Ayr
🏟️ Address: Ayr Racecourse, Whitletts Road, Ayr, KA8 0JE, United Kingdom Directions in Google Maps
Due to the proximity of Ayr Racecourse to Glasgow and the parking available at the venue, car is a popular way to arrive. The M77 links Ayr with Glasgow which is only 37 miles away and Edinburgh is an 83-mile drive. Ayr also has great train links across Scotland and further afield.
Below you can find general information on travel and parking for Ayr Racecourse. Individual events may have additional/restricted services available, and so we recommend clicking through to the event and viewing the Travel & Parking tab for event-specific information.
Parking is always free at Ayr Racecourse to all racegoers and there is ample space available.
There are accessible parking spaces. The parking is less than 50 m (1 min) from the main entrance.
Ayr Racecourse can be reached on public bus routes A3, A2, 43, 43A, and X16. Alight at Hawkhill Avenue stop, which is 160 m (2 min) walk to the main entrance of Ayr Racecourse.
Stagecoach operate regular services to Ayr from a number of locations. Please visit www.stagecoachbus.com for detailed timetables.
Train is a popular way to reach the racecourse as there are regular and reliable rail services from Ayr to all parts of the country including Glasgow. Ayr Train Station is 1.6 km (19 min) walk to the racecourse.
Ferries run from Troon (seasonal) - a 15 min drive away - to Larne. There are also ferry links from Cairnryan to Ireland.
Ayr Racecourse is just a 1.8 km (21 min) walk from the town centre.
Ayr offers tourists a range of accommodation options from cozy bed and breakfasts to upscale hotels, catering to various budgets, though generally considered to offer good value for money.
There is a fantastic range of bars and eateries throughout the course. The Colours Cafe is located in the Ayrshire Suite and the Silks Cafe Bistro is on the first floor of the Princess Royal Suite. Catering to all tastes, there are street food outlets throughout the course and a coffee shop on the first floor of the Princess Royal Suite.
At certain meetings, the Seasons Restaurant by the Mumm Champagne Lawns will be open serving 2-course meals and ensuring you a seat for the day.
It is not permitted to bring your own food and drink into the racecourse, with the exception of the 2 family racedays held at the course, when picnic food is allowed.
Entry gates normally open 2 hours before the first race. During the winter months, this differs as the first race is earlier and gates open at 11:00. At the Scottish Grand National Saturday and the Ayr Gold Cup gates also open at 11:00.
There are toilet facilities located throughout the venue.
Ayr Racecourse hosts a range of horse racing fixtures throughout the year with flat racing in the spring/summer months and jump racing in the autumn/winter months. Fixtures can be on a single day or they can last for several days, and each raceday will feature about 7 races and a wide range of entertainment, food, and drink off the track. The biggest events at the course are the Scottish Grand National Festival in April and the Ayr Gold Cup Festival in September.
Ayr Racecourse ticket prices vary depending on a number of factors including the event, the enclosure the ticket is for, and the seller. For example, tickets for the Club Enclosure offering greater access around the course will be more expensive than those for the Grandstand Enclosure. Similarly, Grandstand Enclosure tickets may be more expensive on a Scottish Grand National Festival or Ayr Gold Cup Festival raceday than at one of the smaller fixtures. Koobit compares ticket prices from primary and secondary sellers – just click through to an event and then click the Tickets tab for event-specific ticket information.
It is sometimes possible to buy tickets at Ayr Racecourse on the day of the event. However, this is subject to availability on the day and you risk not being able to enter. Buying your ticket online is generally the most reliable and convenient way to secure your tickets and ensure you get the admission you want and know the price upfront.
Ayr Racecourse offers an ample amount of free public parking. Traffic around the course builds up at peak times, so early arrival is advised to avoid delays getting into the venue. See the Ayr Racecourse travel & parking section above for parking details and other venue travel information including public transport.
Ayr Racecourse is situated close to the centre of Ayr where there is a number of accommodation options. However, there is a wider selection in Glasgow which is a short train journey away. Please note that for bigger fixtures like the Scottish Grand National Festival and Ayr Gold Cup Festival, accommodation can book up quickly. See the Ayr Racecourse hotels & accommodation section above to find hotels near Ayr Racecourse. You can also find additional information by clicking through to an event and then clicking the Accommodation and Destination tabs.
Gates at Ayr Racecourse normally open 2 hours before the first race. During the winter months, this differs as the first race is earlier and gates open at 11:00. At the Scottish Grand National Saturday and the Ayr Gold Cup gates also open at 11:00.
Whitletts Road, Ayr, KA8 0JE, United Kingdom.
