On the shores of the Firth of Clyde, and the western coast of Scotland, this is one of the most agriculturally fertile of all the Scottish regions. Potatoes and strawberries are both popular crops, and cattle and pigs the most favoured livestock. Once heavily industrialised, with coal mining, steel making and much production-line manufacturing, as well as textile work on carpets and linens, the area continues to be the centre for the regional aviation industry, based around Prestwick, whilst modern technological innovation has been introduced by a number of leading hardwear and software manufacturers.
Just as the Breton peninsula was once seen to be landlocked by a combination of sea coastline and woodland, a popular Scottish saying has it that ‘Galloway is contained by the sea to the west and south, the Galloway Hills to the north, and the river Nith to the east.’
The Galloway Hills are part of the Southern Uplands, and run south from Loch Doon almost as far as the Solway Firth, offering some wonderfully rugged countryside, much of it within the bounds of the Galloway Forest Park and managed by the Forestry Commission.
Things to do in Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway
As with elsewhere in Scotland, golf is at the heart of Ayrshire leisure, with some of the finest courses in Scotland. From the most challenging championship links courses to more relaxed park courses; Royal Troon, Turnberry and Old Prestwick are world-renowned professional links, whilst Belleisle and Brunston are particularly popular scenic parks.
There are more than 40 castles throughout Ayrshire, many of which are open to the public. Just 12 miles to the south of Ayr, Culzean Castle stands on the brink of 150ft cliffs. The plush and pristine castle and grounds are maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. By way of contrast, Dunure Castle has been an impressive ruin for more than three hundred years, although recent restoration and consolidation work means that much of the castle is now accessible to visitors. It is also one of many venues that can truthfully announce that ‘Mary, Queen of Scots slept here’.
Top Destinations
Ayr – A coastal town and port situated at the mouth of the River Ayr on the Firth of Clyde, Ayr was once the seat of the first Parliament of Scotland, with Robert the Bruce holding court in 1315. Later, Cromwell made the town a fortress, building a huge wall around the town, the remains of which can still be seen to this day.
Ailsa Craig – One of three islands a short distance off the Ayrshire coast, Ailsa Craig is now a bird sanctuary, and a number of different boat companies offer frequent trips around the island. The Waverley Paddle Steamer also visits the island regularly throughout the Summer months.
The Island of Arran – Brodick is the largest town on the island, with an impressive castle to its north. However, the strategic importance of Brodick Castle has long been overtaken by its use as a stately and family home, with much expansion work taking place after 1844, when improved transportation links, a strategic marriage and inherited wealth all conspired to allow the castle be viewed as a more favoured family residence by the Dukes of Hamilton.
Kirkoswald– Made famous by the poet Robert Burns, who spent the Summer of 1775 in the village, Souter Johnnie’s Cottage is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. Souter Johnnie is one of the characters in Burns’ masterpiece, Tam o’Shanter, and is thought to have been based on local shoemaker John Davidson.
Kirkcudbright – At the mouth of the River Dee, just six miles from the sea, the town has long prized its association with the Glasgow art movement.
Gretna – The town’s proximity to the English border has given this former customs post its principal claim to fame as an elopement destination; following a 1753 English Act of Parliament, anyone under the age of 21 needed their parents consent if they wished to marry; as the Act did not apply in Scotland, Gretna was often the first Scottish village reached by star-crossed lovers. Although a lowering of the age of consent now makes English couples less prevalent, it is said that as many as one in six of all Scottish weddings still take place in the town.
Heron Lodge is set in a lovely peaceful, rural location on edge of Mabie Forest a tranquil and peaceful location surrounded by beautiful countryside with views of hills and Mabie Forest.
This luxury lodge is privately ...
Jasmine Cottage, Collin, near Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway
Jasmine Cottage is a detached and spacious holiday home set in beautiful farming countryside. Sleeping 5, Jasmine Cottage offers spacious rooms, is warm, comfortable and well-presented. The large enclosed garden is a treat ...
