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Ayr Beach in Scotland and Crabbing on Ayr Pier

Ayr Beach and Crabbing at Ayr Pier. When we were on holiday in South West Scotland our accommodation was on the outskirts of Ayr. We drove up from Sussex, to break the journey up we stopped at Buxton overnight, Carlisle Castle and Hadrian’s Wall. After all the driving and exploring we decided that we needed a relaxing first day. One which meant that we did not need to travel too far and so headed to an Ayrshire beach – Ayr beach. Ayr Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast of Scotland. On a good day, you can see the Isle of Arran as you look out over the Firth of Clyde and the beautiful views of Ailsa Craig. To the south Greenan Castle overlooks the River Ayr meeting the sea

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How do you get to Ayr Beach?

Ayr is one of the best beaches in the area and a great place to visit located next to the small seaside town of Ayr. It is about a twenty-minute walk from the town centre and 2.5 miles away from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. The beach area dates back to the Victorian era. It has expansive golden sands so unsurprisingly it is a popular spot when on a sunny day.

You can reach Ayr Beach by car as we did. But it is also possible to get public transport, you can get the train to Ayr with regular services from Glasgow and other major cities. From here you can get the 97 bus which will take you from the train station down by the sea Ayr. It takes around 10 minutes.

Parking at Ayr Beach

Saying that we arrived midday on a busy weekend during the Scottish Summer holidays but still managed to park in Ayr Beach Car Park. We found Ayr park easily enough using postcode KA7 1DU. Run by the South Ayrshire council I was surprised to find that it was free to park in the large car park. Although camper vans do need to pay (£3.70) which can be done online with Ringo if needed.

Ayr beach carpark is about a twenty-minute walk along the prom to the pier and surrounded by a low green. After we had parked. discovered that there are two car parks that are closer. These are Queen Terrace Lane Car Park (16 Cromwell Rd, Ayr KA7 1DY) and Cromwell Road Car Park literally next door. We also found when we walked along that there is actually on-road parking right up close to the pier. Many of the anglers fishing off the pier seemed to use it. The road is a dead end with a small turning point at the end. If you would prefer to do this the name of the road is Queens Terrace KA7 1DU.

Ayr Beach – Ayrshire Beach

It was a hot day so we decided to play on the beach before heading to try crabbing at Ayr pier. The beach is one of the largest sandy beaches in the area and a major tourist attraction. It was busy but not unreasonably so, especially considering it was the school holidays. We still had plenty of room around us and Harry flew his kite quite happily without bumping into anyone. There were lots of families taking part in fun activities.

The dark sand gives way to pebbles at the water’s edge. So you would probably want sand shoes to go in the water. Where we were there was a reasonable amount of seaweed in the water. Which put the boys off a little.

STREETrave Ayr Beach Festival

More recently the beaches in Ayr have become well known for an open air festival that took place on Sunday 30th of April 2023. The festival is organised by STREETrave, a Scottish events company that has been promoting electronic dance music since the early 1990s. Hence how it gets its name. The festival features a lineup of popular DJs of the time, dance music icons and electronic music artists, with multiple stages and areas for dancing and socialising. Including a dance floor in the now legendary Ayr Pavilion for the original Ayrshire 90s ravers.

In addition to the music, STREETrave Ayr also features a variety of food and drink vendors, as well as art installations and other interactive experiences. The festival is a celebration of electronic music culture and is a must-visit for anyone who loves to dance and have a good time. There are plans for the festival return in 2024 which will please last years clubbers.

Jellyfish at Ayr Beach

When we visited the beach we noticed a number of Barrel Jellyfish in the shallow Scottish water. Unfortunately, a number of them ended up beached by the time we left. We did consult the Google oracle. It said that they did sting and could be painful so there was little we could do to help them back into the deeper water. There were plenty of people in the sea and paddling and not bothered by them. But the boys decided to not go in the water, not sure if this is a common occurance on beaches in Ayr. Although they did enjoy a spot of sandcastle building.

Facilities at the beaches in Ayr

Ayr promenade is not very commercial at all. Having walked twenty minutes from the beach carpark to the pier we only passed one refreshment spot to get a cup of coffee. The north end of the beach is very quiet without any mini golf, putting green or seaside arcades in sight. There was one concrete bunker was selling ice creams, drinks, chips and burgers. Along with various buckets, spades, balls and other beach paraphernalia.

