Girvan Places to Visit
I can bet you there is more to do in Girvan than you might even think! A popular short break destination, there really is something for everyone in this friendly and welcoming town. From a quiet stroll along the harbour to wild extreme sporting activities, from culture and arts and crafts to a great night out on the town. What are you waiting for - we would love to see you here soon!
See below for more information on some of Girvan's best kept secrets! Click on each of the titles to view photographs.
Boat Trips to Ailsa Craig |
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On board the M.F.V. Glorious - Pleasure trips onto the Ailsa Craig or a sail around the island. See spectacular bird and wildlife around Ailsa Craig, Prime location for bird enthusiasts and hillwalkers, dailly sailings from Girvan harbour all year round, fully licensed vessel that can carry 12 passengers per trip, many years of experience, fishing trips available. come and enjoy a fantastic trip suitable for all age groups. www.ailsacraig.org.uk |
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Girvan Beach |
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You can't visit Girvan without a trip to the beach. The white sand that stretches over a mile long provides impressive views to Ailsa Craig and the Kintyre peninsula from wherever you are. From the harbour area you can take a gentle stroll to the south end of the beach, clamber over some horse rocks or make a stop at the picnic seating area for some refreshments. Click on title above for more info and photos of Girvan beach ... |
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Girvan Harbour |
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Girvan boasts a beautiful harbour area that you can walk along and take a glimpse at the many boats often moored there, including at times lifeboats from all over Scotland that travel to Girvan to be refurbished. There are regular trips from the harbour to Ailsa Craig throughout the summertime including a trip on the world's last sea going paddle steamer The Waverley. Click on title above for more info and photos of Girvan Harbour ... |
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The Carrick Way |
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The Carrick Way is in development and comprises of a circular route around the hills of North and South Carrick. Click on the title above for more information ... |
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The Coal Dock Area |
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The North side of the harbour has been successfully conserved by making a feature of the coal dock, creating new access routes, a cycle path and a picnic area. The interpretation boards have also helped local people and visitors to understand the history of McCreath Park and the coal dock, which has been disused since 1918 and then fell into disrepair around 1923. |
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Girvan Town Centre |
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Girvan's town centre could be described as quaint and friendly, boasting a number of independant family run businesses as well as other retail outlets. There are shops of all kinds including those that sell art and crafts, gifts, books, jewellery, homeware, clothes and of course souvenirs of Girvan. Click on title above for more info and photos of Girvan town centre ... |
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Ailsa Craig |
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Ailsa Craig, in the Firth of Clyde, is an Island rising abruptly from the sea to an elevation of 1,110 feet. It has a conical summit and is very precipitous except on the North East Side where it slopes more gently and is accessible.
It was famous for a number of years for the curling stones fashioned from its rock. It was here that the curling stones used by the Scottish Women’s Curling Team, Winter 2002 Olympic Gold medal winners, were made. Click on title above for more info and photos of Ailsa Craig ...
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Stumpy Tower |
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Occupying a key position at the junction of Girvan's Knockcushan Street and Dalrymple Street, Stumpy Tower was purpose built as the Town Jail in 1827.
Stumpy Tower is a Grade B listed building. Stumpy and the adjaecant properties at one time enclosed the town's former market with a square of buildings which included the town hall erected around 1822. Click on the title above for more info and photos of Stumpy Tower ... |
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The McKechnie Institute |
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The McKechnie Institute is an extremely popular community venue boasting a museum and galleries and promoting exhibition works and the arts. As well as a permanent Ailsa Craig exhibition there is a wide ranging programme of arts and display exhibits throughout the year. Open Tues, Thur & Fri 1-4pm, Wed 1.30 - 4.30pm and Sat 10.30 - 4pm. Click on the title above for more info and photos of The McKechnie Institute ... www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/galleries/mckechnie.htm Opening Times: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 1-4pm Wednesday 1.30-4.30pm Saturday 10.30 - 4pm |
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Chuch Square and The Avenue |
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The Fountain, presented to the town in 1911 by Hugh McCubbin, marks the site of the old Parish Church (1780-1883) hence the name Church Square. Proclamations were once read here to the townsfolk, where High Street meets Hamilton Street and The Avenue (formerly Bank Street after the Western Bank of Scotland - now the Southfield Hotel). Past the Police Station and the Orchard Gardens, and the Garden of Remembrance are some of the fine 18th and 19th Century houses. Click on title above for more info and photos of Church Square and the Avenue ... |
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Stair Park and Doune Cemetery |
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Stair Park was gifted to the burgh in 1875 by the Countess of Stair. The Memorial in the park is to those lost during both World Wars. The central arch of Doune Cemetery dates from 1861. Many seafarers rest here, as does William Jackson who composed the music for "The Bonnie Lass of Ballochmyle". The towns first council houses, built in 1921, are on Henrietta Street. Click on the title above for more info and photos of Stair Park and Doune Cemetery ... |
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Knockcushan Street |
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This area on the town-side of the river above the harbour, was originally known as The Moot Hill of the Bailiary of Carrick. King Robert I (the Bruce) held court here in 1328 and there is a memorial commemorating this. It was a local meeting place. Behind the Town House is a lovely garden and the local Aviary.
From the riverbank one gets a good view towards the sea and the island of Arran. The RNLI building is on the way to the harbour. Lifeboats have been stationed in Girvan since 13 January 1865 - first the Earl of Carrick and now the Sylvia Burrell. Click on the title above for more info and photos of Knockcushan Street ... |
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Invergarven School |
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This is the oldest school in town, built as Girvan Parish School in 1832, and in continual use for education since. The building was renovated in 1911, and currently houses a special education unit. Malcolm Finlayson, Headmaster from 1911 to 1928 produced "An Anthology of Carrick" containing poems and tales of the area. Click on the title above for more info and photos of Invergarven School ...
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Plans to create brand new Ailsa Craig Centre in Girvan |
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Plans are currently in place and funding is being sought by Girvan community Developments Limited to regenerate the Beach Pavilion site into a new state of the art Ailsa Craig Centre at Girvan Harbour. The centre would feature live CCTV pictures of the birds on Ailsa Craig as well contain a theatre, cinema, bar, traversing wall, indoor bowling, studio spaces and a creche within adventure play. Don't forget to keep checking Girvan Online for updates on the centre's progress.
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