Ancrum House, Gretna Green , Dumfries and Galloway, Annan
This holiday cottage is light and spacious, making the perfect base for families and couples alike. The large entertaining kitchen/dining room are flooded with light from the large sky light and bi-folding doors that open ...
Long Cottage, Balcary Mews, Shore Road, Auchencairn, Dumfries and Galloway
Description
Long Cottage is a whitewashed, well-insulated, stone built cottage that was once a 19th century grain store and forms part of the secluded Balcary Mews courtyard. It fronts onto a quiet lane just 50 metres ...
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 ...
Peacefully set with panoramic views over countryside to the Nith Estuary, these detached, single-storey holiday cottages have their own garden and have been furnished and equipped to the STB’s ‘4 Star’ standard. ...
Morton Mains Cottage is a beautiful traditional sandstone 19th century cottage in an isolated and secluded location. It lies up a very lightly used road, and the nearest inhabited house is over half a mile away.
The ...
This is a picturesque detached cottage with a 1/3 acre of land, summer house and burn flowing at the foot of the garden. The cottage briefly comprises of 2 Bedrooms (double and twin), Kitchen, Lounge Diner, Bathroom and ...
Waulkmill Cottage, Carronbridge near Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway
This charming semi-detached cottage, which was once the village smithy, is in the tiny hamlet of Carronbridge just two miles from the broad streets of Thornhill with its good local shops, pubs and restaurants. Very ...
Lennox is a cedarwood chalet, which we had built on the edge of a beautiful beach on the Solway Coast, 35 years ago for our own family use. It has been refurbished and modernised over the years.
It is situated about a ...
Within a prestigious award-winning development, this first floor holiday apartment offers a quiet, peaceful location from which to explore the surrounding area. Situated only 500 metres from the spectacular rugged Ayrshire ...
Ancrum House, Gretna Green , Dumfries and Galloway, Annan
This holiday cottage is light and spacious, making the perfect base for families and couples alike. The large entertaining kitchen/dining room are flooded with light from the large sky light and bi-folding doors that open ...
Annan House, Annan, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway
'Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .'In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water lilies, splendid trees, ...
Charming stable block apartments, close to Victorian manor houseSet in 15-acres beautiful grounds with lawned areasSet close to Largs on the Firth of Clyde, these charming holiday apartments have been carefully converted ...
16 steps to entrance. All on first floor: Living/dining area/kitchen. 2 double bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and toilet. Bathroom with toilet. ...
This is a picturesque detached cottage with a 1/3 acre of land, summer house and burn flowing at the foot of the garden. The cottage briefly comprises of 2 Bedrooms (double and twin), Kitchen, Lounge Diner, Bathroom and ...
This is a picturesque detached cottage with a 1/3 acre of land, summer house and burn flowing at the foot of the garden. The cottage briefly comprises of 2 Bedrooms (double and twin), Kitchen, Lounge Diner, Bathroom and ...
Bank Cottage, Bowness-on-Solway, Cumbria, Silloth and the Solway Coast
A little hidden gem! Bank Cottage is tucked away off the main street in a small friendly village within the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This detached 18th-century cottage has been completely renovated ...
Peacefully set, this detached cottage enjoys a tranquil setting with views over the winding River Cree, and lies within walking distance of the Wood of Cree, the largest area of ancient woodland in southern Scotland, and ...
Bardristane Forge, Near Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway, Kirkcudbright
With fine, uninterrupted sea views from every room and located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this detached, traditional 1895 cottage was originally home to the local blacksmith. It has been furnished with ...
This lovely holiday property forms the lower part of a converted school and offers a very good standard of accommodation for guests, with extra long beds for a comfortable nights sleep. Located in rural Ayrshire the ...
This charming, detached holiday cottage is on a quiet country lane, situated on a working farm and is ideally located to explore the beauty of Dumfries and Galloway and Scotland’s Border Country with picturesque towns ...
