Dog friendly Lodges Ayrshire

This charming, detached gatehouse is situated quietly within the beautiful grounds of the Gilmilnscroft Estate, with formal gardens and enchanted woods, rich in flora and fauna with lovely walks, and fields with its own resident sheep. The cottage has great views of the Ayrshire countryside to the Isle of Arran beyond and is a great place to observe sunsets.
New for summer 2019 is a fully refurbished summer house, for use of both properties. Located close to the quiet village of Sorn with easy access to the River Ayr Way, with over 40 miles of walks through one of the most interesting valleys in southern Scotland with a wide range of habitats and wildlife. Dumfries House, made famous by Prince Charles’ involvement, is located approximately 3 miles away, and is a major attraction in East Ayrshire, as is Auchinleck House, home to James Boswell, a similar distance away. Also close by is the wonderful Ayrshire Coastal Path, with over 100 miles along one of the finest panoramic coastlines. Inland, there are gardens and castles to visit, riding, racing, a choice of golf courses and several country parks, with Culzean Castle, 45 minutes away, (owned by the National Trust for Scotland) and being Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attraction, with a network of wooded trails passing along the beach. Day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. The bustling cosmopolitan city of Glasgow is only a 45-minute drive and Edinburgh is 1½ hours, with good train links from Prestwick. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is approximately 1¼ hours away and the ferry links to the islands of Cumbrae, Bute and Arran are all close by. Visitors are welcome all year round, and during January and February, you can enjoy the snowdrops, snow, frost and crisp sunshine. From the 1st April to the 15th June, this is the time for the most reliable weather, with the spring bluebells, birdsong and the ornate gardens. September to November brings the autumn colour which is exceptional due to the prominence of the native beech trees. Beach 15 miles. Shop within 2 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Gilmilnscroft Gatehouse (UK5164) and The Old Stables (UK5695) can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.

This beautifully renovated, detached cottage is full of character and sits in secluded gardens with the most stunning views over the Ayrshire coast to the Isle of Arran. The garden boasts a fantastic studio from which to sit and admire the views, pick up a paintbrush or simply relax in.
Glen Rosa nestles in the heart of Burns Country, close to the village of Alloway in an area steeped in tradition and history. Fans of the poet, Robert Burns will be able to visit many attractions, including Burns’ Cottage, the Burns Memorial Museum and the Brig o’Doon - the bridge mentioned in the famous poem Tam o’ Shanter.
The Ayrshire Coastal Path is one of the finest coastal walks, with superb views of the mountains of Arran across the Firth of Clyde. Steeped in history and teeming with wildlife, there are plentiful beaches to explore, as well as many castle ruins.
The quiet country lanes in the area are very popular with cyclists, and the coastline is ideal for various watersports. There are many golf courses close by, including the world famous Turnberry course, with its fantastic spa and outdoor centre, and Royal Troon is also nearby. The National Trust Culzean Castle is spectacular, as is Prince Charles’ Dumfries House, both are definitely worth a visit.
The observatory at Dalmellington, on the edge of the Dark Sky Park, is also hugely popular with many coming to wonder at the stars. Ferry hop over to Arran, Cumbrae or Bute for the day, or from Arran take another ferry to explore the Kintyre Peninsula. Day trips can also be taken to Ireland from Cairnryan.
The seaside towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are all easily reached and various shops, restaurants and cafés to enjoy. Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh are perfect for a day out, as is Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, reached in around 45 minutes. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

