Experiences

Give your guests an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

Experience What Ayrshire & the Islands Has to Offer

A memorable tour gives guests something to talk about long after they return home. In Ayrshire & the Islands, that could be standing where Robert Burns’ story began, exploring a castle above the coast or discovering the flavours of a local distillery. Bring together cultural visits, outdoor experiences and island discoveries to create a programme with its own character. Whether your groups have an afternoon or several days, find experiences that reflect their interests and give them a closer connection to Scotland. 

Discover the places, people and stories that make Ayrshire & the Islands a highlight of your tours. 

Experience Ayrshire & the Islands

Find the experiences that will bring your itinerary to life. Explore ideas across heritage, food and drink, coastal scenery and island life, then connect with providers to discuss how each visit could work for your groups, dates and preferred pace. 

Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Auchrannie Resort

Open year-round, the employee owned Auchrannie Resort on the Isle of Arran is renowned as one of Scotland’s premier destinations, offering a versatile retreat ideal for relaxation, adventure, or celebratory occasions. Since our establishment in 1988 as a modest 16-bedroom guesthouse, Auchrannie has evolved into a comprehensive resort. Now consisting 129 accommodation units (85 bedrooms and 44 self contained lodges & retreats). The accommodation is complemented by two restaurants, three bars, leisure facilities and a spa. Auchrannie welcomes individual travellers as well as small groups. Our commitment to providing exceptional island hospitality shines through every aspect of our service, characterised by both passion and a distinctive personality. Every visit promises memorable moments and a warm Scottish welcome
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Ayr Holiday Apartments

Ayr Holiday Apartments offers stylish, comfortable self-catering accommodation in Ayr and Prestwick on Scotland’s beautiful Ayrshire coast. Our individually styled apartments and cottage provide a welcoming home from home, ideal for short breaks, holidays, visiting friends and family, golf trips and business stays. With excellent locations close to beaches, restaurants, shops, golf courses and local attractions, our properties are a great base for exploring Ayrshire and the wider west coast of Scotland. Guests can book directly through our website for the best available rates.
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Bellevue Farm

We are a working farm offering guided farm tours and self guided farm experience.  Our large purpose built barn enables us to cater for large and small groups and we can tailor any visit to your groups specific requirements, this may include feeding the Highland cows, learning about life on an island working farm or enjoying a unique eating experience using our own home reared meats and other island produce.
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Craufurdland Castle Estate, Activity Centre and Laird’s Table

Discover Craufurdland – A Living Scottish Estate Just 25 minutes south of Glasgow, Craufurdland is a historic, family-owned Ayrshire estate combining living heritage, Scottish food and outdoor adventure. At the heart of the estate is Craufurdland Castle, home of the Craufurd family. Exclusive to the travel trade, With the Laird experiences invite guests into the family home, personally hosted by Simon Houison Craufurd, 29th Laird of Craufurdland. Family stories, conversation and genuine hospitality offer a more personal encounter with Scottish history, with experiences including Scottish food and afternoon tea. Beyond the castle, Tree Top Trials offers high-ropes adventures, archery, bushcraft and other outdoor activities, while The Laird’s Table serves seasonal, locally sourced Scottish produce overlooking the estate lochan. Guests can also extend their visit with exclusive self-catering accommodation in the historic Castle Towerhouse. Craufurdland offers the chance to experience the stories, food and living heritage of a Scottish family estate.  
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Cycle Station Bike Hire Ltd

Cycle Station Bike Hire Ltd is a community-focused cycling business based in Darvel, East Ayrshire, offering bike hire, repairs, servicing and cycling experiences for both local people and visitors to the area. Our bike hire service helps visitors explore the Irvine Valley and surrounding countryside at their own pace, with access to scenic routes, family-friendly rides and nearby destinations including Whitelee.

We work closely with local accommodation providers and tourism businesses to make cycling an easy addition to a visitor’s stay, helping people discover more of the area, stay longer and enjoy an active, sustainable way to explore East Ayrshire.

Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Donnini Apartments

An Ayrshire-based accommodation provider offering a portfolio of more than 70 serviced apartments, houses and hotel rooms across Ayr, Prestwick, Troon, Irvine and Kilmarnock.

Accommodation ranges from smaller apartments for couples and families to larger houses for groups, providing flexible options for different lengths of stay and itinerary requirements. The portfolio also includes The Kylestrome, their own hotel in Ayr. As a locally based business, the team knows both the area and its properties well and can help the travel trade identify accommodation to suit different clients, group sizes and locations. Guests and operators also have the reassurance of dealing with a local team throughout their stay.
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Dumfries House

