Things To Do
in Prestwick
Prestwick is a coastal town located in South Ayrshire, Scotland, known for its historic connections to aviation. It is home to Prestwick Airport, which was the first airport in Scotland and played a significant role in early transatlantic flights. The town boasts a picturesque seafront with sandy beaches and panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde.
Prestwick is also famous for its golfing heritage, with several prestigious golf courses in the area.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Afterward, take a stroll along the scenic beach promenade.
Visit the Prestwick Museum to learn about the town's rich history. Enjoy lunch at one of the charming restaurants nearby.
Spend your evening at a local pub, enjoying live music and the friendly atmosphere. Wind down with a walk along the beach at sunset.
Pack a picnic and head to Prestwick Sands for a relaxing morning. Enjoy the soft sands and tranquil waves.
Try out some water sports or beach games with friends and family. Grab a casual lunch at a beachside café.
Enjoy a beach bonfire with friends, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. Watch the stars appear as the night settles in.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and access to beaches
- Rich historical significance and heritage sites
- Strong community spirit and involvement
- Proximity to Glasgow and other urban centers for additional amenities
- Affordable housing compared to larger cities
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- Possible perception of being a less vibrant location than larger cities
- Public transport options may be limited
- Weather can be variable and rainy
- Smaller range of shopping and entertainment options
Best Activities in Prestwick
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a relaxing day at Prestwick Beach, known for its scenic views and sandy shores. Ideal for sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking.
Play a round of golf at the historic Prestwick Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, offering a challenging course with beautiful landscapes.
Explore the various walking and cycling trails around Prestwick, including paths along the coastline and through nearby parks, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Take a scenic walk or bike ride along the coastal path that stretches from Largs to Prestwick, providing stunning views of the Firth of Clyde.
Visit local parks such as the Prestwick Public Park or Seabank Park for a leisurely stroll, family picnics, or simply to enjoy the greenery.
Try various water sports at Prestwick Beach, including kayaking, paddle boarding, or windsurfing, with equipment rentals available nearby.
Engage in fishing at Prestwick Harbour, where you can catch various local fish while enjoying the serene harbor environment.
Places to Visit in Prestwick
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful sandy beach offering stunning views of the Firth of Clyde, perfect for capturing sunsets and seaside photographs.
A scenic promenade that runs along the waterfront, providing picturesque views and a great vantage point for photography.
Prestwick Golf Club is one of the oldest golf courses in the world, with lush greenery and coastal views, ideal for landscape photography.
A quaint harbour area where you can capture images of boats, the sea, and the charming town backdrop.
An iconic historical church with stunning architecture, surrounded by beautiful gardens, an excellent spot for capturing local heritage.
A nearby viewpoint offering a panoramic view of Ailsa Craig, an imposing rock island, creating a perfect backdrop for dramatic photographs.
A peaceful park located along the seafront with walking paths and green spaces, perfect for family and nature photography.
A local landmark and café with a historic facade, ideal for capturing both architectural details and street life.
Food in Prestwick
Prestwick Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try Scottish dish made from minced sheep's pluck, oatmeal, suet, and spices, traditionally encased in the animal's stomach. Available at various traditional Scottish restaurants and pubs in Prestwick.
Must-Try!
A creamy Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. Recommended to try at local seafood restaurants.
Renowned for its quality, Scottish smoked salmon is a local delicacy. Found at seafood merchants and upscale dining establishments.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market offering a variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and street food stalls showcasing local and international flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Prestwick, as in much of the UK, politeness is highly valued. Always say 'please' and 'thank you', and offer a friendly greeting when meeting someone.
Queueing is an important social norm in the UK. Always wait your turn in lines, whether at shops, bus stops, or any public service area. Cutting in line is considered very rude.
Maintain a comfortable distance in conversations and be mindful of personal space. Brits generally prefer a bit of space when interacting, so avoid standing too close to others.
Safety
Tipping in Prestwick
Ensure a smooth experience
In Prestwick, as in much of the UK, tipping is customary but not mandatory. Generally, tipping 10-15% of the bill is considered acceptable in restaurants if service is not included. In pubs, it's common to round up the bill or leave a small change. Tipping taxi drivers about 10% is also a common practice, while hotel staff may be tipped for good service, though it is less formal.
In Prestwick, payment methods widely accepted include cash, debit, and credit cards. Contactless payments are increasingly popular, with many establishments accepting mobile payment options. Most restaurants and shops display their accepted payment methods at the entrance. Some local businesses may prefer cash, especially small vendors or markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a lovely time to visit Prestwick as the weather begins to warm up and the flowers bloom. Expect mild temperatures, with averages ranging from 5°C to 15°C. It's a great season for outdoor activities and exploring local parks, though occasional rain showers can occur.
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Prestwick, characterized by warm temperatures, averaging between 12°C and 20°C. This season offers long daylight hours, making it perfect for beach visits, golfing, and various local festivals. However, it can also attract more visitors, leading to busier attractions.
Autumn (September to November) sees a transition in weather and fewer crowds after the summer rush. Expect cooler temperatures, ranging from 7°C to 15°C, with beautiful fall foliage. It’s a great time for walks and enjoying local harvest festivals, but prepare for increased rainfall.
Winter (December to February) brings colder temperatures, often between 0°C and 7°C. While Prestwick can be quiet and bracing during this time, it also showcases charming festive decorations and events. Snow is rare, but chilly winds and rain are common, so dressing warmly is essential.
Prestwick at Night
Hiking in Prestwick
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hill with walking trails offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Suitable for moderate hikes.
A large coastal park with various walking paths, scenic views, and historical landmarks, perfect for leisurely hikes.
A flat and well-maintained pathway suitable for walking and cycling, running parallel to the coastline with lovely views.
A coastal area with beach access and nearby walking trails, ideal for a relaxed hike along the shore.
A stunning route around the Isle of Arran, accessible via ferry from Ardrossan, featuring varied terrains and breathtaking views.
Aiports
How to reach Prestwick by plane.
Located approximately 32 miles northeast of Prestwick, this is the largest airport in Scotland and serves as a primary international gateway.
Situated around 79 miles northeast of Prestwick, it is the busiest airport in Scotland and offers a wide range of international flights.
Located about 217 miles southeast of Prestwick, Manchester Airport is a major international airport serving the North West of England.
Approximately 207 miles southeast of Prestwick, Birmingham Airport is one of the major international airports in the Midlands.
Located about 410 miles southeast of Prestwick, Heathrow is the primary airport serving Greater London and is one of the busiest airports in the world.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly persons identifying as White British, making up a significant majority of the population.
Individuals identifying as White Irish, White Gypsy or Irish Traveller, and other White backgrounds.
Includes people of Asian descent such as Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and other Asian background.
This group includes people of African and Caribbean descent.
Individuals identifying with two or more ethnic groups.
Includes categories like Arab and any other ethnicities that do not fall into the above classifications.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Prestwick is home to the historic Prestwick Golf Club, which is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world and has a significant role in the history of the sport.
Football is a popular sport in Prestwick with local teams and leagues that engage the community and provide opportunities for youth participation.
Tennis is enjoyed by many in Prestwick, with local clubs offering facilities and programs for players of all ages and skill levels.
Cricket has a presence in Prestwick with local clubs participating in regional leagues, fostering community involvement and youth participation.
Running is a popular activity in Prestwick, with many residents participating in local races and community runs, along with scenic routes along the coastline.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Prestwick.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Prestwick offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, with a particular emphasis on fresh produce and inventive plant-based cuisine.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find gluten-free options at various establishments, with some specifically catering to this dietary requirement.