Dog-Friendly Holidays Ayrshire

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.

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.

This spacious, detached, single-storey cottage has been fully renovated to a very good standard, and is situated on the owners’ a working sheep and dairy farm. With its own private hot tub and barbecue area, the cottage offers views over open countryside and is situated close to the towns of Dalry and Lochwinnoch. For walkers or those bringing their four legged friends, there are dog and boot washing facilities.
Located on Scotland’s west coast, the property is ideally located to explore the beauty of the Ayrshire coastline. Ayrshire offers a varied coastline with villages, beaches and rocky coves to explore, and is 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 opportunities to ride, fish and golf (the world famous Turnberry course is nearby). Culzean Castle Country Park, extending for over 550 acres, has a network of wooded trails passing along the beach. For water sports, Castle Semple is within easy reach, and mountain bike hire can be found at Lochwinnoch, 5 miles away.
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. Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily reached for a day trip. Shop 2 miles, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Set outside the charming Village of Darve, these two lovely properties The Hayloft (ref UK7384) and Chaff House (ref UK7385) are located in rural Ayrshire, providing a superb location for outdoor enthusiasts. The accommodation sits adjacent to and has direct off-road access to Whitelee Forest and Windfarm, the UKs largest Windfarm with more than 130 kms of trails to explore on foot, by cycle or by horse. Horse riding and interactive animal sessions with the resident goats, alpacas, donkey, tiny ponies, and other animals can be booked separately with the on-site owners.
Dumfries House, Dean Castle Country Park, and Ayrshire’s Number 1 tourist attraction Culzean Castle are popular days out. The Galloway Forest Park is only a 30-minute 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 Sky Observatory and is only a short drive from the properties.
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.
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 and is a haven for bird watchers.
Inland there are gardens and castles to visit, riding, racing and a choice of golf course.
The Hayloft can be booked together with Chaff House (UK7385) to accommodate up to 6 guests.

Balig Cottage is a delightful and cosy cottage, offering the most amazing views of Ailsa Craig from the garden and kitchen. You will certainly know you have arrived in Scotland once you open the door and step into the cosy living room, with its eye-catching feature wallpaper depicting a life size stag, and warm tartan walls.
Balig Cottages is situated on the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100-mile long coastal route with stunning views and scenery, the perfect location for walkers. 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, and is a haven for bird watchers. The cottage is available all year round and is in the perfect position for access to all the local sporting estates in the local area for shooting and fishing, two kennels are also available for working dogs.
Just a mile away from Balig Cottages, Ballantrae is a pretty village overlooked by the ruins of Ardstinchar Castle, and guests will find plenty of opportunities for fishing nearby. During the summer months the village hosts a variety of events. The seaside town of Girvan, boasting a harbour and leisure centre with a swimming pool, is only 11 miles up the coast where you can take a boat trip to the famous Ailsa Craig, a small Island upon which ‘blue hone’ micro granite is quarried to make curling stones. The island is now a bird sanctuary and home to more than 70,000 birds including gannets, guillemots and puffins.
Inland there are a number of wonderful gardens and castles to visit, horse riding to enjoy and a choice of golf courses available. Culzean Castle, owned by the National Trust for Scotland, is spectacular and is one of Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attractions. The surrounding country park, extending over 550 acres, has a network of wooded trails passing along the beach. The islands of Arran and Cumbrae are easily accessed and make for a lovely day out, while day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. The local community pub only opens at weekends in winter and please do check the location as we are 15 miles each way to the nearest town for the supermarkets for a big shop,
please keep this in mind its a place to get way from it all not to be in the middle of town. Beach 1½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

This all on one level cottage situated on a working farm has enclosed private gardens with its own private hot tub and external games room.
The magnificent Ayrshire coastline and countryside is a paradise for walkers, bikers and hikers, with numerous coastal trails and country tracks to explore. The Ayrshire Coastal Path runs along this coastline and is very popular with walkers. The area is steeped in history, with many ruined castles to explore, such as Dunure, 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 world-famous Royal Troon golf course is only a 5-minute drive. The pretty seaside towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are only a short drive and there are very good rail links for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow. The islands of Cumbrae and Arran are easily reached for a day out. Beach 3 miles. Pub 1½ miles and shop 2¾ miles.