๐ The Ultimate Goth Day Out in Ayr: A Guide for the Darkly Inclined
Date: Saturday, 31st January | Location: Ayr, Scotland
So, you are heading to Ayr Town Hall for the legendary Blackheart Market? Excellent choice. But did you know you are shopping on top of a literal dungeon?
Ayr is steeped in dark history, witch trials, and haunted ruins, making it the perfect backdrop for a full “Goth Day Out.” Whether you are a local or traveling in for the event, here is your curated guide to the town’s macabre history, moody ruins, and alternative cool spots.
๐ธ๏ธ The Main Event: The Blackheart Market (And What Lies Beneath)
- Where: Ayr Town Hall
- Why Visit: This is the hub of the alternative community for the day. Prepare to grab the best loot, from horror collectibles to handmade gothic jewelry.
- The Spooky Truth: As you browse the stalls, remember that you are walking above a fully preserved Victorian prison. Hidden beneath the Town Hall are 12 intact jail cells and an old courtroom. These subterranean chambers were once used to hold prisoners awaiting trial and are famously eerie, with heavy steel hinges and viewing slots still in place. It adds a whole new layer of atmosphere to the venue!
๐ Lunch in the Vaults: The Smoking Goat
- Where: Academy Street (Basement Level)
- Vibe: Underground, dimly lit, and alternative-friendly.
- Why Visit: Since you are already in a spooky mood, head to The Smoking Goat. It is a basement bar located in what used to be an old bank vault, giving it a cool, “subterranean hideout” feel. Itโs the perfect dark corner to decompress, grab a burger, and inspect your market haul away from the glare of the sun.
๐ผ The Retro Stop: Fast Forward
- Where: Smith Street
- Vibe: Nostalgia, comics, and cult classics.
- Why Visit: Just a short walk away is Fast Forward, a true local legend and one of the last remaining traditional video rental and comic book shops in Scotland. It feels like stepping back into the 90s. They stock a massive range of comics, graphic novels, and collectibles. If you love the retro horror aesthetic of the Blackheart Market, you will love digging through the shelves here.
๐บ A Drink with Ghosts: The Tam O’Shanter Inn
- Where: High Street
- Vibe: Historic, thatched roof, and genuinely haunted.
- Why Visit: You canโt visit Ayr without paying homage to the setting of Robert Burns’ famous poem about witches and warlocks. The Tam O’Shanter Inn is Ayrโs oldest pub, dating back to 1749.
- Spooky Fact: The pub has been investigated by paranormal teams due to reports of ghostly activity. It is the very spot where Tam O’Shanter started his journey before encountering the witches at Alloway Kirk.
๐ The Moody Photo Op: Greenan Castle
- Where: Doonfoot Coast
- Vibe: Desolate beauty & cliffside ruins.
- Why Visit: Finish your trip with a drive (or a bracing coastal walk) to the dramatic ruin of Greenan Castle. Perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, this 16th-century tower house is a photographer’s dream. It is famously “unstable” and moodyโperfect for showing off your new market purchases against a backdrop of crashing waves and crumbling stone.
๐ Getting There & Parking Survival Guide
Don’t let parking stress ruin your vibe. Here is the best way to get to the Town Hall.
- By Train: Ayr Train Station is a short 5-minute walk from the Town Hall. Trains run frequently from Glasgow Central, making it an easy day trip.
- The “Cheapest” Parking: If you are driving, avoid the pricier short-stay spots.
- Barns Crescent Car Park: This is a solid option nearby (approx 5 min walk) which often has a reasonable all-day rate compared to the high street.
- Free Parking Hack: If you don’t mind a 10-minute walk to save cash, Cromwell Road and Castlehill Road car parks are often free.
- On-Street: Ayr has a “2 hours free” parking scheme on many streets (you still need to register at the machine!), but since you’ll want to explore the market and grab lunch, a car park is safer to avoid a ticket.