There are also some toilets behind the shop within the same block that cost 30p a visit. This seems to be the normal set-up as we also visited Troon Beach another Ayrshire beach and found similar facilities. Although there is a large grassland park, with a moderate slope making it a great location for a kickabout with sea views.

Pirate Pete

We did not visit the Pirate Pete’s family entertainment centre designed to look like a pirate ship. Visitors can climb aboard the ship and explore its many decks, which are filled with hidden treasures and surprises. There is also a range of interactive exhibits and games, including a pirate-themed laser tag arena and a mini golf course. For younger children, there is an indoor soft play area and a range of themed play zones, including a pirate ship and a castle. Pirate Pete’s also has a cafe serving a range of snacks and drinks, as well as a gift shop where visitors can purchase pirate-themed souvenirs. No booking is required.

Crabbing at Ayr Pier

When we reached the little harbour area and pier one side has a straight drop down with metal railings. This was the side that the anglers were fishing off of so we decided to join them. It is quite a drop to the seabed and we could not see the nets on the bottom. With almost all of the boy’s lines being used. The railings were useful to secure what little was left. The pier itself is just a long concrete walkway. There are no shops or amusements on it like some of the old Victorian Piers we have visited before. But from what we could tell it was probably one of the best places around Ayr Beach.

Many of the anglers walked past that day having caught nothing and for the first time in a long time, we thought we may end up in the same position. It took us quite some time to get our first catch. Using twice as much bacon as usual. We knew there was a crab down there as we lost one the first time we pulled our net up. Charlie was most upset when he jumped off the side of the bait bag. So I am not sure if the bottom is rocky so the nets don’t lay quite right. As we did lose a couple in this way. Thankfully the patience paid off and we also managed to catch a couple and some shrimp as well.

So although definitely not the most productive crabbing trip, we have ever had. It was still successful and it was a lovely way to end an afternoon at the beach in Ayr. Ayr Beach is a Scotland beautiful destination, with its stunning scenery and long stretch of golden sand and definitely worth a visit. If you have enjoyed this post – Ayr Beach and Crabbing at Ayr Pier please share it with your friends and family.

Have you tried crabbing at Ayr Pier or any of the beaches in Ayr? Or visited the Ayrshire coast I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

6 Beaches Near Glasgow

If you are linking of visiting Ayr Beach Glasgow then you may want to try out some other beaches near Glasgow. All of them are Ayrshire beaches apart from one.

Irvine Beach

Just like its neighbour below the beach looks out over the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran. Known for its long stretch of sand, which is perfect for sunbathing and picnicking. Irvine Beach is also home to a range of events and activities throughout the year, including beach volleyball tournaments.

Saltcoats Beach

One of the closest beaches to Ayr, only 35 minutes by car, also known as Stevenson Beach, the Ayrshire beach has stunning views of the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran. Home to a range of amenities, including a children’s play area, cafes, restaurants, and public toilets, making it a convenient and comfortable destination for a day out.

Ardossan Beach

Ardrossan Beach is a hidden gem also in the North Ayrshire region. The secluded Ayrshire beach is surrounded by stunning scenery, including rolling hills and rugged cliffs, which provide the perfect backdrop for a day by the sea. Known for its unique rock formations, which create a natural playground for children and adults alike. Visitors can explore the rock pools, go crabbing, or simply relax and take in the stunning views.

Largs Beach

Largs Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline located in the North Ayrshire region of Scotland. The beach is known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, which make it a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Largs Beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grey seals and seabirds, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, enjoy a picnic on the beach, or try their hand at fishing off the pier. With its picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere, Largs Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Scottish coast.

Luss Beach

Luss Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located on the banks of Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most famous and stunning lochs. The beach is situated in the picturesque village of Luss, which is renowned for its charming cottages and stunning views of the surrounding hills. Luss Beach is a popular destination for visitors seeking a peaceful and relaxing day out. The clear waters of the loch are perfect for swimming, while the beach is ideal for sunbathing and picnicking. Visitors can also take a stroll along the shore, enjoy a boat ride on the loch, or explore the village’s quaint streets and shops. With its idyllic setting and tranquil atmosphere, Luss Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Scottish Highlands.