Ayr - South Ayrshire - has long stone quays running out towards the sea, which are a reminder that Ayr was once the chief port of Western Scotland. Today it is Scotland's principal west coast resort, with two and a half miles of safe, sandy beaches and a variety of seaside amusements. Early in the morning the beach is a favourite exercise ground for horses that compete at the local racecourse.

A swimming pool complex close to the beach includes a sauna, Turkish baths, and a fully equipped gymnasium. Sea anglers catch flounders, dabs, dogfish, cod, and mullet on the Newton shore, and there is a fishing festival held in September. Boats may be hired at Ayr Bay, and there are sailing clubs around the busy working harbour. You can easily purchase some fish to take home for your dinner.

The River Ayr cuts through the centre of the town, where it is crossed by two bridges close together - the Twa Brigs. The Auld Brig dates from the thirteenth century and was the scene of a battle between the Kennedys of Cassillis and the rival Kennedys of Bargany in 1601. The bridge is very narrow, as Robert Burns observed in his poem The Brigs of Ayr. He also described the town in his poem Tam o'Shanter as "Auld Ayr wham ne'er a town surpasses for honest men and bonnie lasses".

Benefactions from wealthy residents have given Ayr a number of public parks. Craigie Park has scenic riverside walks; Belleisle Park includes a walled garden, an aviary, a deer park, and two of Ayr's three golf courses. Rozelle Park has a pond with swans, wooded walks, nature trails, and an art gallery. A three day flower show, the largest in western Scotland, is held in Ayr in August.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays Ayr becomes a bustling market town, when farmers from around arrive to sell their livestock.