Dumfries House has been described as a national treasure that epitomises what we imagine an 18th century classical stately home to be. Commissioned by the 5th Earl of Dumfries House, the House was designed and built by Robert and John Adam and was handed over to its new owner in 1759. On completion, the Earl of Dumfries embarked on a frantic shopping spree to ensure that his home was furnished in the most fashionable and comfortable way possible; no expense was spared. Furnishings for the principal apartments were ordered from the workshop of the renowned Thomas Chippendale in London and from three cabinet makers in Edinburgh. Most of these pieces remain in Dumfries House today, many in their original setting, making the collection a world leader in terms of 18th century furniture. We have plenty of options available for you to host the perfect private event at Dumfries House. From an informal drinks reception, buffet, or afternoon tea through to a formal black-tie fine dining experience, our Events Team will help you plan from start to finish. We’ll support you in choosing the right space, the menu, and every other detail to ensure that you have an event to remember.
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre

Dundonald Castle offers visitors the chance to discover one of Scotland’s most important yet lesser-known historic sites. Birthplace of the Stewart Dynasty and set within 3,500 years of history, this remarkably preserved medieval castle combines powerful stories, spectacular views and a warm community welcome.

Unlike many larger attractions, Dundonald Castle provides a genuinely personal experience. Passionate local volunteers bring Scotland’s history to life through engaging guided tours, sharing the stories, legends and characters that shaped the nation. Operated by the award-winning Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, every visit directly supports the conservation of this much-loved local landmark.

Conveniently located between Glasgow, Ayrshire and the west coast, Dundonald Castle is an ideal addition to cultural touring itineraries, offering flexible experiences for coach groups, special interest tours and FIT travellers.

Why include Dundonald Castle?

  • Birthplace of Scotland’s Stewart Dynasty
  • 3,500 years of history in one remarkable site
  • Award-winning community-led visitor experience
  • Expert local volunteer guides with outstanding storytelling
  • Flexible experiences for groups and FIT
  • Easy touring stop between Glasgow, Ayrshire and Scotland’s west coast
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Glenapp Castle

Nestled on the enchanting southwest coast of Scotland, Glenapp Castle offers a retreat into a bygone era of timeless luxury. The majestic Relais & Châteaux five-star hotel is surrounded by 110 acres of lush gardens and woodlands, overlooking the glistening seascape. Awarded a Michelin Key, Glenapp is celebrated for its deeply personal service and meticulous attention to detail. Guests can relax in one of the 17 meticulously designed Castle Bedroom Suites, all with their own style, size and story, alongside the secluded one-bedroom Garden Cottage Suite, nestled in the walled gardens with its own private wellness sanctuary. For slightly larger groups, the incredible four- or two-bedroom Castle Penthouse Suite offers a spectacular private residence in the sky. Dining is equally exceptional, from the elegant, 3 AA Rosette-awarded Castle Restaurant showcasing refined Scottish cuisine, to the relaxed charm of The Azalea by Glenapp Castle throughout the summer season. A stay is further enriched by an extensive collection of over 70 curated experiences, including falconry, archery, chauffeured tours and whisky tasting. A variety of sea adventures are also available on the Glenapp Boat, such as the signature Hebridean Sea Safari – a once-in-a-lifetime glamping adventure on the remote island of Jura.
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Lamlash House

Lamlash House is a privately owned Category B Listed Victorian property in Newmilns, Ayrshire, built in 1890 as both a bank and the bank manager’s family home. Following a lengthy period of restoration, today, Lamlash House offers exclusive-use heritage and hospitality experiences, including guided house tours, Afternoon Tea and private dining, all within a characterful setting that reflects the area’s banking, social and lace-making history.  It is a distinctive choice for visitors looking to experience a more personal side of Ayrshire’s rich heritage, with small-group experiences available by advance booking.
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Lochinver Guest House

Lochinver Guest House offers characterful bed and breakfast accommodation in a spacious Victorian townhouse in central Ayr, within easy walking distance of the town centre and seafront. Seven individually styled guest rooms, each named after a clan associated with Ayrshire, combine original Victorian features with modern comforts. All rooms have either en-suite or private facilities and are pet-free. Breakfast is served in the dining room, with Afternoon Tea and an Ayrshire Ashet also available by arrangement in the elegant drawing room, adding a locally distinctive experience to a stay. The guest house welcomes adults and older children aged 12 and over.
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Marine & Lawn Troon

Marine & Lawn Troon sits along Scotland’s Ayrshire coast, where sweeping beaches, rolling dunes, and uninterrupted views of the Isle of Arran have shaped some of the game’s most iconic links.

The hotel opens directly onto Royal Troon Golf Club, a ten-time Open Championship venue and home to the iconic Postage Stamp, the shortest and most treacherous hole in Open golf.

Marine & Lawn Troon offers unmatched settings for unforgettable weddings, special events, and meetings with iconic architecture, signature hospitality, and an award-winning spa.

Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

McBride Luxury Transfers

We are a luxury transportation company who cater to Corporate Events, Scottish Tours/Whiskey Distillery/Lochs & Glens, We also cover Golf Tours & Wedding Car services within the West Coast of Scotland. We are based in Alloway, South Ayrshire just round from the Burns Cottage which is the birth place of the late Poet Rabbie Burns.
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Mogabout – Arran Safari

Mogabout Arran Safari offers visitors a unique way to discover the Isle of Arran, travelling beyond the usual tourist routes to experience the island’s dramatic landscapes, wildlife and hidden corners. Guests explore in one of two distinctive 16-seat 4×4 vehicles: the iconic Unimog, ideal for adventurous forest and off-road routes, and the comfortable Mercedes Sprinter 4×4, perfectly suited to longer scenic and coastal journeys around the island. Led by knowledgeable local guides, each safari combines spectacular scenery, fascinating stories and the chance to spot Arran’s celebrated wildlife, including golden eagles, red deer, otters, red squirrels and seals. With consistently outstanding 5-star reviews, Mogabout has become one of Arran’s most memorable visitor experiences — ideal for individual travellers, private groups, cruise guests and bespoke itineraries looking for something genuinely different.

Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

MYB Textiles

MYB Textiles – Behind the Scenes of Scottish Textile Heritage In the Ayrshire town of Newmilns, MYB Textiles has been producing lace and Madras sheers since 1900 and is believed to be the only mill in the world still creating patterned lace on original Nottingham lace looms. An exclusive behind-the-scenes experience takes visitors inside the working mill to see historic lace looms and Madras weaving machines in action and discover the skill and craftsmanship behind the fabrics. The mill is also home to the world’s widest lace loom, measuring 12.2 metres. MYB fabrics can be found in luxury interiors and have featured in more than 70 film and television productions worldwide. The visit concludes in the mill shop, where guests can browse authentic Scottish textiles made on site.
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Old Byre Visitor Centre

Family business for nearly 70 years, started out offering sheepskin rugs and some knitwear within an Old Byre (Scottish word for cow shed), now run by the daughter and husband and comprises 2 shops, a cafe and children’s play area. The Old Byre Showroom offers quality Scottish and Irish knitwear, wool throws, sustainable clothing brands and accessories all made from natural materials.  The Shoe Bothy stocks all kinds of footwear from pre walkers to pensioners – shoes, sandals, boots, walking boots, wellies and slippers. Cafe Thyme has its own wood burning oven and specialises in flatbreads and Turkish pides (Lorna’s husband is Turkish) as well as a mix of Scottish and mediterranean food all freshly made to order. There are also 30 loose leaf teas, coffees and home made cakes. The children’s play area offers a safe place with swings, slide, trampoline, giant connect 4, digger area, swing ball, climbing frame and basketball. The views from the cafe and play area look over the sea to Kintyre and the spectacular Druid standing stone takes pride of place in the adjacent field.
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

RAD Hotel Group Ltd

RAD Hotel Group is a family-owned collection of ten distinctive hotels across Scotland, offering exceptional stays, award-winning dining, unforgettable weddings and memorable events. From luxury country houses and coastal retreats to contemporary hotels, each property combines warm Scottish hospitality with its own unique character and setting. Our hotels are –
  • Lochside House Hotel, Lodges & Spa — New Cumnock, Ayrshire
  • The Royal Hotel — Cumnock, Ayrshire
  • Fairfield House Hotel — Ayr, Ayrshire
  • Brig o’ Doon House Hotel — Alloway, Ayrshire
  • Seamill Hydro Hotel — West Kilbride, Ayrshire
  • Seamill House — West Kilbride, Ayrshire
  • Lochgreen House Hotel — Troon, Ayrshire
  • Dalmeny Park Hotel — Barrhead, East Renfrewshire
  • Radstone Hotel — Larkhall, South Lanarkshire
  • Hetland Hall Hotel — Carrutherstown, Dumfries & Galloway
Read more
Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Scottish Maritime Museum

Home to Scotland’s national maritime heritage collection, the award-winning Scottish Maritime Museum brings Scotland’s world-famous shipbuilding story to life. At its Irvine Harbourside site, visitors can explore historic vessels, engineering achievements and the remarkable Grade A-listed Linthouse, a former shipyard engine shed, through engaging exhibitions and interactive displays. Well located for Ayrshire and west coast itineraries, the Museum offers a flexible, self-guided visit suitable for coach groups, FITs and special-interest travellers. Why visitors love it:
  • Scotland’s national maritime collection
  • Historic vessels and the Grade A-listed Linthouse
  • Flexible visits for groups and independent travellers
  • Particularly suited to heritage and special-interest itineraries
  • Convenient addition to Ayrshire and west coast touring routes
Read more

Ayrshire & the Island Itinerary Inspiration

Bring your favourite experiences together into a tour your clients will want to book. Explore suggested itineraries for ideas on combining local highlights, planning your route and giving guests time to enjoy the region at a pace that suits them. 

Arran For thousands of years, people have crossed the waters to Arran, drawn to an island of remarkable contrasts. Rugged

Season Icon (3)
Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)

Mainland Ayrshire Ayrshire is a region shaped by its landscape and the people who have lived and worked within it.

Season Icon (1)
Season Icon
Season Icon (2)