Culzean Castle, Burns Country & Ayrshire Coast from Glasgow
Departs Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from Glasgow
April 1 to October 31, 2022
A day spent discovering the highlights of rural Ayrshire – an area that is less well known to visitors but full of fascinating castles, culture and history. Relax as you explore the rolling hills and dramatic coastal scenery of one of Scotland’s “hidden secrets”.
This tour is ideal for those who love beautiful castles, gardens and walks as well the poems, songs and stories of Robert Burns.
DEPARTURE FROM GLASGOW: Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont Street, Glasgow G2 3NW (Tours will depart from a stance located between Stances 23 to 32).
The tour departs at 9:30am and returns at approx. 6:00pm same day.
Itinerary
Day
Tour
Culzean Castle, Burns Country & Ayrshire Coast from Glasgow
9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
DEPARTURE FROM GLASGOW: Outside Parish Hall, 266 George Street, Glasgow (next to the City Chambers).
Departing from Glasgow you quickly climb into the Renfrewshire Hills where the first stop of the day will give you a glimpse into the future at Europe’s largest windfarm – big enough to supply clean energy to over 180,000 homes. From here the road south into Ayrshire is quick and easy passing through rich farming country with many small towns and villages.
On arrival at Culzean Country Park you will have the choice of visiting the castle and gardens or just the gardens and woodland walks. An entry fee is payable on arrival. (Please note there is no free option at this stop). The castle dates from the late 18th Century – a peaceful time in Scottish history so it is less of a defensive castle and more like a great country house with fine furniture and beautiful Robert Adam architecture. Sitting right on the edge of the cliffs looking out over the Firth of Clyde the views are superb and the surrounding gardens are beautiful. For those who like walking there are miles of tracks and footpaths through the grounds – taking in the Swan Pond, deer park, and walled gardens as well as rocky coves and sandy beaches. This will also be your lunch stop.
After lunch you will follow the coastline to the tiny fishing village of Dunure with its ancient ruined castle and dark history. Continuing on, the road leads down into the outskirts of the market town of Ayr. This is the countryside of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. You will see many places mentioned in his poems and songs –from Auld Kirk Alloway to the “Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon”. The recently redeveloped visitor centre will tell you all you need to know about this remarkable man. Born a poor farmer’s son but now famous as the writer of “Auld Lang Syne”, a song known and sung in friendship throughout the world.
There are also riverside walks and the Auld Brig (old bridge) to explore as well as the haunted ruins of the old church.
From here we return to Glasgow.
Availability
| Room Type | Adult |
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| No Tour Availability listed. |
Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars.
Exclusions: Lunch and refreshments. Entrance fees to all visitor attractions.
CHILDREN: Under 5 years of age are not accepted.
Tour Highlights
- Magnificent Culzean Castle & Gardens
- Clifftop walk
- Dunure & the Ayrshire Coast
- Robert Burns birthplace museum
- Alloway Old Kirk (Church)
- The original "Brig O'Doon"
- Whitelee Windfarm
Tour Inclusions
- Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour. Air Conditioning as standard. Services of a professional local driver/guide.