Further Afield

The historic harbour town of Girvan is a short drive away. Once a fishing village, it became an Irish weaving town and then a popular seaside resort in the 19th century. Now it is home to William Grant & Sons, one of Scotland’s largest whisky distilleries.

Here you can find a variety of shops and cafes along its high street, a garage, supermarket, leisure centre and playground. Out at sea is the granite island of Ailsa Craig, now a bird sanctuary famous for its gannets and increasing number of puffins. Sea fishing trips and visits to the island can be arranged through South West Scotland Boat Charters.

Other activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and bushcraft can be booked through Adventure Carrick. There is a long stretch of beaches along the coast of South Ayrshire and many trails in the neighbouring hills, making this region a perfect place for walkers.

Ayrshire is a world-famous golf destination known for historic links courses and Open Championship venues, including Royal Troon, Prestwick, Girvan and the famous Turnberry course. At Turnberry  there is also an activity centre, riding stables, spa and selection of restaurants and bars throughout the resort.

Castle Kennedy Gardens: 75 acres of sculptured landscape on a narrow isthmus between the Black Loch and the White Loch and home to the Earls of Stair since the 14th century. The gardens date from 1720 and are famous for their rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias as well as their Championship Trees. There is a tea room, gift shop and plant centre beside the ruined Castle Kennedy.

Logan Botanic Gardens: ‘Scotland’s Most Exotic Garden,’ Logan is a true paradise. Began in 1869 by Agnes Buchan-Hepburn and James McDouall, its subtropical climate provides a home to over 1,800 different species of plants from right across the world's temperate regions. It has become particularly renowned for its collections of plants from the southern hemisphere, especially from New Zealand and Tasmania. Nearby at Port Logan is a fishpond, the UK's oldest natural marine aquarium.

Glenwhan Gardens: On what was once rough moorland, Glenwhan has been cultivated over four decades from bog, rushes and gorse to win accolades as one of the best new gardens of recent times. Formed around two small lochans it contains a range of seasonal blooms, exotic plants and rare species with gentle footpaths meandering throughout. From here are stunning sea views across to the Isle of Man, Luce Bay, and the Mull of Galloway.

Bargany Gardens: The 40 acres of gardens at Bargany are open to the public each May in all their springtime glory. They first came into being in the late 18th Century, with plans by Thomas White and George Robertson in 1774, and there was a subsequent series of gardeners associated with the house, up to W S Gilpin in the 1820s. It is mainly his work that remains today. Snake bark maple and tulip trees, the Chilean flame tree, magnolia and many others can be found between its mature woodlands, picturesque boating pond, cherry tree orchard, rock garden and walled garden.