Uncover Ayr’s hidden past on a self-guided walking tour. Explore ancient architecture, hear local tales, and experience history with GPS playback.
- Carnegie Public Library - 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.
- The Black Bull - 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.
- Auld Brig - 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.
- Auld Kirk Of Ayr - 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.
- High Street - 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.
- Cromwell’s Citadel, Ayr - 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.
- St. John’s Tower - The lone survivor of a once grand monastery, St John’s Tower stands as a silent witness to Ayr’s religious and architectural transformations.
- Ayr Academy - Learn about the prestigious history of Ayr Academy, an educational institution that has shaped the minds of the town’s youth for generations.
- Unlimited, lifetime use of the tour
- Virtual playback option to listen like an audiobook
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Self-guided GPS tour for flexible exploration
- Directions to the starting point
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
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!
- Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
