Dog-Friendly Holidays Ayrshire

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.

Belstane Cottage is a semi-detached cottage with a large, shared garden and enjoys lovely views over the surrounding countryside. It is quietly situated next to the owner’s home on the edge of the very pretty conservation village of Straiton, voted one of the ten ‘Best Villages in Scotland’, and featured in the book ’The Most Beautiful Villages of Scotland’. The entire area is known for its gently rolling landscape, its hills dotted with sheep and traversed by the winding River Girvan, and is a hugely popular area with walkers and cyclists of all abilities.
Belstane Cottage is located on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park, 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. Dalmellington is home to the Scottish Dark Observatory, and is only a short drive from the property. The seaside towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are all close by with beautiful sandy beaches and stunning views towards the Isle of Arran. Day trips can be taken to Arran and Cumbrae and are well worth the effort. Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh are perfect for a day out, as is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Ayrshire is home to the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100-mile long coastal walk with fantastic views over to the mountains of Arran. This coastline is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otters and seals, and is a haven for bird watchers.
Inland there are gardens and castles to visit, as well as riding, racing and a choice of golf courses, with the world famous Turnberry close to hand. Culzean Castle (owned by the National Trust for Scotland) is spectacular and is Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attraction, and Dumfries House is also worth a visit.
Belstane Cottage nestles in the heart of ‘Burns’ Country’, which is steeped in tradition and fans of the poet can visit Burns Cottage, The Burns Memorial Museum and the Brig O’ Doon, the bridge from the famous poem ‘Tam o’ Shanter’. Beach 14 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

This spacious, detached farmhouse is situated in the village of Tarbolton and has a fabulous external games room. The property is decorated with a Christmas theme during the festive season. Set on a working sheep farm, it lies close to the pretty coastal towns of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick with their numerous shops, eateries and historical places of interest. The property also features a wood-fired pizza oven and a wood pellet BBQ/smoker. For walkers, the Ayrshire Coastal Path is easily accessed and has a fantastic panoramic coastline with views over the sea to the mountains of Arran. The River Ayr Way, a 40 mile ’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, as well as 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, which is only a short drive from the property. Ayrshire offers many gardens and castles to visit, and activities such as riding, racing and golf, including the world famous Royal Troon and Turnberry courses which are both close to hand. Fishing can also be found nearby and there are plenty of opportunities for a round of golf. Culzean Castle and Dumfries House are both spectacular and it is 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’s drive and is well worth a visit. Beach 8 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

This charming terraced, former miner’s cottage is set in a wonderful rural conservation area only a short drive from the town of Irvine, with its shops, harbour, Maritime Museum and an amazing sandy beach, or from Kilmarnock. Your four-legged friend is also welcome and there is even a dog washing area to clean those muddy paws.
The coastal towns of Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are all close by, making the cottage ideally placed to explore the beauty of South West Scotland. The nearby towns have a wide range of amenities including shopping, restaurants, recreational facilities, promenade and yacht marina, and Troon is home to the world- famous Royal Troon golf course. Located close to the Ayrshire Coastal Path, the cottage is ideal for walkers, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts. Explore the Islands of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae, with ferries also close by for a trip to Dunoon. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is only 40 minutes away, with the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow just 30 minutes away by car, or it can be reached by rail from Irvine or Kilmarnock. Beach 5 miles. Shop and pub 1 mile, restaurant 1½ miles.

Surrounded by Ayrshire countryside and set on a working farm, this pet-friendly, large detached house is ideal for groups of up to 12 people and family get-togethers. The attractive accommodation is set over two stories and includes six bedrooms (4 en-suite and 2 dedicated bathrooms), large kitchen, sunroom and spacious comfortable living room with four sofas and plenty of extra seating – ideal for social gatherings. The games room can be found in the converted double garage and caters for all ages. One bedroom and a dedicated shower room is located on the ground floor, perfect for those who prefer not to use the stairs. The grounds offer up plenty of walks and unobstructed views across the mountains of Arran.
Despite Yonderton being in the open countryside, Ayr is only 15 minutes away, where you will find almost everything! This Victorian seaside town is steeped in history and has great eateries where you can sample a wide variety of locally grown produce. Ayrshire’s many golf courses are only minutes away with Trump Turnberry and Royal Troon being some of the top-rated courses in the world.
It truly is the gateway to the west of Scotland - with Glasgow only 50 minutes away, and trips to the Isle of Arran are possible with only a short drive to the ferry terminal. You can also see the Isle of Arran from the farm - offering up some of the best sunsets you will ever see. Ferry services go from Ardrossan, Gourock, and Wemyss to Arran, Argyll and Bute, Cumbrae and the Mull of Kintyre. The Ayrshire Coastal Path is 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. Mountain bikers will love a visit to Galloway Forest National Park.
Local amenities include an independently run pub, village shop and restaurant – all within 2 miles.
Yonderton House can be booked together with Yonderton McGill Cottage (ref UK11182) to accommodate up to 18 guests.

