Not travelled from Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) for a while and need to confirm destinations?
As you might know, PIK was formerly Scotland’s gateway to North America, but the airport has switched up its service since the 1990s.
We’ll soon get on to your comprehensive guide to Prestwick Airport destinations. But if you’re only on a pitstop in this part of the world, perhaps you should spend a little longer here to peruse its delights.
Prestwick is a bit of a west coast wonder and if you like stunning natural surroundings, Prestwick Beach is a brilliant place to start. Its stunning sands are perfect for walking along, splashing around with your kids and (if you’re game) even surfing.
And the active distractions don’t end there because this is also a hotspot for golf. The Open Championship was first held at Prestwick Golf Club in 1860 and it’s still an excellent course, although there are others in the area for players of all abilities. And if you want to stretch your legs even further, hike down the Doon Valley, which has lovely walks, waterfalls, and historic sites like Dunure Castle. There’s also lots of wildlife here, including otters and deer.
But how about Family Fun? Kidz Play is a cool indoor play centre young kids love, with climbing frames, soft play areas, and slides. For older kids and adults, Ayr Outdoor Escape Game offers mind-stretching puzzles you have to collaborate to solve puzzles and escape before the clock runs out. And don’t forget 10-pin bowling at LA Bowl, a family-friendly entertainment centre with laser tag and video games as well as bowling lanes.
And you can also have some fun down on the farm, at Heads of Ayr Farm Park, where you can see sheep, pigs, goats and various other charming farmyard animals. Plus, there’s also a hay bale maze and tractor rides.
If you’re a fan of aviation in general, you’re in for a couple of treats here too. For instance, the Prestwick Airport Spotter's Mound is a unique area with an ace view of the airport runway, where you can easily watch planes take off and land. And the Scottish Aviation Museum showcases the fascinating aircraft and artifacts that guide you through Scotland's aviation history.
Meanwhile, if you’re of more of a literary bent, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum teaches you about the life and works of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, in the very cottage where he was born. And history fans also rave about Culzean Castle, a commanding clifftop stronghold with panoramic views and history-packed, 17th-century interiors.
But what if you like a drop of the good stuff? Well, you’re in luck because lots of local distilleries offer tasting tours and Ayrshire is home to a handful of iconic whisky distilleries, including Kilchoman and Glen Garioch.
If you’re peckish, there are plenty of eateries to tempt your taste buds. For instance, The Vine is a great choice for contemporary global flavours, delicately designed drinks, and a fabulously friendly welcome. Alternatively, Lido is a chic all-day destination with a Mediterranean vibe. Expect wood-fired pizzas, spicy chicken, a generous wine list, cracking cocktails and tasty craft beers.
For local fresh seafood with beach views, try West Coast Foods, and Buckley's Cafe/Bistro is brilliant for soups, sandwiches, cakes, and lots of lovely great teas and coffees to wash it all down.
Fancy a drink or two (and you’ve got a designated driver)? Prestwick nightlife is not to be sniffed at, with traditional boozers like the Prestwick Pioneer and Red Lion, uncommonly good cocktails and live music at Vic’s, and sublime views and sundowner drinks at Harbour Lights.
And if you need somewhere to sleep over, there’s lots of choice. Carlton Hotel Prestwick has lush, lively rooms, a fine restaurant & carvery, cosy patio and well-appointed spa. Ashlea House Hotel is a family-run establishment with an amicable atmosphere, comfy rooms and verdant garden. And Prestwick Holiday Park is perfect for families who love self-catering accommodation, swimming and outdoor activities.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport destinations list
PIK is your gateway to loads of great destinations – read on to find out more!
Glasgow Prestwick Airport Europe destinations
PIK is your prefect launchpad for flights to great destinations like Alicante, Barcelona, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. As well as Lanzarote, Malaga, Faro, Pisa, Dublin, Krakow, and Marrakech.
What are the best places to fly to from Glasgow Prestwick Airport?
• Choose Tenerife for fiery volcanic landscapes, lush beaches, and buzzing nightlife. There’s lots to do, including visiting Mount Teide National Park and scaling Spain's highest peak, chilling on Playa de Las Américas beach, and discovering historic San Cristóbal de La Laguna. You can also hop on a boat to go whale watching, try watersports like surfing, and gorge yourself on tasty Canarian tapas.
• Choose Faro, Portugal for a gateway to the gorgeous Algarve region. You can sunbathe on Praia da Marinha, take in the historic Faro city walls, sail out to Ria Formosa, and sample delicious Portuguese seafood and pastries.
• Choose Malaga for culture, entertainment, and history. Things to do include exploring the impressive Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, visiting the Picasso Museum, and strolling through the Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción. You can also watch passionate flamenco dancing and enjoy fresh seafood and fine wine.
• Choose Gran Canaria for volcanic mountains, sandy beaches, and vibesy nightlife. You can hike Roque Nublo Natural Park, relax on Las Canteras beach, and visit the charming village of Puerto de Mogán.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport to the world
• Choose Dublin for culture and charm in one of the world’s great party cities. You can get up to speed with Irish history at Dublin Castle and Trinity College and enjoy a perfectly poured pint of the black stuff at the Guinness Storehouse and learn about the art and craft behind Ireland's most famous beer. Temple Bar is buzzing with great craic and live music, and Kilmainham Gaol is a fascinating jail turned museum. If you have time, you can also drive out to the beautiful Wicklow Mountains for a magical day trip.
• Choose Lanzarote for alien landscapes and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. You can discover the Timanfaya National Park, with its terrific volcanic craters and lava fields, visit the Jameos del Agua, an ancient volcanic cave reclaimed as a working concert hall, and chill out on the picture postcard beaches of Playa del Carmen and Famara. There’s also some inspirational art at César Manrique's Casa-Museo at Haría.
Which airlines fly out of Glasgow Prestwick Airport?
Ryanair pretty much has a monopoly in terms of passenger airlines offering regular flights from PIK. But they fly to lots of brilliant destinations across Europe, with Spain, the Algarve, and Eastern Europe being particular specialities. Top-rated Ryanair destinations from Prestwick Airport at the moment include Alicante, Barcelona, Dublin, Faro, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malaga, Murcia, Palma, Pisa and Tenerife.
How can I hire a car at Glasgow Prestwick Airport?
There are lots of ways to hire a car at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, but booking via Enjoy Travel might suit you for several reasons.
For starters, Enjoy Travel compares rates from all major car rental companies at PIK (although currently only Enterprise and Arnold Clark are available), allowing you to choose the best package for your budget and needs.
All rental terms and conditions, insurance details, and additional charges (if relevant) are upfront and transparent, so what you see is what you get. Plus, it’s convenient because you can book your car safely and securely online anytime, from the comfort of your own home, saving you time and hassle at the airport.
It’s easy to change or cancel your booking, and airport pickup and return are simple, with car hire partners having offices close to the PIK terminal and shuttle services provided if required.
It's also simple to customize your booking further. For instance, you might want to add GPS navigation, child seats, or additional insurance, and helpful and supportive customer support is also available to answer any questions and resolve any issues at every stage of your decision-making and rental process.
As you can see, Glasgow Prestwick Airport is an oft-overlooked option for flights from Scotland, but despite it no longer being the Transatlantic hub it once was, it still offers routes to a wide range of brilliant destinations.
At the airport | Glasgow Prestwick
