Discover a range of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms in Ayrshire. These hand-picked, self-catering farm stays are located in some of Ayrshire’s most popular rural destinations including Girvan, Prestwick, Ardrossan, Kilmarnock,and the Isle of Arran, ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for an unforgettable getaway.
Ayrshire is home to an impressive collection of castles, historic houses, and estates, each showcasing fine architecture and fascinating stories from the past. Highlights include Culzean Castle, an iconic clifftop masterpiece designed by Robert Adam, with elegant rooms and exquisite Georgian interiors; Brodick Castle a grand baronial seat on the Isle of Arran, housing an outstanding collection of period furniture, silverware, porcelain, paintings, and sporting trophies; and Dumfries House a magnificent Palladian country house set within a 2,000-acre estate of woodland, gardens, mazes, playgrounds, and walking trails.
To discover more about Scotland’s national poet, visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, where you can explore the humble cottage in which Robert Burns was born, see the historic landmarks that inspired his poetry, and learn about his remarkable life. A trip to the Bachelor’s Club is also worthwhile, offering a glimpse of the rooms where Burns and his friends gathered to debate the issues of the day. Nearby, Souter Johnnie’s Cottage was home to the shoemaker immortalised in Tam o’ Shanter.
Golf enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice, as Ayrshire boasts a superb selection of courses. Trump Turnberry Resort has commanding views across the Firth of Clyde, with its renovated lighthouse serving as a memorable halfway house. Prestwick Golf Club is a historic links course where holes wind through rugged dunes and rippling fairways, while Royal Troon Golf Club is a classic out-and-back links course renowned for its fast, immaculate fairways and challenging, pot-bunker-guarded greens.
Outdoor adventurers should not miss Goat Fell, the Isle of Arran’s highest peak and a favourite with hillwalkers and climbers. Those who reach the summit are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and the chance to spot wildlife such as majestic golden eagles and the endemic Arran whitebeams, among the rarest trees in the world. Loch Doon is another excellent destination, offering scenic trails through rocky gorges and forests, atmospheric ruins to explore, and a visitor centre with a live osprey cam in spring.
Ayrshire’s beautiful coastline is equally impressive, with sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and rocky shorelines. Prestwick Beach is popular with families, thanks to its long esplanade, children’s play area, and grassy picnic spots. Greenan Beach, overlooked by a 16th-century tower house, offers excellent coastal walks. South Beach is perfect for building sandcastles, collecting shells, or enjoying a paddle, with its pier providing a pleasant spot for fishing.
For a memento of your visit, head to West Kilbride, designated as Scotland’s Craft Town, where you will find a range of working studios, cafés, pubs, and independent art and craft retailers, complemented by some lovely gardens and attractive green spaces.
For a relaxing countryside escape with opportunities for walking, climbing, wildlife watching, golf, and cultural attractions, choose a farm holiday in Ayrshire for your next break.