This light and airy lodge has a wraparound deck, perfect for relaxing after a day’s exploring. Situated in the south of Ayrshire countryside within the Lagganhouse Country Park, with children’s play area and swimming pool, which can be bookable in 45-minute sessions for private use, makes it a perfect break for young families. Only a couple of miles away from the town of Ballantrae, situated on the Ayrshire coastal path, has a small harbour, long stretch of beach and a local pub with food and drink. The village has a shop, small supermarket, post office, thrift shop and a petrol station.
The town of Girvan is only 10-minutes away and boat trips can be taken out to Ailsa Craig to watch the nesting birds or for fishing trips. The town also has shops and a leisure centre with swimming pool. Ayrshire, also known as "Burns’ Country," is steeped in tradition and history. Visit Burns Cottage, The Burns Memorial Museum, and the Brig o’ Doon, the bridge from the famous poem Tam o’ Shanter. The area is steeped in history with many ruined castles to explore, such as Dunure, Turnberry and Greenan. A visit and tour to Culzean Castle, designed by Robert Adams and truly one of his masterpieces, is one not to be missed with its dramatic clifftop location. Also worth a visit is the 18th century Dumfries House, part of the Princes Foundation which is 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 Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are also close by and rail links for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow and also historic Edinburgh. 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.

This fantastic coastal property lies just a short stroll from the lovely sandy beach of Seamill which has the most amazing views over the sea to Ailsa Craig, the Kintyre Coastline and Arran. Within walking distance is a fabulous hotel for fantastic meal out and there are many other restaurants within easy reach. There are many golf courses in the area with the championship links course on the doorstep. Royal Troon and Turnberry area also easily reached.
Situated on the Ayrshire Coastal path, with over 100 miles of stunning coastline to walk, the area is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife including deer, otters and seals and is a haven for bird watchers. The area is fantastic for cyclists with over thirty national cycle routes passing close by or try the famous five ferries! Starting on the Ayrshire coast, this route takes ferries to Arran, Kintyre, Cowal, Bute and back over to Ayrshire; not for the faint of heart! For water lovers, there are great opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding and wild swimming. There are many pretty seaside towns to explore and there are very good rail links for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow.
Ayrshire is steeped in history, with many ruined castles to explore, such as Portencross, Turnberry and Greenan. A visit and tour of Culzean Castle, designed by Robert Adams and truly one of his masterpieces, 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 islands of Cumbrae, Bute and Arran are easily reached for a day out and Loch Lomond is within easy reach for a day trip. Or take a ferry over to Dunoon and explore the Cowal Peninsula, knows as Argyll’s Secret Coast with its sparkling sea lochs, romantic ruins, ancient forests and stunning scenery. This coastal route takes you through some of the most stunning parts of Argyll’s Secret Coast, a magical undiscovered corner of Cowal. Beach 1 mile.

Situated in the coastal town of Girvan on the west coast of Scotland, Miner’s Cottage is just minutes from the town’s sandy beach which 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 large and sandy. The town of Girvan has shops, restaurants, and a leisure centre with swimming pool, children’s play area and golf course. 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 towns of Ayr and Stranraer and onwards to the city of Glasgow - perfect for a day out if you want to leave the car behind. Situated on the Ayrshire Coastal Path, with over 100 miles of coastline to walk, the area has a stunning 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 and is a haven for bird watchers.
The world famous Turnberry Golf Course and resort is only a 5-minute drive away where you can enjoy a round of golf, fine dining or indulge in the stunning spa. There is also a lovely spa at Pebbles where day spas can be booked, which is again only a 5-minute drive from Girvan. Turnberry beach is a beautiful sandy beach where you can walk along to the Turnberry lighthouse for a coffee or a spot of lunch or continue on to the pretty harbour village of Maidens where you can walk along the beach and up into the National Trust Culzean Castle estate with its dramatic clifftop walks, swan pond and beautiful gardens. Ayrshire, also known as ‘Burns’ Country’ is steeped in tradition and history. Visit Burns Cottage, The Burns Memorial Museum and the Brig o’ Doon, the bridge from the famous poem, Tam o’ Shanter. The area is steeped in history with many ruined castles to explore, such as Dunure and Greenan.
A visit and tour to Culzean Castle, designed by Robert Adams and truly one of his masterpieces, is one not to be missed with its dramatic clifftop location. Also worth a visit is the 18th-century Dumfries House, part of the Prince’s Foundation which is home to an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture. The 2000-acre estate has been beautifully designed with stunning walks throughout the grounds. The Galloway Forest Park is only a 40-minute drive away 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 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. Glentrool (the nearest visitor centre) is one of the Scottish forestry commission’s 7-Stanes cycle routes. The pretty seaside towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are also close by and 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. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is just over an hour’s drive and is well worth a visit. Beach less than 1 mile..

