Ayrshire and the Isle of Arran
Step off the tourist route and discover ancient castles, inspirational landscapes steeped in Viking heritage and a renowned natural larder bursting with regional flavours.
Step off the tourist route and discover ancient castles, inspirational landscapes steeped in Viking heritage and a renowned natural larder bursting with regional flavours.
Ayrshire and Arran sit on Scotland’s west coast - home to a vibrant island community, charming towns and sandy shores. Step off the tourist routes and discover ancient castles and landscapes steeped in Viking heritage, sleepy villages and a world renowned natural larder bursting with regional flavours. An area steeped in history with links to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns, its landscapes are inspirational and ancient. The Isle of Arran itself presents such a complex range of archeology, geology and biology that they combine to form Arranology!
ITINERARY
Monday - Early morning departure from Dorset with comfort stops as appropriate, to arrive at Irvine with tea and shortbread on arrival. After the bags are portered enjoy dinner.
Tuesday - Visit The Burrell Collection on the outskirts of Glasgow - voted museum of the year in 2023 and housing Sir Williams Burrel's lifetime of art collecting - here you will find everything from Chinese ceramics to stained glass and tapestries. A guided tour will show you the highlights - then explore more by yourself or enjoy the surrounding gardens. Continue into Glasgow city centre this afternoon - a city full of warmth, character and culture with a spirit that makes it truly unique.
Wednesday - Today we shall visit Dumfries house, saved by the intervention of the then Prince Charles and subsequently restored into one of Britains most beautiful stately homes. Set in 200 acres, this 18th century house has an unrivalled collection of original furniture - our guide will point out the highlights. We have included tea/coffee and shortbread. You can wander the grounds and see the five acre Queen Elizabeth Walled Gardens, considered the flagship project of this restoration. This afternoon drive to the seaside town of Troon with its sandy beaches, wide promenade and busy harbour, before returning to the hotel.
Thursday - A full day excursion to the Isle of Arran, a picture perfect paradise situated just 50 mins ferry crossing from Ardrossan on the Ayrshire mainland. We begin with a visit to Brodick Castle, dramatically set against the backdrop of Goatfell, the red sandstone baronial-style castle has stunning views and impressive gardens. Later make a scenic drive through a wooded glen and over wild moorland to the quiet village of Lamlash set on a beautiful bay. Off shore you can see the enigmatic Holy Island - a place of retreat and a sanctuary for wildlife. Turn back here to return to the ferry at Brodick for sailing back to the mainland.
Friday - After a hearty breakfast we head homewards, with stops as appropriate, to arrive back in Dorset that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
RIVERSIDE LODGE, IRVINE
A 4 star refined retreat where centuries of local history seamlessly blend with contemporary comfort set in a tranquil location. Stylish and comfortable bedrooms provide private bathroom with free toiletries and hairdryer, television with satellite channels, phone, iron, desk, tea tray and free wifi. The restaurant serves a three course table d’hote dinner with menu choices and a generous full Scottish breakfast. There is a bar and coffee shop in which to socialise. No lift but only two floors and plenty of bedrooms on the ground floor.
5 days // £625.00 Per Person SRS 150.00
Holiday Highlights : All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Welcome drink & shortbread, Tour of Burrell Collection, Tour of Dumfries House with refreshments, Return ferry fare to Arran, Admission to Brodick Castle
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Littlemoor Road Finches | Littlemoor Road, The Finches bus stop |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
