Head for a holiday in Ayrshire and Arran for an area rich in history. Located in the West of Scotland, in the Scottish lowlands, and only 40 mins drive from Glasgow, this area is famous as the birthplace of Robert Burns. With long sandy beaches, spectacular sea views, dramatic cliffs, undulating golf links and a string of coastal towns and villages, the identity of Ayrshire and Arran is intimately tied into its coastline on the Firth of Clyde.
Where to stay
Culzean Castle Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Culzean
Culzean Club Site is situated in the grounds of a castle, a fantastic example of Robert Adam’s architecture, standing dramatically on a cliff. The stunning position means this Club Site has amazing views across the sea to the Isle of Arran.
Seal Shore Camping, Arran
Beside a private beach, from your pitch on this beautiful family site you will be afforded unsurpassed views stretching from Pladda island to the coast of Northern Ireland. In between, you’ll see the Kintyre peninsula, the Ayrshire coast and even the volcanic plug of granite that is Ailsa Craig.
The Walled Garden Caravan and Camping, Maybole
As the name suggests, this campsite is set within a beautiful historic walled garden. There are excellent amenities and great walks, plus lots of attractions and beaches a short drive away. This is a dog friendly site
Ayrshire and Arran Days out
Best for families: Culzean Castle and Country park
With gardens, beaches, woods, trails, new adventure playground and, to crown it all, a cliff-top castle of monumental size to explore, there’s no doubt you’ll have a fantastic day out at Culzean. There really is something for all the family in this wildlife-rich 260 hectare estate, which is opulent to the extreme. Once the playground of David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis – a man who was keen to impress with his wealth and status – the park is planted with conifers and beech, sculpted around miles of sandy coastline dotted with caves, and finished off with a Swan Pond, an ice house, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses.
Best for sunny days: Loch Doon
Just 18 miles from Ayr, Loch Doon is a stunning freshwater loch with so much to discover. Explore the ruins of Loch Doon Castle at the south end. Originally located on an island in the loch, after water levels were raised in the 1930s the castle was dismantled and moved to the shore. Visit the Round House Café at the northern end to watch the ospreys and their chicks nesting by the loch. After refuelling, begin the nearby walk into the stunning Ness Glen, a beautiful wooded gorge that follows the River Doon. At the end of the night, you can discover all the wonders of the night sky at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, just a few miles down the road.
Best for nature: Brodick Castle and Gardens
Head to Brodick Castle and Gardens on the east coast of the island, and keep your eyes peeled for fluffy red squirrels bouncing from tree to tree in the woodlands around you. The castle is home to formal gardens, woodlands, waterfalls and an adventure playground, all whilst offering spectacular views over Brodick Bay and across to the Ayrshire coast.
Ayrshire and Arran Beaches
Best for families: Ayr Beach
A long sandy beach that has everything you could need for a fun day out with kids, including Pirate Pete’s family entertainment centre, crazy golf and play parks right next to it.
Best for rock pools: Craig Tara
Craig Tara, with a mixture of rocks and sand, is the perfect place to look for marine wildlife in rock pools that are exposed at low tide. A walk along the beach in a north-easterly direction at low tide will bring you within sight of the splendid ruins of Greenan Castle, towering majestically over the rocky cliffs.
Best for uniqueness: Catacol bay
A beautiful beach on Arran with smooth pebbles that look incredible under the translucent water. Catacol is where you will find a row of fishermans cottage called the 12 Apostles. The top window in each house is a different shape, so that fishermen would know which of their wives was sending them a signal by candlelight.
See this
Machrie Moor Stone Circles
The Machrie Moor Stone Circles on the west side of Arran are an impressive collection of six stone circles with a strong Neolithic and ancient atmosphere. The moor itself is a rich archaeological landscape that features stone circles, standing stones, burial cairns and hut circles, all of which date back to 3500 BC.
Alloway
Head to Alloway to visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, including the famous Burns Cottage, as well as the beautiful Burns Monument and Memorial Gardens. Alloway also provides the setting for one of his most famous works, Tam o’Shanter. The Brig o’ Doon, the bridge over which Tam flees for his life in the poem, still stands in the village today.
Do this
Climb Goat Fell
The highest point on the Isle of Arran, at 2,866 ft (874 m), Goat Fell is an incredibly dominant part of the island’s skyline, featuring jagged summits and ridges. This rugged landscape is the perfect getaway for walking enthusiasts. When you’ve reached the top, enjoy spectacular panoramic views for miles around you.
Play Golf at Turnberry
A world renowned bucket list golf destination and potentially the most picturesque golf course in Scotland, a sunny day at the Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry is nothing short of glorious. Watched over by the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse, The Ailsa has a rich history to match the phenomenal views. Be prepared to pay over £200 for the privilege.
Photography Workshops on Arran
Calling all photographers! Explore the beautiful Isle of Arran with Arran in Focus. Exciting full-day and half-day photography workshops and tours that are suitable for the complete beginner to advanced enthusiasts. There are photographic opportunities around every corner across the island, as well as being home to a whole host of wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, red deer, seals and golden eagles.
Eat this
Ice Cream
Ice cream making is a booming business here. Ayrshire brown and white cows supply this region with creamy, fresh milk. You’ll find plenty of ice cream parlours up and down the coastline of Ayrshire and on Arran all selling locally produced Ice cream and sorbets.
Seafood
This coastline has always been home to a strong fishing industry. In the past, this has shaped many of the coastal communities, including Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Troon. Langoustines are in abundance in the Firth of Clyde. One recommended place to buy or eat local seafood is Fencebay and Fins in Fairlie, with a farm shop, smoke house, restaurant and monthly indoor farmers’ market, also selling local produce from the area.
Drink this
Whisky
Well, you can’t go anywhere in Scotland and not find an amazing whisky distillery. The region of Ayrshire and Arran is no different. The island of Arran has Lochranza Distillery, Lagg distillery and Isle of Arran Distillery. The famous Johnnie Walker Whisky actually originates from East Ayrshire.
Hendricks Gin
The Hendrick’s Gin Palace hails from the tiny seaside village of Girvan, which lies in Ayrshire. The distillery is just a mile inland and overlooks the mysterious volcanic island of Ailsa Craig. This alluring outcrop is uninhabited (except for a few gannets and puffins) but features in many local legends. Although you cannot visit the home of Hendrick’s Gin, you can find it in many local bars. Grab yourself a Hendrick’s with tonic and a slice of cucumber and sit in the garden of the Drift Inn on Arran, watching the boats coming and going with the view of the Holy Isles behind.
Sign up for our Staycation Inspiration FREE magazine
Get your free magazine on the link below. Delivered straight to your inbox at no cost. Get a printed copy for just £4.99.
Get your free Staycation Inspiration Magazine HERE >>>
Hiring a motorhome for your next holiday?
Check your dates or find out more about how we can give you a great motorhome experience by enquiring through the website here.
+44 (0)117 290 9000
team@motorhomeholidaycompany.com
A370, Hewish, Bristol, BS24 6RT
The Motorhome Holiday Company; your (Ayrshire and Arran) adventure starts here