Dog-Friendly Holidays Ayrshire

Set close to Largs on the Firth of Clyde, these charming holiday apartments have been carefully converted from the stable block of a delightful Victorian manor house, which is located some 200 yards away along a tree-lined drive. Offering every contemporary comfort and convenience, enjoy the relaxing ambience of the scenic setting. You can relax amid 15 acres of landscaped grounds, or in the lawned areas, which are surrounded by woodland. There are wonderful views of the hills and islands of the Firth of Clyde, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. There are two golf courses, trout farm fishing, sailing, nature trails and pony trekking, as well as cruises aboard the famous ’Waverley’ paddle steamer. In Largs, 2 miles, you will find the Kelburn Country Centre and Vikingar - an exciting all-weather leisure centre, with a swimming pool, 500-seat theatre and children’s soft play area. There is also a choice of small shops, a supermarket, post office, pubs and a station. Although an attractive seaside resort now, Largs like much of this area has enjoyed an interesting history - in 1263 it was where the Norse fleet were defeated. From Largs take a ferry to Great Cumbrae Island and visit the aquarium, near Keppel Pier, and the ’Cathedral of the Isles’ on the sandy bay at Millport. The Cumbraes are not the only isles within easy reach. Go from Wemyss Bay across the waters to Bute, or drive south to Ardrossen and arrive in the exceptionally mild island of Arran. Arran is home to a wealth of places to visit, including the National Trust for Scotland owned Goatfell, 2,866 ft, with its magnificent views from the Clyde coast to the Hebrides and Northern Ireland. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy making the trip here, as Arran has 6 courses in which to shoot a round. Manor Park is well-placed for anyone looking to plan a diverse holiday itinerary. Whether you take to the sea or prefer to head inland, there is much to fill the days. Within an hour’s drive you can reach Loch Lomond, Burns country and Glasgow, with Edinburgh just a little further. Pub 2½ miles.

Balig Cottage is a delightful and cosy cottage, offering the most amazing views of Ailsa Craig from the garden and kitchen. You will certainly know you have arrived in Scotland once you open the door and step into the cosy living room, with its eye-catching feature wallpaper depicting a life size stag, and warm tartan walls.
Balig Cottages is situated on the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100-mile long coastal route with stunning views and scenery, the perfect location for walkers. With a superb backdrop of the ever-changing profile of the mountains of Arran across the Firth of Clyde, this coastline is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otters and seals, and is a haven for bird watchers. The cottage is available all year round and is in the perfect position for access to all the local sporting estates in the local area for shooting and fishing, two kennels are also available for working dogs.
Just a mile away from Balig Cottages, Ballantrae is a pretty village overlooked by the ruins of Ardstinchar Castle, and guests will find plenty of opportunities for fishing nearby. During the summer months the village hosts a variety of events. The seaside town of Girvan, boasting a harbour and leisure centre with a swimming pool, is only 11 miles up the coast where you can take a boat trip to the famous Ailsa Craig, a small Island upon which ‘blue hone’ micro granite is quarried to make curling stones. The island is now a bird sanctuary and home to more than 70,000 birds including gannets, guillemots and puffins.
Inland there are a number of wonderful gardens and castles to visit, horse riding to enjoy and a choice of golf courses available. Culzean Castle, owned by the National Trust for Scotland, is spectacular and is one of Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attractions. The surrounding country park, extending over 550 acres, has a network of wooded trails passing along the beach. The islands of Arran and Cumbrae are easily accessed and make for a lovely day out, while day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. The local community pub only opens at weekends in winter and please do check the location as we are 15 miles each way to the nearest town for the supermarkets for a big shop,
please keep this in mind its a place to get way from it all not to be in the middle of town. Beach 1½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.