Ayrshire coast day trip from glasgow robert burns country and culzean country park

Visit the charming Ayrshire coast, birthplace of Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns, on this full-day trip from Glasgow. Home to ancient Scottish castles and a romantic countryside, you’ll find the region to be as captivating as Robert Burns described in his many poems and songs. Explore Culzean Country Park in the morning, and then spend your afternoon in the heart of ‘Burns Country’ – the town of Ayr where Robert Burns was born.

Leave the city bustle behind in Glasgow and head out by luxury minivan through Scotland’s Renfrewshire Hills. On the drive southwest to the Ayrshire coast, your friendly guide will keep you entertained, explaining some of the history of this charming yet relatively undiscovered region.

First stop on the coast is Culzean Country Park in South Ayrshire, a glorious retreat set in the middle of 600 acres (243 acres) of countryside. Your time here is spent at leisure, so you can do as much, or as little, as you like!

Explore the park’s pretty woodland trails and landscaped gardens, seeking out enchanting features like the Swan Pond or the Victorian Walled Garden. Alternatively, check out Culzean Castle if you wish (own expense). Created in the 18th century by renowned British architect Robert Adam, the cliff-top castle is akin to a treasure trove, with an array of fascinating rooms all brimming with history. Visit the armoury room to see an impressive display of pistols and swords, and learn of President Eisenhower’s links to the castle at the end of World War II.

After having lunch in the park grounds (own expense), meet your guide and continue by minivan past the ancient ruins of castle in Dunure. Next, you’ll arrive in the heart of Burns Country -- the market town of Alloway -- where you'll learn all you need to know about the celebrated Scottish poet Robert Burns.

You’ll have the afternoon to spend in Alloway independently, and your guide will give you plenty of tips for the best sights to see. Visit places mentioned in Burns’ poems and songs, like ‘Auld Kirk Alloway’ (the graveyard in his poem Tam o’ Shanter), or perhaps check out the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (any entry fees at own expense).

From Alloway, you’ll return to Glasgow by minivan, arriving in the city in the early evening.