This beautifully presented detached cottage boasts pretty, private gardens with a small orchard, and has lovely views over the surrounding countryside. Braefoot 1860 is quietly situated on the edge of the very attractive ...
This cosy, semi-detached cottage is situated in the bustling seaside town of Largs, with its shops, restaurants and promenade. Ideally located to explore the islands of Cumbrae, Arran and the Isle of Bute, and ferries also ...
Burnside, Rigg, near Gretna Green, Dumfries & Galloway, Annan, Dumfries and Galloway
Burnside is situated on the outskirts of the small village of Rigg on a country lane close to the world famous Gretna Green. The location is ideal as it is only minutes from the main A75 and M6 so absolutely perfect for ...
Butterhole Cottage is in a truly delightful setting with fabulous views. Renovated in 2019, Butterhole Cottage is a warm and comfortable, single-storey cottage attached to the owners farmhouse. The living room benefits ...
Caleview, Gourock, near Glasgow, Glasgow and the Clyde Valley
This detached, holiday bungalow, situated in Gourock, and a 45-minute drive away from Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, has exceptional breathtaking views from inside and out, over the Port of Gourock and the Clyde ...
This spacious, terraced cottage has been renovated throughout, and has a well maintained private garden to the rear in which to relax after a days exploring. The cottage is situated in the historic town of Gatehouse of ...
Set in 4 acres of woodland and close to the quaint village of Failford, this detached 18th-century cottage has stunning original arched windows and is a short walk away from the River Ayr Way. It provides a tranquil base ...
Cedar Lodge, Kippford near Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, Sandyhills
This delightful detached log cabin is located on the outskirts of the charming Kippford sailing village, with stunning views of the estuary. Sailing is the hub of Kippford village life and there is ample room in the ...
Church Cottage, Ecclefechan, near Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway, Annan
Church Cottage is a charming, little mid-terraced cottage in the quiet village of Ecclefechan, nestling in the east of Dumfries and Galloway and within easy reach of the border to the south. The cottage has been completely ...
Coachmans Cottage, Sandyhills, Colvend, near Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway
Situated close to the popular seaside village of Rockcliffe, this detached, character property offers an ideal holiday base from which to explore the Solway coastline and surrounding area. Located only 5 minutes’ walk ...
With lovely views over MacLellan’s Castle and its gardens, this spacious, first and second floor, Georgian townhouse apartment also has its own lovely garden to retreat to and relax in after a busy day. Located within ...
Peacefully set with panoramic views over countryside to the Nith Estuary, these detached, single-storey holiday cottages have their own garden and have been furnished and equipped to the STB’s ‘4 Star’ standard. ...
Craig Hall, Drummore, near Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway, Dumfries and Galloway
This charming, detached property is situated in the small coastal village of Drummore, Scotland’s most southerly point. Craig Hall, originally the village gospel hall, has been renovated to a good standard while ...
Creachan, Port William, near Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway
This detached cottage enjoys sea views and is situated in the harbour village of Port William only 100 yards from the sea. Port William, known as the ‘Machars of Galloway’ has been presented with the ‘Pride of ...
Endeavour's End, Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway, Kirkcudbright
This spacious terraced holiday cottage is located within the conservation village of Gatehouse of Fleet, with shops, cafes and restaurants, and offers a peaceful retreat from which to explore the Solway Coast with its many ...
Esk Apartment, Annan, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway
'Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .'In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water lilies, splendid trees, ...
Ettrick Cottage, Closeburn, near Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway
One of a pair of beautifully situated rural holiday cottages, Ettrick Cottage is the perfect place for peace and relaxation, with comfortable, bright accommodation. This semi-detached cottage enjoys views towards the vast ...
Fisherman's Cottage, Stairhaven by Glenluce, Dumfries and Galloway, Stranraer
Fisherman’s Cottage is in an idyllic spot on the shore of Luce Bay in Stairhaven. The cottage boasts a private slipway and uninterrupted views across to the Rhinns of Galloway. Fisherman’s Cottage in Stairhaven is ...
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