largs in the north, dodging each wave as it wets the golden sand a little higher

6. Go to Ayr Races
Ayr is the premier racecourse in Scotland and one of the finest in the UK. Check out  the Ayr races guide and fixtures here - view

7. Enjoy our superb local leisure centre
The Citadel Leisure Centre Ayr (15 mins)

8. Go fishing
3 Trout Farms within 15 minutes, the River Ayr - on the doorstep, the River Doon is 10-15 minutes away, and the River Nith 15-20 minutes. Enjoy wonderful salmon and trout river fishing in Ayrshire

9. Go to the theatre or cinema
Check out the programme of events and shows at the Ayr Gaiety Theatre. Ayr boasts a fine Odeon Cinema, open daily with film programmes for adults and families alike