Dog-Friendly Holidays 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.

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.

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.

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.