Prestwick and South Ayrshire
Prestwick is a famous international airport. Recent discoveries indicate that it has been a home to aviation since 1913, only 10 years after the Wright Brothers. Take a glance at the map and you’d be forgiven for believing that the airport is in the middle of nowhere – South Ayrshire is not renowned as a centre of population, yet Prestwick, with its excellent GA facilities is only 30 minutes from Glasgow city centre, making it an excellent holiday centre for all sorts of reasons. {mosimage}
There is no need to venture into the big city. This is Scotland oldest baronial burgh, filled with history and tales of love and war. If you have never visited Scotland before, and even if you have, South Ayrshire can provide an excellent snapshot of the country as a whole.
There is one thing Prestwick is more famous for than it’s airport, and that’s golf. The first-ever British Golf Open Championship was held at Old Prestwick Golf Course in 1860. There are far too many golf courses around to mention them all, both Ayr and Turnberry as close by.
Sandy beaches abound, making this a great place for a family visit. One of the most romantically named is Ballantrae beach, famous for it’s views of the Clyde estuary and the island of Ailsa Craig. There are boat and fishing trips avilable from Troon and Ayr, only a short drive from the airport. These can take you to explore the wildlife of the islands, to relax on the many beaches or simply to enjoy the sunset. The climate in this part of Scotland is relatively mild as a a result of the gulf stream. If you don’t believe me take a look at this picture of Culzean Castle and note the palm trees!
South Ayrshire is also home to two significant castles, the relativley modern Culzean and the older Dundonald, built for Robert II, grandson and sucessor to Robert the Bruce.
Ayrshire is also synonymous with the life of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. His birthplace, in Alloway is only a short distance from Prestwick.
For more information about visiting Prestwick and Ayrshire in general, take a look at http://www.ayrshire-arran.com/