Dog friendly Lodges Ayrshire

South Steading is located on a small farm, on the outskirts of West Kilbride; Scotland’s first accredited Craft Town. It’s been lovingly converted by the owners, with views overlooking the surrounding countryside, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings whilst having village amenities only a short 5 min drive away.

Converted by the owners, South Steadings is rich in character with traditional stone floors. All on one level, the barn offers a high standard of comfort throughout and is a great choice at any time of the year. Ideal for couples or families, there are three bedrooms with welcoming cosy beds, a king-size bedroom with en-suite walk-in shower room, a double room and a twin served by a stylish family bathroom with bath & shower over. The large open plan living/kitchen/diner is a great social space with a log burner to keep you warm whatever the weather!
Perfect for families, there’s a large enclosed garden with Hot Tub, log cabin, plenty of toys/books to occupy the kids plus a travel cot & highchair available. Storage space for outdoor gear, bikes and kayaks in private barn storage. Dogs are most welcome who will also enjoy the enclosed garden, with an outside tap, ideal for giving them a bath or cool down!
Just 2 miles from South Steading, is the pretty seaside town of West Kilbride with fantastic views across the water to Arran and surrounding islands. Designated Scotland’s first Craft Town, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village where they will find a range of cafes, mini galleries, a dedicated craft centre, pubs and gift shops. Also offering the more practical elements for your holiday such as a post office, small supermarkets and a railway station.
Ayrshire is famous worldwide for golf and offers world class championship courses at Turnberry, Royal Troon and Prestwick. The West Kilbride Golf Club offers a championship links course located in Seamill, 3 miles from the farm.
Largs and Ardrossan are popular seaside towns, 8 miles and 7 miles away respectively, where there are watersports offered. Sandy beaches in Seamill. The Firth of Clyde has excellent sailing with yachting clubs and marinas at Ardrossan,Largs, Inverkip and Troon. There are also good opportunities for hill walking and mountain biking, field sports including horse riding, shooting and fishing. Visitors will enjoy visiting the historic castles at Portencross, Hunterston and Law Castle and enjoy the views from the local Tarbert Hill and Law Hill.
Ferries from Ardrossan a short distance from the barn take you to isle of Arran and short ferry hop from Largs to the small island of Cumbrae to visit the only town on the island, Millport for an icecream or enjoy a cycle, 11miles around the whole island.

Set within the quiet Ayrshire countryside on a working farm this attractive spacious farmhouse makes a great holiday base to explore the varied coastline, rocky hill walks and beautiful views to the Isle of Arran. Culzean Castle and Country Park (NT) is well worth a visit. There are fishing and boat trips from Girvan, 3 miles. Excellent golf with Turnberry, 10 minutes away. Ayr, 18 miles has good shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Glasgow/Prestwick Airport, 24 miles. Shop and pub 3 miles.

This lovely, little, detached holiday lodge has a superb position overlooking the verdant valleys running down to the meandering River Stinchar. Sitting quietly for over 100 years, this pretty lodge is just the ticket for exploring this beautiful area just 2 miles from the stunning Ayrshire coast. Boasting an open fire for those cooler evenings, this is a perfect destination whatever time of year. The village of Ballantrae has everything you need, including a pebble beach and superb views to Ailsa Craig, the granite jewel of the Clyde, and the evocative Isle of Arran. Why not hop on a ferry to Ireland for a memorable day trip or take a trip on the Waverley the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer. For history buffs, why not visit Dumfries House, one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes and best kept heritage secrets. With its sumptuous interiors and magnificent furnishings, all set in two thousand acres of land, there is something to delight and enchant visitors of all ages. The house has been described as an 18th century time-capsule as the principal rooms and their contents have remained virtually unchanged for 250 years. This is a golfing haven, with the famous Turnberry course just a half hour’s drive along the dramatic coastline. The River Stinchar offers excellent fishing opportunities together with delightful riverside walks. The Galloway Forest Park is the UK’s largest and is an official Dark Sky Park offering the most incredible opportunity to view the night sky in all its glory. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Set close to Largs on the Firth of Clyde, these charming holiday apartments have been carefully converted from the stable block of a delightful Victorian manor house, which is located some 200 yards away along a tree-lined drive. Offering every contemporary comfort and convenience, enjoy the relaxing ambience of the scenic setting. You can relax amid 15 acres of landscaped grounds, or in the lawned areas, which are surrounded by woodland. There are wonderful views of the hills and islands of the Firth of Clyde, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. There are two golf courses, trout farm fishing, sailing, nature trails and pony trekking, as well as cruises aboard the famous ’Waverley’ paddle steamer. In Largs, 2 miles, you will find the Kelburn Country Centre and Vikingar - an exciting all-weather leisure centre, with a swimming pool, 500-seat theatre and children’s soft play area. There is also a choice of small shops, a supermarket, post office, pubs and a station. Although an attractive seaside resort now, Largs like much of this area has enjoyed an interesting history - in 1263 it was where the Norse fleet were defeated. From Largs take a ferry to Great Cumbrae Island and visit the aquarium, near Keppel Pier, and the ’Cathedral of the Isles’ on the sandy bay at Millport. The Cumbraes are not the only isles within easy reach. Go from Wemyss Bay across the waters to Bute, or drive south to Ardrossen and arrive in the exceptionally mild island of Arran. Arran is home to a wealth of places to visit, including the National Trust for Scotland owned Goatfell, 2,866 ft, with its magnificent views from the Clyde coast to the Hebrides and Northern Ireland. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy making the trip here, as Arran has 6 courses in which to shoot a round. Manor Park is well-placed for anyone looking to plan a diverse holiday itinerary. Whether you take to the sea or prefer to head inland, there is much to fill the days. Within an hour’s drive you can reach Loch Lomond, Burns country and Glasgow, with Edinburgh just a little further. Pub 2½ miles.

These historic cottages (refs SSAJ to SSAQ) are set within the stunning Blairquhan Castle Estate in a beautiful valley with the River Girvan winding through. Blairquhan Castle, a Regency era castle, is protected as a category A listed building and the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, the national listing of significant gardens. Used as a location for the Oscar winning film The Queen, starring Helen Mirren, Blairquhan has also featured in other TV programmes.

The stables, designed by William Burn in 1820-24, are also of architectural interest and, along with the lodges on the estate, form the holiday accommodation. Blairquhan Bridge was also designed by William Burn; it is a single arch, stone, hump-back bridge, possibly 18th-century and B listed. The woods of Blairquhan are a major feature of landscape. Beautifully integrated into the 200 acres of parkland that make up the estate, the unique gardens at Blairquhan Castle were originally laid out back in 1816 and much of the landscaping still remains to this day, most notably the unique walled garden. The rising ground to the south allowed the landscapers to create an unusual three-walled perimeter. During its construction the main wall was built with flues installed so that it could be heated to protect the precious fruit trees during the colder Scottish months. A famous tree at Blairquhan is the ’Dool’ tree, a large sycamore sited on the lawn to the east of the house was used for execution by hanging after trial by the laird. With well-established woodlands, beautifully manicured lawns, an avenue of 18th-century lime trees and many other magnificent vistas, the estate creates a unique atmosphere and provides the ideal holiday surroundings to escape everyday life.

Nestled in the heart of Burns’ Country, the area is steeped in tradition and history. Fans of Burns will be able to visit many attractions including Burns Cottage, the Burns Memorial Museum and the Brig o’Doon - the bridge from the famous poem Tam o’Shanter. Blairquhan is within walking distance to the small Ayrshire village of Straiton, and a short drive from Kirkmichael and Maybole. The entire area is known for its gently rolling landscape and hills dotted with sheep and traversed by the winding River Girvan. On a clear day, Ailsa Craig can be seen in the distance.

Ayrshire is home to the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100-mile long coastal walk with one of the finest panoramic coastlines in the British Isles. Crowned with a superb backdrop of the ever-changing profile of the mountains of Arran across the Firth of Clyde, this coastline is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otters and seals; it is also a haven for bird watchers.

Inland, there are gardens and castles to visit and activities such as riding, racing and golf to enjoy. The many golf courses include the world famous Turnberry course which is close at hand. Culzean Castle (owned by the National Trust for Scotland) is spectacular and is Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attraction.

Day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan, and a short drive leads to Ayr, a traditional seaside town. Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh are perfect for a day out, as is Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, with ferry links to the islands of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae all within easy reach. Beach 10 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

These historic cottages (refs SSAJ to SSAQ) are set within the stunning Blairquhan Castle Estate in a beautiful valley with the River Girvan winding through. Blairquhan Castle, a Regency era castle, is protected as a category A listed building and the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, the national listing of significant gardens. Used as a location for the Oscar winning film The Queen, starring Helen Mirren, Blairquhan has also featured in other TV programmes.

The stables, designed by William Burn in 1820-24, are also of architectural interest and, along with the lodges on the estate, form the holiday accommodation. Blairquhan Bridge was also designed by William Burn; it is a single arch, stone, hump-back bridge, possibly 18th-century and B listed. The woods of Blairquhan are a major feature of landscape. Beautifully integrated into the 200 acres of parkland that make up the estate, the unique gardens at Blairquhan Castle were originally laid out back in 1816 and much of the landscaping still remains to this day, most notably the unique walled garden. The rising ground to the south allowed the landscapers to create an unusual three-walled perimeter. During its construction the main wall was built with flues installed so that it could be heated to protect the precious fruit trees during the colder Scottish months. A famous tree at Blairquhan is the ’Dool’ tree, a large sycamore sited on the lawn to the east of the house was used for execution by hanging after trial by the laird. With well-established woodlands, beautifully manicured lawns, an avenue of 18th-century lime trees and many other magnificent vistas, the estate creates a unique atmosphere and provides the ideal holiday surroundings to escape everyday life.

Nestled in the heart of Burns’ Country, the area is steeped in tradition and history. Fans of Burns will be able to visit many attractions including Burns Cottage, the Burns Memorial Museum and the Brig o’Doon - the bridge from the famous poem Tam o’Shanter. Blairquhan is within walking distance to the small Ayrshire village of Straiton, and a short drive from Kirkmichael and Maybole. The entire area is known for its gently rolling landscape and hills dotted with sheep and traversed by the winding River Girvan. On a clear day, Ailsa Craig can be seen in the distance.

Ayrshire is home to the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100-mile long coastal walk with one of the finest panoramic coastlines in the British Isles. Crowned with a superb backdrop of the ever-changing profile of the mountains of Arran across the Firth of Clyde, this coastline is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otters and seals; it is also a haven for bird watchers.

Inland, there are gardens and castles to visit and activities such as riding, racing and golf to enjoy. The many golf courses include the world famous Turnberry course which is close at hand. Culzean Castle (owned by the National Trust for Scotland) is spectacular and is Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attraction.

Day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan, and a short drive leads to Ayr, a traditional seaside town. Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh are perfect for a day out, as is Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, with ferry links to the islands of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae all within easy reach. Beach 10 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

This spacious barn conversion has been refurbished to a high standard and is both modern and stylish. Situated within walking distance of the village of Tarbolton, it is close to the pretty coastal towns of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick with numerous shops, eateries and historical places of interest. For walkers, the Ayrshire Coastal Path is easily accessed with a fantastic panoramic coastline and views over the sea to the mountains of Arran. The River Ayr Way, a source to sea walk, is also easily accessed making this an ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast.

The Galloway Forest Park is a short drive away and is Britain’s largest forest park with three hundred square miles of wild beauty waiting to be explored. The park boasts tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs and ancient woodland, and a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey. The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the western world, and when the sun sets enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above. Dalmellington is home to the Scottish Dark Observatory and is only a short drive from the property.

Ayrshire offers many gardens and castles to visit, as well as activities such as horse riding, racing and golf, including the world famous Royal Troon and Turnberry courses, both close to hand. Culzean Castle and Dumfries House are both spectacular and are well worth booking a tour.

The islands of Cumbrae, Arran and Bute are all easily reached for a day out, while day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. There are very good rail links from Ayr for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow and also historic Edinburgh. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is an hour drive and is well worth a visit. Beach 7 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

These two spacious, detached cottages, The Groom’s Cottage (ref UK31337) and The Brewers Cottage (ref UK12527) which is next to the owner’s home, are situated on a quiet country lane and both have their own private hot tub with shared use of tennis court and croquet lawn to enjoy after a day’s exploring. Nestled in the heart of Burns Country, the area is steeped in tradition and history. Fans of Burns will be able to visit many attractions including Burns Cottage, the Burns Memorial Museum and the Brig o’ Doon, the bridge from the famous poem Tam o’ Shanter.

Popular with walkers, the Ayrshire Coastal Path is close by with 100 miles of superb coastal walking to enjoy, with a superb backdrop of the ever-changing profile of the mountains of Arran across the Firth of Clyde. The River Ayr Way, a 40 miles source to sea walk, is also easily accessed. There are many gardens and castles to visit, and activities such as horse riding, racing and golf are available nearby. The world famous Turnberry golf course, with fantastic spa facilities and outdoor centre, and Royal Troon Golf Club are close by.

Culzean Castle National Trust and Dumfries House are spectacular and are among Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attractions. The Galloway Forest Park is easily accessed and is Britain’s largest forest park, with 300 square miles of wild beauty waiting to be explored. The park boasts tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs, ancient woodland and a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey. The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the western world and when the sun sets, enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above. Day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan, and a short drive leads to Ayr, a traditional seaside town. Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh are perfect for a day out, as is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, with ferry links to the islands of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae all within easy reach. Beach 12 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.
The properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 10 guests.

Delightful, semi-detached cottage overlooking the sea in the fishing village of Maidens. Contemporary interior. Pet-friendly. Maybole 6.5 miles; Girvan 7.1 miles.

Seal Rocks is situated at Lendalfoot and has the most amazing views over the sea to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. The sunsets are something to behold and the beach is just a stone’s throw away.
Seal Rocks is just a 10-minute drive away from the seaside town of Girvan where you will find shops, restaurants, and a leisure centre with swimming pool. If you fancy something a bit different you can book a boat trip from Girvan harbour out to Ailsa Craig to see the nesting birds or book a fishing trip. Girvan also has great train links to the city of Glasgow perfect for a day out.
The Ayrshire coastal path runs along the coast and there are numerous sandy beaches to visit and coastal trails to explore. The area is steeped in history, with many ruined castles to explore, such as Dunure, Turnberry and Greenan. The world-famous Turnberry Resort is close by and in addition to golf, has a fantastic spa and outdoor centre. A visit and tour of Culzean Castle, designed by Robert Adams, is one not to be missed with its dramatic clifftop location, as is a trip to the 18th century Dumfries House, part of the Princes Foundation and home to an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture. The 2000-acre estate has been beautifully designed with stunning walks throughout the grounds. The pretty seaside towns of Ballantrae, Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are only a short drive away. The islands of Cumbrae and Arran are easily reached for a day out whilst day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. Beach 150 yards.