Ardrossan
Ardrossan is a town in Ayrshire in Scotland. Get in[edit]Most people that go to Ardrossan are only transiting through to get to the Isle of Arran. By car[edit]From the south, the A78 now by-passes Irvine, Stevenston and Saltcoats so Ardrossan is a lot easier to get to. A recommended route avoiding the traffic lights is to stay on the bypass until you pass Ardrossan, turn left when the road reaches the coast, and then turn right at a public toilet, following the coast. Stay on this road and then turn right at the crossroads at Princes Street. From Glasgow, the M8 takes you to Glasgow Airport and at the Airport, the A737 signposted Irvine and going through Dalry is the best route. Even though the bypass has been built, the main roads around the town centre can be clogged with ferry traffic, especially in the summer, so watch out. Extensive long term parking is available at the Harbour. By bus[edit]A variety of bus services run here from all over the area; all of which are operated by Stagecoach Western [2].
By train[edit]There is a half-hourly train service from Glasgow, with stops at all of the town's 3 railway stations - Ardrossan South Beach, Ardrossan Town and Ardrossan Harbour. Trains from Glasgow usually depart at quarter to the hour and quarter past, but this changes at peak times. Trains leaving at quarter to the hour will only stop at Ardrossan South Beach and continue on to Largs, whereas trains leaving at quarter past will carry straight on to Ardrossan Town and Ardrossan Harbour. By boat[edit]From the harbour, you can catch the Caledonian MacBrayne [3] ferry, MV Caledonian Isles, to the Isle of Arran. This leaves several times a day and there are trains from Glasgow Central that connect with these sailings. The journey time is around 55 minutes, though this can change depending on the weather conditions. From the beginning of May to the end of September, an additional ship is used for the route, this is currently the MV Isle of Arran. During this period, the MV Isle of Arran also operates a three-times weekly service to and from Campbeltown. For private vessels and pleasure cruisers there is the Clyde Marina at Ardrossan Harbour which offers superb shelter from the elements and competitive rates. As well as this it is also situated next to an excellent restaurant and a large ASDA supermarket. By plane[edit]The nearest airport is Prestwick International Airport. This is less than an hour away by the 585 bus, and there is also a train station with a change at Kilwinning station required to reach Ardrossan. Also convenient is Glasgow International Airport. A bus link take travellers to Paisley Gilmour Street Station where a Ardrossan/Largs train can be taken to Ardrossan. Get around[edit]Walking is probably all that is required to see the town, it is not huge and above the High Road/Parkhouse Road there is little of interest to tourists. There are plenty of local buses should walking be impossible e.g. due to the often atrocious weather. See[edit][add listing]![]() South Beach, with Arran in the distance.
Do[edit][add listing]
Buy[edit][add listing]There is a distinct lack of shops in Ardrossan as neighbouring Saltcoats has the larger retail area. There are two streets in the town with shops however, as well as the ASDA superstore. Glasgow Street
Princes Street
ASDA - Wait until 3.30PM for the cheap out of date items (you can't miss it as there are always about 15 to 20 folk waiting to grab the 'almost out of date' bargains). Eat[edit][add listing]
Drink[edit][add listing]There are a few establishments in which to remedy a dry throat in Ardrossan, some less reputable than others. These are... Charlie's Bar The Red Herring Castlehill Vaults Cecchini's Bar - more expensive Johnny Ho's The Laurieston Hotel - more expensive Contact[edit]Free internet access at the Ardrossan Library where there are pleasant, foreigner-tolerant librarians. Free WiFi is available in the ferry terminal at the harbour. There are several public phone booths in the centre of town. Several postboxes around town and a Post Office in neighbouring Saltcoats. Get out[edit]Eglinton Country Park in nearby Kilwinning is a popular place for locals to go for a woodland stroll. In the town itself there are the 2 beaches, at South Beach there is a children's play park. Jacks Park, the Piggery, Elm Park and the Holm Plantation are other popular places for walks. There are many outdoor pursuits available on the Isle of Arran.
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