Discover North Ayrshire
Experience stunning Scottish coastlines and island life, unique traditions and celebrated landmarks. All in one place.
Located on the west coast of Scotland within an hour of Glasgow, North Ayrshire welcomes visitors all year round with diverse landscapes, memorable activities and unique traditions. We have attractions for every traveller whether you are young or old, travelling solo or with friends and family, seeking adventure or relaxation.
Wherever you are based you’ll have the opportunity to experience many of our amazing highlights, thanks to our towns, villages and islands being in close proximity.
North Ayrshire is a destination for:
Outdoor lovers and adventure seekers
A major draw of North Ayrshire is the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy our stunning natural scenery. Beautiful routes for walking, hiking, running, cycling wildlife-spotting and horse riding weave across the area along scenic coastlines, over rolling hills and through lush valleys with lochs and waterfalls.
Our marinas, moorings and beaches on both the mainland and islands will allow you to take to the water for sailing, paddleboarding, swimming or a spot of paddling.
With 21 golf courses, from links to nine-hole options, fans of the game are spoilt for choice. Wherever you base yourself, you won’t need to travel far to tee off.
For those looking to up the adrenaline, you will find adventure activities, particularly on the Isle of Arran with its rugged terrain. Abseiling, gorge walking, mountain biking and climbing are just some of the activities you can experience.
Culture and history enthusiasts
North Ayrshire has a rich heritage. Our towns and villages each have their own unique stories to tell. From triassic footprints and Viking battles to the locations of Robert Burns. With castles and distinctive landmarks, and more than a dozen museums, you might need to return here more than once to fit it all in!
We have a calendar of amazing local events. You could march in the Festival of Fire in Largs, join the historic Marymass celebrations in Irvine, or have a true Scottish experience at the Brodick or Ardrossan Highland Games.
Festivals celebrating the arts such as Tidelines Book Festival, the McLellan Arts Festival and the Malt and Music Whisky Festival make for fantastic experiences. Venues like the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine offer live performances and gallery displays all year round.
Families
Time together outdoors creates amazing memories whether you’re having ice cream at the seaside or exploring in the countryside. Families visiting North Ayrshire can enjoy the play facilities and activities at our country parks at Lochshore, Eglinton Park, Kelburn Estate and Brodick Castle.
Ayrshire is well known for its farmland. On Arran you’ll find tours to hear about life on a farm, and see the animals and machinery. All ages will enjoy meeting residents which include alpacas, the native Shetland pony and highland cows!
There’s plenty to do indoors with fun to be had at our visitor attractions or heritage sites, as well as swimming or ice skating at our leisure centres. You could head to the ten pin bowling or cinema at Saltcoats, bounce around at the inflatable park in Irvine and for younger visitors, you’ll find multiple soft play centres!
All rounders
If you are just looking for an enjoyable break from everyday life packed with memorable moments, North Ayrshire is for you. Along with the outdoor and cultural highlights, you’ll find so much more.
We have a range of accommodation to suit everyone. For the ultimate reboot you can visit award-winning spa facilities in Irvine, Seamill, or on Arran.
If you like something lively, our pubs and bars can host a fun night out with live music nights and friendly locals.
As for dining, foodies can taste locally farmed produce including Ayrshire’s famous beef, ham and potatoes, fresh local seafood, cheese, ice cream, whisky, beer and gin products - to name but a few - in our shops, cafes and restaurants.