Bute-y of Isles Arran & Bute

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 We leave the Chelmsford area early morning and head north, stopping on route for refreshments, crossing the Scottish Border at Gretna Green late afternoon then on through the Lowther Hills and Kilmarnock to reach the Ayrshire coast and arriving at our hotel early evening.

Day 2 Today, we board the ferry at Ardrossan and sail to Brodick on the Isle of Arran, known as Scotland in miniature. When on the island we visit Brodick Castle, a grand baronial castle set by the sea, bedecked with gardens, surrounded by hills, and overlooked by the majestic Goatfell mountain. After free time for lunch in Brodick, we take a scenic drive around some of the Island, before we board our ferry back to the mainland.

Day 3 This morning we head to Wemyss Bay to catch the ferry to Bute. On arrival we visit neo-gothic Mount Stuart, one of the most technologically advanced houses of its age, set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens, woodlands and coast. With beautiful interiors the house is a labyrinth of lavish rooms, grand hallways and staircases and the sight of the marble hall is truly captivating. Afterwards we take a scenic tour around the island, finishing in Rothesay where we catch the ferry back to the mainland.

Day 4 We remain on the mainland today, first heading to Ayr to visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which offers a unique encounter with Scotland's favourite son. Set in 10 acres of the poets cherished countryside, the museum includes the famous Burns Cottage, where the poet was born. There is time for lunch here before we head to Culzean Castle, one of Scotland's best loved castles, with gardens, beaches woods, trails and to crown it all, a cliff top castle of monumental size, there really is something for everyone in the wildlife rich estate, which is opulent to the extreme.

Day 5 After breakfast we retrace our steps back across the border and onto the motorway network for our return home, arriving back in Essex late afternoon.