Kitty’s Cottage lies only 150 yards from Girvan’s lovely sandy beach and promenade, with stunning views over to Ailsa Craig and the mountains of Arran beyond. Girvan also has a wide range of shops and a modern leisure centre with a swimming pool. There are a number of good restaurants, take-aways and friendly pubs. Girvan Golf Course is a short 18-hole par 64 course, and is an interesting mix of links and park land golf. Girvan has a fairly busy historic harbour with a small marina, RNLI station, and a busy working boatyard servicing vessels from all over the country.
Girvan makes a really good base for day-trips, historical, cultural and outdoor. Here are a few suggestions the owners recommend. The historic town of Ayr is only 20 miles away to the north, and en route you can visit the clifftop Culzean Castle, designed by Robert Adam, Turnberry Lighthouse and the remains of Bruce’s Castle. Also on the Ayr coastal road you can visit the historic villages of Maidens and Dunure, beaches and castles. Closer to Ayr is Alloway, home to the Burns Birthplace Museum, a must-visit. Ayr itself merits a whole day out, with its fantastic town beach, interesting river front, historic buildings, a good shopping centre, and countless pubs, restaurants and cafés.
Heading south from Girvan, head down the coast road with its views to Ailsa Craig, the Mull of Kintyre and even the north of Ireland on a clear day. Visit the historic village of Ballantrae on the way to Stranraer, the Rinns of Galloway and the historic village of Portpatrick with its spectacular clifftop walks, remote coves, pubs and restaurants.
East and south from Girvan lies the Galloway Forest Park with great scenery, easy and difficult walking terrain, and some of the most attractive uplands in the south of Scotland. Carry on south to visit the market town of Newton Stewart on the River Cree, and the quaint villages of the historic Isle of Whithorn on the Solway Firth.

This first floor apartment is located in the charming village of Ballantrae, only a 100 yards from the beach and harbour. Ballantrae has a local shop a short stroll away. Situated on the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a fantastic 100 mile walking route set along the beautiful Ayrshire coast, with views to the mountains of Arran and across the Firth of Clyde. This coastline is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otters and seals, and is a haven for bird watchers. Fly fishing may be available by prior arrangement.
Heading north, the seaside town of Girvan with its harbour and leisure centre with a swimming pool, is only a 15-minute drive away and boat trips can be taken out to Ailsa Craig to see the varied birdlife. The towns of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick are all good for a day out, with plentiful restaurants, shops and bars. Heading further up the coast, ferries can be taken over to the islands of Cumbrae, Bute and Arran. Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily accessible for a day out. Further south, you will find Stranraer situated at the head of Loch Ryan. The town has an array of shops and there are plenty of places to dine out. There are many castles and gardens to visit as well as lovely harbour villages including Portpatrick and Drummore, Scotland’s most southerly point at the Mull of Galloway.

This beautifully presented lower conversion of a Victorian Villa is situated only 200 yards from the lovely sandy beach at Ardrossan on the southwest coast of Scotland. Adjacent is a lovely park leading to the beach, ideal for walking the dog. Ardrossan has shops, restaurants, and pubs all within walking distance. Ardrossan is situated on the Ayrshire Coastal path with its stunning 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 and is a haven for bird watchers.

