Our incredible tour of the majestic lowlands and lochs of the southwest takes in mulls, beautiful gardens, castles and forests as we discover the stunning landscapes of the area, as well as ‘Brig ‘o Doon’ at the Robert Burns museum and a cream tea at a working farm.
Portpatrick
Castle Kennedy
Culzean Castle Courtesy of NTS
Kitchen Coos & Ewes
The Mull of Galloway lighthouse
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Logan Botanic Gardens & Mull of Galloway
We start the day with sightseeing in Portpatrick, a picture-postcard harbour on the Mull of Galloway with superb views over the Solway Firth to Ireland and the Isle of Man. After a short stop, we head to Logan Botanic Gardens, Scotland’s most exotic garden. Due to the location’s almost subtropical climate, we can explore fascinating plant treasures from South/Central America, Southern Africa and Australasia. Afterwards we head to the impressive Mull of Galloway, the very south-westerly tip of Scotland with breathtaking views, a lighthouse and the smashing Gallie Craig Coffee House. Note this trip to the Mull of Galloway involves narrow single-track roads but comes highly recommended by an experienced coach driver.
Day 3 Robert Burns Birthplace Museum & Culzean Castle
This morning we enjoy a scenic sightseeing drive hugging Loch Ryan’s eastern shore then up the Firth of Clyde coast with views of Ailsa Craig offshore, finally cutting inland to Ayr. While there we visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum dedicated to Scotland’s favourite son and his unique writing. In the afternoon we visit magnificent Culzean Castle, former seat of the Kennedy Clan and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Gardens, beaches and a stunning cliff top setting are sure to impress even before we set foot inside where we will find a magnificent oval staircase and a fine collection of paintings.
Day 4 Kitchen Coos and Ewes & Castle Kennedy
This morning we head to Kitchen Coos & Ewes at High Airyolland Farm for a guided experience of Highland Cows (coos) in their natural environment. After our tour of the farm in our passenger trailer, we return for a sheep shearing demonstration and enjoy a cream tea in the farmhouse kitchen. This afternoon, we visit delightful Castle Kennedy Gardens, one of Scotland’s hidden treasures, and home to a historical collection of Rhododendrons, Championship Trees and rare species. Set in 75 acres around the ruins of Castle Kennedy surrounded by the White and Black Lochs, the lily pond is a remarkable sight! We then return to our hotel.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
North West Castle Hotel
Stranraer, Aryshire
The 19th-century North West Castle Hotel is a fine country house hotel, located across the road from the shores of Loch Ryan, just a 10 minute walk to the centre of Stranraer. Once the home of the Scottish Explorer Sir John Ross, the hotel makes an excellent base for exploring the beautiful local area. All 72 spacious, homely bedrooms are comfortable and equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The large, incredibly grand dining room offers views across the loch and the relaxing, wood panelled bar has plenty of comfortable seating. There are also three luxurious lounge areas. Leisure facilities include a good-sized indoor swimming pool, a sauna, spa bath and gym, as well as its own indoor curling rink, which frequently hosts curling events throughout the year.
BarLeisure FacilitiesLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- Entrance to Logan Botanic Gardens
- Entrance to Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
- Entrance to Culzean Castle and Grounds
- Big Bus Tour & Cream Tea at Kitchen, Coos & Ewes
- Entrance to Castle Kennedy Gardens
See quote for hotel inclusions
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £398pp
No Single Supplement (max 2 incl driver)
Based on Sunday arrivals
