Ayrshire & Robert Burns Private Day Tour with Scottish Local

Dumfries House is one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes and best kept heritage secrets. Admission to Dumfries House is by guided tour only. There is no charge for admission onto the Estate. Saved by the intervention of King Charles in 2007, Dumfries House combines the architecture of Robert Adam with the furniture of Thomas Chippendale. The house and original contents, which include nearly 10% of Chippendale’s surviving work, represent one of the most important documents of the Scottish Enlightenment. Dumfries House Estate retains much of the original 18th century landscape design and is open to walkers daily from dawn to dusk. You can explore the beautiful setting with ancient trees, the Adam Bridge, river walks, a doo’cot and the wildlife.

On route to Culzean Castle a stop at the A. D. Rattray Whisky Shop awaits you. Located in the heart of Ayrshire, you will find it within the beautifully renovated old village school in Kirkoswald a short distance from the world renowned Trump Turnberry Resort. Discover their own award-winning whiskies alongside a fine selection of wines, beers, rums, gins, Scottish foods, cigars, gifts & more… Established in 1868 by Andrew Dewar Rattray, In particular, the founder was known for his enthusiasm and passion for the selection, maturation and blending of Scotch whiskies. A. D. Rattray has continued as an independent whisky bottler, specialising in single cask whiskies, with a full range of whiskies and many exclusive bottlings available in the shop. There are also whiskies from local distilleries, including Lochlea and Arran, and from the sister company The Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow.

The iconic Turnberry Point and Lighthouse sits on the site of the moat of the old Turnberry Castle, thought to be the birthplace of Robert the Bruce. With views over to the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig, the lighthouse itself was erected in 1873 following concerns about the treacherous rocks below. Today it’s close to the 9th hole of the Turnberry Golf Course.

Rising majestically from its clifftop location looking out towards the Isle of Arran, Culzean is an iconic Scottish castle set in a large country park. Redesigned as a fashionable country retreat for the 10th Earl of Cassillis by Scottish architect Robert Adam in the 18th century. The large country park incorporates extensive gardens, woodland, beaches and secret follies. The interior of the castle is very grand in terms of scale and furnishings. A large number of rooms are open to the public and you seem to see most of the castle with a tour that takes you through 10 major rooms and then out through the servants’ quarters / kitchen. Particular items to look out for are the beautifully detailed ceilings in the Blue Drawing Room and the Long Drawing Room. Other notable features are the elegant red carpeted stairs of the central “Courtyard” and the clifftop views from the Round Drawing Room.

Brig O Doon House offers views of the River Doon towards the Auld kirk, Burns Monument, and the spectacular Brig O Doon itself. The exact setting for the climax to Robert Burns most famous poem “Tam O Shanter” Brig o’ Doon House is long renowned for its imaginative and mouth-watering selection of traditional cuisine using the very best of local produce. The award-winning restaurant has a warm and welcoming ambience with panoramic views over the stunning gardens and flowing River Doon.

Birthplace of a genius a celebration of the enduring legacy of Scotland’s national poet. Robert Burns is Scotland’s National Bard, and his poetry and songs are known and loved the world over. But who was he and what made him tick? The best place to get close to Burns and his genius is his birthplace in the beautiful village of Alloway. The flagship museum starts a journey that weaves through the village, taking you from historical buildings to landmarks known to Burns. Whether you’re a die-hard Burnsian or brand new to the bard, time immersing yourself here will open your eyes and ears to an enduring hero of Scotland’s literary heritage.

Ayr is a popular seaside resort, complete with charming sea front and fantastic esplanade with a long sandy beach perfect for walking. Ayr Racecourse, dating back to the 16th century is famous as the venue of the Scottish Grand National, the Ayrshire Handicap and the Ayr Gold Cup. Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, was born in Alloway, on the outskirts of the town. There are also great shopping and dining locations in Ayr.