Ardstinchar Mews is a lovely terraced cottage located in the charming coastal village of Ballantrae with fantastic views over the sea. This is the ideal base for not only families but small groups of friends to explore the delights of beautiful Ayrshire and this stunning coastline. The local town of Girvan has been voted the ‘Most Dog Friendly Town in the UK’ and Ardstinchar Mews welcomes your four-legged friends.
The property looks across the mouth of Loch Ryan towards Corsewall Point and Northern Ireland, and Ballantrae itself is a pretty village overlooked by the ruins of Ardstinchar Castle. Guests will find plenty of opportunities for fishing nearby, and during the summer months the village hosts a variety of events. There is a visitor information point to help you plan your days and being situated on the Ayrshire Coastal Path (a fantastic 100 mile walking route), this coastline is steeped in history. Teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otters and seals it is also a haven for bird watchers.
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 down 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, Drummore and Scotland’s most southerly point at the Mull of Galloway. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

Originally a retreat, this semi-detached shorefront property offers spacious accommodation. It has a hot tub for six, enjoys fantastic views over the Firth of Clyde and offers the perfect venue for special occasions or large parties.

Situated on the Ayrshire coast only a short walk from the shore, it lies close to the bustling town of Largs with its shops, restaurants and promenade. It is ideally located to explore the islands of Cumbrae, Arran and the Isle of Bute. Ferries also run to Dunoon and the Cowal Peninsula, giving access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Ayrshire offers a varying coastline with villages, beaches and rocky coves to explore, and is a perfect location for cyclists and walkers - Skelmorlie heralds the start of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100-mile long coastal walk. Inland, there is walking, cycling, gardens and castles to visit, riding, fishing, racing and a choice of golf courses, including the world famous Turnberry. Culzean Castle Country Park, extending over 550 acres, has a network of wooded trails passing along the beach. Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily reached for a day trip, with rail links available from the town. Beach 100 yards. Shop 500 yards, pub 600 yards and restaurant 6 miles.
The Wee Nunnery can be booked together with The Old Nunnery (UK5250).

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.

This traditional stone built cottage situated in the coastal village of Maidens lies only yards from the beautiful sandy beach and has the most amazing views from most rooms over towards the Isle of Arran. Guests can follow the beach walk up into Culzean Castle estate with woodland walks through the grounds. The seaside town of Girvan with shops, leisure centre and swimming pool, is only a 5-minute drive away and boat trips can be taken to Ailsa Craig for bird watching. Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are all close by with beautiful sandy beaches and the islands of Arran and Cumbrae and easily reached by ferry and well worth the effort.

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. Inland, the Galloway Forest Park is a short 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, 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. Day trips to Ireland can be taken by ferry from Cairnryan. Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily reached for a day out. Beach 20 yards. Shop 50 yards, pub 3 miles and restaurant 100 yards.

Set amidst the hills of the Southern Uplands, these beautifully restored, detached holiday cottages set on the banks of a rushing stream offer a relaxing getaway. They are accessed by a track and situated in 3000 acres of undisturbed woodland, wetland and other natural habitats, recognised for their importance by their designations as SSSIs. Wildlife is abundant including red squirrels, ospreys, golden eagles, roe deer and badgers. The estate offers fishing, pony trekking, riding, 27km of all terrain cycling, woodland walks, canoeing and kayaking (grade 3+). Golf available at the famed Royal Troon and Turnberry Golf Courses 20 miles. Ayr 15 miles, Castle Douglas 30 miles. Shops 2½ miles.