7 days 6 nights/Half Board
£1032.00 pp in a single room
£NA Club Class
£125.00pp Deposit
£NA Insurance
Overview
This tour takes us to a delightful corner of Southwest Scotland, situated on the beautiful Clyde Coast of Ayrshire, the gateway to one of Scotland’s finest islands, the Isle of Arran, often referred to as ‘Scotland in Miniature’. Other highlights include a visit to historic Dumfries House and a very scenic cruise on Lake Windermere
Itinerary
Sunday 15th June
We depart Sussex this morning and make our way north, having made a suitable comfort stop we arrive in Stafford where we enjoy an extended break over the lunchtime period. Later we continue to our overnight hotel in Preston.
Monday 16th June
We depart our hotel and re-join the motorway. We arrive in Bowness where we have arranged a 75-minute scenic cruise, with commentary, that takes in the most beautiful part of Lake Windermere. There will also be time for a wander and a sandwich before we continue to our hotel where we arrive late afternoon
Tuesday 17th June
We head south this morning to Culzean Castle and Country Park, perched high above the Ayrshire cliffs. A costumed guide will share the secrets of the castle, once home to the chieftain of Clan Kennedy, an ancient Scottish family descended from Robert the Bruce. Explore the many secret follies on the estate see the Swan Pond the flamboyant formal gardens and the fruit filled glasshouses. Early afternoon we make the short journey to Ayr where we have arranged admission to the birthplace of a genius and Scotland’s favourite son, the Burns Birthplace Museum and Burns Cottage. The Birthplace Museum offers a truly unique encounter with Scotland’s favourite son. Robert Burns is Scotland’s National Bard, and his poetry and songs are known and loved the world over.
Wednesday 18th June
Today we make our way to Dumfries House, part of The King's Foundation and one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes. Set in 2,000 acres, this stunning Estate and 18th-century house has something of interest for everyone including an outstanding collection of eighteenth-century furniture with many fine examples of the work by Thomas Chippendale. We enjoy a guided tour here with time to explore the grounds.
Thursday 19th June
Today we head of to Ardrossan to catch the ferry to Brodick where we start our full day excursion to the Isle of Arran, beginning with an included visit to Brodick Castle. Dramatically set against the backdrop of Goatfell, the grand, red sandstone, baronial-style castle has stunning views over Brodick Bay and boasts impressive gardens. There will be time in Brodick before re-boarding the ferry back to the mainland mid afternoon.
Friday 20th June
After breakfast we commence our journey south and having made a suitable stop we arrive in Carlisle where there will be time to explore, maybe visit The Cathedral, The Castle or The Tullie Museum and Art Gallery and find some lunch before we continue to our overnight hotel
Saturday 21st June
We depart our hotel after breakfast and continue our homeward journey. We break our journey in the historic town of Warwick where you will have time for lunch and a wander around. We aim to be back in the Maresfield area by approximately 19.00
Holiday Hotel
The 4 star Riverside Lodge Hotel , 46 Annick Rd, Irvine KA11 4LD. Phone: 01294 279274. www.the riversidelodgehotel.co.uk
The low-rise Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine is independently owned and run by the Fitzsimmons Group. A modern low rise hotel on the outskirts of the town and set in its own well maintained grounds. The reception, lounge, bar and restaurant were tastefully redesigned and refurbished in 2018 to a high standard. Offering 128 double or twin bedrooms, 64 on the ground floor and 64 accessed via stairs on the first floor (no lift) The restaurant offers full Scottish buffet breakfast with served dinners, three course, three choices with after dinner tea and coffee. There is an extensive decked outside seating area accessible from the bar/restaurant plus grounds to walk within.
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