Clyde Coast, Culzean Castle & Ayr

Most of Ayrshire’s castles face the sea and there are few more romantic sights in the British Isles than a Scottish castle perched on the edge of a cliff. You’ll travel south along the coastal road and pass Dunure Castle, once one of the many strongholds of the powerful Kennedy family who ruled Ayrshire. A few miles south of Dunure, lies Culzean Castle and Country Park. You’ll pass through the castle’s imposing archway and into the quadrangle from where there are splendid views down to the waters of the Firth of Clyde.

You enter the castle by the porch and then you’ll pass through the original entrance to the castle, which still retains its delicate fanlight. The oval staircase will bring you to the saloon with its specially woven carpet. On the return drive, a stop in the town of Ayr will allow you to browse a selection of well-known stores to seek out the best of quality Scottish merchandise and to have lunch on your own.