Ayrshire is also known as "Burns’ Country," is steeped in tradition and history. Visit Burns Cottage, The Burns Memorial Museum and the Brig o Doon, the bridge from the famous poem Tam o Shanter. The area is steeped in history with many ruined castles to explore, such as Dunure, Turnberry and Greenan. A visit and tour to Culzean Castle, designed by Robert Adams and truly one of his masterpieces, is one not to be missed with its dramatic clifftop location. Also worth a visit is the 18th century Dumfries House, part of the Princes Foundation which is home to an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture. The 2000-acre estate has been beautifully designed with stunning walks throughout the grounds. There are many pretty seaside towns to explore such as West Kilbride which is our local ’Craft Town’ just 4 miles up the road and also Largs is a great venue for seaside walks, the Yacht Haven, with great bars and restaurants and the 10-minute ferry to the island of Millport. Other places to visit are Ayr, Prestwick and Troon and there are very good rail links for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow and also historic Edinburgh. The islands of Cumbrae, Arran and Bute are all easily reached for a day out. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is just over an hour’s drive and is well worth a visit.

Located on Scotland’s West Coast this cosy cottage has fantastic sea views over the Firth of Clyde and is ideally situated to explore the beauty of the Ayrshire coastline, with villages, beaches and rocky coves to explore. An ideal location for cyclists and walkers with Skelmorlie heralding the start of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100-mile-long coastal walk. Inland there is walking, cycling, gardens and castles to visit along with the opportunity to ride, fish, and golf. Culzean Castle Country Park, extending for over 550-acres has a network of wooded trails passing along the beach and Dumfries House, home to the world’s largest Chippendale collection, are both well worth a visit. The bustling seaside town of Largs is a short drive, with shops, restaurants and promenade. Explore the islands of Cumbrae, Arran and the Isle of Bute or catch a ferry to Dunoon and the Cowal Peninsula, which gives you great access to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. There are great train links from nearby Wemyss Bay to the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh for a great day out in the city. The property has a restaurant 50 metres away and is a 15-minute walk away (Wemyss Bay) from other cafés, takeaways (Chinese, fish and chips and pizza/kebab) and a dog-friendly pub/café within the train station to Glasgow, which is also the ferry terminal to Rothsay on the Isle of Bute. There is also a children and dog friendly village pub within Skelmorlie, although it is a bit up the hill.

Hunter Links Cottage has just been newly furnished and carpeted as of January 2022. This coastal cottage is only seconds walk from Prestwick, winner of the Great British High Street Awards 2019/20, which is also on the doorstep of Royal Troon for the world-famous Golf Open Championship 2024 which is a big deal to not only the region, but also Scotland. Prestwick is a unique Ayrshire town with official ’awards’ almost 30 wonderful restaurants/bistros, boutiques, beauty/spa and shops and is often called the ’hub’ for neighbouring Troon and Ayr.

Just a few minutes’ walk to its premier restaurant and ’Scotland’s beer garden of the year 2019/20’. As well as the beautiful sandy beach and promenade with stunning views towards Arran, Prestwick has a wide range of amenities including cafés, restaurants, boutique shops, a swimming pool and 3 championship golf courses (including ‘the home of the First Open’). The location is great for the ferry and for island hopping. Also Royal Troon Open venue and spectacular new Dundonald Links clubhouse open to the public, both only 10 minutes’ drive away. For walkers, easy access to the Ayrshire Coastal Path and the River Ayr Way, a 40-mile Source to Sea walk, making this the ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast. There are many National Trust historical sites, stunning gardens and castles to visit including the home to Robert the Bruce’s Well, also just 45 minutes’ drive to Culzean Castle and Turnberry, 30 minutes’ drive to Dumfries House. Prestwick airport 5 minutes’ drive.
The islands of Cumbrae, Arran and Bute are easily reached for a wonderful day out, while day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. Very good rail links from Prestwick and Ayr to for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow and historic Edinburgh. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park only an hour’s drive away.
For those craving inland walks and trails, the Galloway Forrest Park ‘Dark Sky Park’ is under 40 minutes drive 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 and ancient woodland as well as a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey. Beach 400 yards. Pub 114 yards.