Did you know?
Much of the area is home to the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, and has been recognised internationally as a world-class environment for people and nature.
Destinations and maps
Easy to reach and even easier to explore, Ayrshire & Arran sits on the west coast of Scotland, only a 40 minute drive from Glasgow, and features the wonders of island life, countryside towns and sandy shores. This is the region that gave us our National Bard, Robert Burns. Explore the great Burns attractions, take a wander around an ancient castle, or learn about the Vikings who once set foot on these very shores.
Both Ayrshire and Arran produce a range of tasty treats that you won't want to miss. Try the fresh seafood, caught daily off the shore, sit down to a main course of local lamb, beef or pork combined with Ayrshire 'tatties' or indulge your sweet tooth with ice cream, chocolate and more. It's easy to see why this is one of Scotland's top regions for golf. Choose from close to 50 golf courses in Ayrshire & Arran offering classic links and majestic inland layouts, or take a tour with a golf partner. Just a short ferry ride across the Firth of Clyde and you can explore either Arran or Cumbrae, or even both! Experience perfect island life, which is full of tasty food and drink, exciting outdoor activities and beautiful views.
"Our base at Largs allows us access to one of the best sailing areas in the world. Quite simply, a sailing holiday or yacht charter is one of the best Scottish staycation experiences. Sail away with your family and friends and rebalance your mind and soul."
Plan your Clyde coast and Ayrshire break with Hazel's recommendations, and see our video.
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Zoom: + - Pan: ← → ↑ ↓Book a group tour, take a boat cruise or hire a campervan in Ayrshire & Arran.
Spend the day on the sand in Ayrshire & Arran building castles or just gazing out at the view.
Tour around all of Ayrshire & Arran's great castles.
Head up Goatfell on Arran or just meander along the coast.
Celebrate the life and works of Scotland's National Bard.
From the gentle Burns' Trail to rewarding River Ayr Way, discover the best walks in Ayrshire.
This region is the birthplace of The Open Championship with three venues, and close to 50 courses including Trump Turnberry and Royal Troon.
Ayrshire & Arran is full of flavour, with fantastic eateries and an abundant natural larder of tasty delights.
Home to the sportscotland National Centre, Ayrshire & Arran really is the place to try watersports and make a splash!
Uncover the many gems in Ayrshire, from foodie treats and outdoor adventure to day trips and cultural spots.
Explore these Ayrshire gems that will take you off the beaten path to uncover whole other side of the region.
East Ayrshire is full of undiscovered gems hiding in the many nooks and crannies of the region.
Explore Ness Glen and Loch Doon for picturesque walks, enjoy afternoon tea in the Roundhouse Cafe, witness spectacular starry night sky views from the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, taste award-winnning cheeses at Dunlop Dairy, or have a fun family day out at Dean Castle and Country Park.
Discover the new eBook for information!
Looking for a family break? Then look no further. Gaze into dark starry skies, experience castle adventures and island delights, or uncover coastal treasures in hidden rockpools. Find out what Globalmouse Travels thought when they came to visit.
Much of the area is home to the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, and has been recognised internationally as a world-class environment for people and nature.
Ayrshire & Arran is easy to reach from most of Scotland's big cities, but is closest to Glasgow - only half an hour's drive. You can take the coach or train from lots of main cities in the UK, or drive along the main motorways. In summer, a ferry operates from Campbeltown in Argyll to Ardrossan.
Once you're here, you can cycle or walk along main routes and paths, use the local bus service, hire or bring a car, and catch the ferry out to Arran in under an hour, and Cumbrae in just 10 minutes.