Top recommended things to do in Ayrshire

 Our 10 top recommended things to do – our highlights of 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 superbmarinas: 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 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 our Ayr races Guide and fixtures

7. Enjoy our superb local leisure centres 

The Citadel Leisure Centre Ayr (15 mins), or the Magnum Leisure Centre Irvine (25 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 

The great Ayr Gaiety Theatre is currently under restoration and will be open in autumn 2012. Ayr boasts a fine Odeon Cinema, open daily with extensive film programmes for adults and families alike

10.  Take a Clyde Cruise on the Waverley 

The world’s last ocean going paddle steamer sails regularly from Ayr during the summer with a fantastic programme of Clyde Coast cruising. Visit the official Waverley website for details

And if that’s not enough...

Why not watch some great sport – Ayr boasts a successful rugby team – watch premier league rugby at Millbrae (get the fixtures), 2012 Scottish Communities League Cup Winners, premier league football at Rugby Park Kilmarnock (get the fixtures) or more sedate second divisiton football at Ayr United’s Somerset park (get the fixtures)