Parks and Activities South Ayrshire

Coastal Areas - Girvan Shorefront

One of the major features of Girvan is the shorefront and harbour area, and over the years this town has had a tradition of commercial fishing and tourism. However over the past few decades the commercial fishing within this area has declined and the holidaymakers have become more cosmopolitan. and travel abroad for their summer holidays.

The town has diversified and adapted to change. Commercial fishing has become leisure fishing, with trips out to sea for visitors to try they're had at catching cod, haddock and the like. There are also boat trips for bird watchers, for those who wish to see Ailsa Craig and for Scuba Diving. The harbour is often used by yachtsmen as a safe port.

Girvan's shorefront is a mixture of sand and shingle with a promenade along its length and large expanses of grassland adjacent. Starting from the northern end at the harbour, you can see an array of sea craft and if you are lucky seals that come in to "fish". The local swimming pool is located here and there is ample car parking.

Slightly further south is the McCracken Fountain, which was erected in 1927 by Mrs. Crauford McCracken in memory to her parents.

During the summer season you will also find a fun fair which complements the other facilities such as the boating pond; equipped children's play area and a putting green. Girvan also has Stair Park adjacent to the promenade, which makes the perfect venue for a picnic.

A pleasant walk south along the promenade past Doune Cemetery will take you to Ainsley Park, which has public toilets, car-parking facilities and there is a small café kiosk.

Map of Girvan Shorefront