South West Scotland-Heriatge, Gardens & Coastline

Day 1

A morning departure as we head north to Scotch Corner and then on via Carlisle to Stranraer and the North West Castle Hotel. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 2

Our first visit today is to 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. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3

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. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4

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 a tractor driven 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, the lily pond is a remarkable sight! We then return to our hotel for our final dinner.

Day 5

After breakfast we make the journey home

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner