Ayr Town Hall

The Victorian sandstone building that dominates Ayr's High Street is impossible to miss - all turrets and ornate stonework, it's the sort of civic pride that tells you everything about how seriously this town took itself in the 19th century. Inside, the main hall is genuinely impressive: soaring ceilings, intricate plasterwork, and that particular smell of polished wood and history that you only get in buildings this old. It's still a working town hall, so access can be patchy depending on council business, but when there's an event on or a guided tour scheduled, it's worth poking your head in.

You're looking at 20 minutes to half an hour here, realistically. The exterior is the real draw - brilliant for photos if you're into architecture, and it gives you a proper sense of Ayr as a proper Victorian seaside resort, not just a commuter town. History buffs and anyone interested in Scottish civic design will get something from it; kids will probably find it a bit dull unless there's something scheduled.

Standardly, tours need booking ahead, so check with the local council office before turning up. It's right in the town centre, so pair it with a wander along the seafront or a visit to the Robert Burns-related sites dotted about. If you're staying at Haven Craig Tara, it's a 15-minute drive, giving you a decent half-day exploring Ayr proper rather than just hanging about the caravan park.