Travelling to Ayrshire during your next visit to Scotland? Make sure you visit this coastal town – there are loads of things to do in Girvan.
The scenery is just one of the reasons why many travels to this part of Scotland.
From Girvan, you can see the island of Ailsa Craig, and inland you can walk through glorious green hills that are scattered throughout Ayrshire.
Visitors to the town will be impressed with the number of local tourist attractions around this area. Our top picks of things to do in Givran include Culzean Castle and Turnberry Golf Course.
Read our complete guide to Girvan below.
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Things to do in Girvan
There is a host of exciting things to do in Girvan. Girvan is an excellent base if you want to explore the Ayrshire coastline.
The beach is in the heart of the town, tourists visiting can access nearby amenities from here as there are many cafes and a children’s play area close to this town’s main tourist attraction.
Golfing is another major draw to the town as Girvan is home to the Trump Turnberry resort and golf course.
If you are planning a visit to Ayrshire, we list our top things to do in Girvan below.
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Girvan Beach
One of the best things to do in Girvan is the beach.
Girvan beach is the reason why many choose to visit the Ayrshire coast.
Not only is it one of Ayrshire’s main beaches, but this sandy beach is also incredibly beautiful and offers visitors a traditional Scottish seaside experience.
The kids and (big kids too) can enjoy a visit to the amusements and the nearby boating lake and enjoy fish and chips from one of the local vendors.
Stunning views are prevalent here. On a clear day you can admire the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre. Look close enough and you may even spot a seal along the shores.
Girvan Harbour
After a trip to Girvan beach, you can watch the boats using the nearby harbour.
Recently more than £1million has been invested in Girvan Harbour.
Those visiting the town on a boating holiday can access showers, toilets & laundry facilities.
On-site there are 35 modern berths for a range of vessels – these are protected by secure quayside access and CCTV.
Golf
Scotland is the Home of Golf. There are many famous courses throughout the country. One of the more famous courses is Trump Turnberry.
Turnberry is on many golfers’ bucket lists due to its stunning Ailsa course, which has many challenging holes.
Trump Turnberry has been the host of four Open Championships and the resort consists of two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course.
The Spa at Turnberry
Looking for chilled out things to do in Girvan? The Spa at Turnberry might be just right for you.
If sea views and a spa is on the agenda during your trip to Scotland, enjoy a relaxing spa during your trip to Girvan at the Spa at Turnberry.
This experience offers guests an “oasis of tranquillity and relaxation”. Set amongst 800 acres of beautiful Scottish landscape along the western coastline you can see why.
During the winter months, you can enjoy the beautiful views along Ayrshires beaches as they can be seen from the spa’s a 65-foot, heated indoor swimming pool.
The spa offers a range of relaxing treatments, massage and hot stone therapy are both available as well as body scrubs, facials and hydrotherapy.
Galloway Forest Park
Britain’s largest forest park is under 30 minutes away from Girvan.
Rated 4.5 stars on Trip Advisor, Galloway Forest Park is well worth visiting while you are visiting this part of Scotland.
The park was established in 1947 and is known as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’.
Over 800,000 thousand visitors travel to this tourist attraction near Girvan to admire Scotland’s beautiful natural scenery.
Free to visit, the site is an excellent choice for families.
Those that visit here can spend time wandering through Galloway’s ancient woodland and picnic on the grounds. This is the perfect destination for those that are looking for a destination for walking, cycling and fishing.
Culzean Castle & Country Park
This National Trust for Scotland venue is just over twenty minutes away from Girvan.
Visitors to Culzean Castle & Country Park can enjoy gardens, beaches, woods, and several trails around the grounds.
The cliff-top castle here is the pièce de résistance. Perched on the Ayrshire cliffs, it dates to the 18th century.
Culzean Castle & Country Park is rated an admirable four stars by the Scottish Tourist Board.
Whether you are visiting this popular tourist attraction near Girvan for walking or to learn more about the history of this part of Scotland – there is something for everyone here.
A fun fact about Culzean Castle: the top-floor apartment was presented to with President Eisenhower. This was in recognition of his lifetime in recognition of his role during World War II.
Guests can book to stay here during their trip to the Eisenhower Hotel at Culzean Castle.
If you are visiting with kids, they can also enjoy the new Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland play areas based here.
The Stumpy Tower
One of Girvan’s most well-known attractions is the Stumpy Tower.
A fascinating building, The Stumpy Tower was originally a prison. Any local from Girvan will tell you that even Robert the Bruce held court in the town.
Today the venue displays historical exhibits, making it the perfect place to visit if you want to expand your knowledge of the town.
A. D. Rattray Whisky Experience
Whether you are a whisky lover or want to experience your first dram in Scotland – this is an excellent choice!
Rated five stars by the Scottish Tourist Board, you don’t want to miss this excellent whisky experience.
To get to A. D. Rattray Whiskey Experience takes a train from Girvan to Maybole then jump in a 10-minute taxi.
Visitors to the A. D. Rattray Whisky Experience can explore the delights of Scotch whisky and learn more about this popular tourist attraction’s heritage.
The experience is held within an old village school.
Here guides will help you to “personalise your own bottle in the Cask Room”. Guides will talk you through some of the finest single malts that they have in store.
Visitors can also get a glimpse into A. D. Rattray’s working Sample Room. Casks are evaluated for quality in this room.
More Things to do in Glasgow, Clyde & Ayrshire:
- Things to do in Ayr
- Things to Do in Clydebank
- Things to do in Glasgow
- Things to do in Gourock
- Things to do in Greenock
- Things to do in Helensburgh
- Things to do in Kilmarnock
- Things to do in Largs
- Things to do in Maybole
- Things to do in Motherwell
- Things to do in Paisley
- Things to do in Renfrew
- Things to do in Troon
