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www.ayrshire-arran.com 

www.dumfriesngalloway.com 

www.visitlanarkshire.com 
 

Plan your holiday in the beautiful South West! 
This region comprises Ayrshire, to the south of Glasgow, the valley of the River Clyde, and the area between Dumfries, almost on the border with England, and Stranraer, landing point from Northern Ireland.

AYRSHIRE
Ayrshire is the land of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, and here are places which recall not only his poetry, but also his life. In Alloway, just south of Ayr, is his birthplace, a modest cottage, with a museum alongside it. Not far away is Alloway Kirk, in the graveyard of which Burns’ poem ‘Tam o’ Shanter’ is set.  The new Natonal Trust for Scotland's Robert Burns Heritage Museum tells the story of his life.

To the south of Ayr is Culzean Castle on a cliff-top.  You can tour the Castle and spend time on the extensive wooded estate

CLYDE  VALLEY
The Clyde Valley 's main attraction is New Lanark, a World Heritage Site, on the River Clyde. New Lanark is an 18th-century cotton-mill village, where Robert Owen developed a village which was to be the benchmark for employers who wanted to establish the best possible working and living conditions for their employees. Still very much a living community, this is a fascinating place.

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
Dumfries and Galloway is less than two hours' drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow, just over the border from England and a short ferry journey from Northern Ireland - ideal for short breaks as well as longer holidays.  There are miles and miles of sandy beaches, winding roads and many acres of forest and moorland;  more than enough for a several short breaks! The main town is Dumfries but there are several other towns and villages worth visiting – Kirkcudbright, Castle Douglas, Creetown and Wigtown, Scotland’s Book Town. 

There is plenty to tempt you off the beaten track. The road south from Dumfries goes through New Abbey, with the graceful ruin of Historic Scotland's Sweetheart Abbey, plus New Abbey Cornmill, and the Shambellie House Museum of Costume. The road runs along the Solway Firth, with its beaches and bays, to Kirkcudbright, with a harbour, then on to Gatehouse of Fleet, where the whole family can have fun at Cream o’ Galloway – a working farm which makes a range of tasty ice-creams. At Creetown you can visit the unique Gem Rock Museum and just down the road is the Galloway Smoke House where you can buy something tasty to take home.

Also on your to-visit list must be Bladnoch Distillery, near Wigtown. It is a lowland distillery, and small and friendly, so the tour is special. A few miles south is Wigtown, Scotland's Book Town, with many second-hand bookshops to browse in, including one which serves good coffee and home-bakes. Then head for Whithorn, the "Cradle of Christianity", where the heritage centre traces the history of the settlement there from 450AD.

The keen gardener should visit Threave Gardens (NTS) near Castle Douglas and, not far from Stranraer, are the beautiful Castle Kennedy Gardens, Glenwhan Garden and Dunskey Garden (all near Glenluce).  Visitors interested in heritage will find plenty to attract them – Threave Castle (where a small boat takes you across to an island),  Glenluce Abbey, and Drundrennan Abbey, where, it is said, Mary, Queen of Scots spent her last night in Scotland, 

Dumfries and Galloway is also great for walkers and everyone who likes to be out in the fresh air; Glentrool Forest Park has almost 19,000 acres of open country. 
 
Historic Scotland's Dumfries and Galloway Explorer Pass:  If you are planning a holiday in Dumfries and Galloway, be sure to get the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass.  Two adults plus up to 6 children pay only £37 for the Pass which gives entry to 9 attractions, including Caerlaverock Castle, Threave Castle, Glenluce Abbey and Sweetheart Abbey.  Available from Historic Scotland properties in Dumfries and Galloway or at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/explorer

National Trust For Scotland:  In Ayrshire visit Culzean Culzean - a magnificent castle, beautiful gardens and acres of woodland.  At Alloway just south of Ayr, is the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which tells the story of Scotland's national poet.  Near Dumfries is Threave, where the gardens are a must-see.  For information on Trust properties and to find out about membership and their Discovery Pass, call 0844 493 2100 or go to www.nts.org.uk

View the Thistle Holiday Parks in Ayrshire, Clyde Valley,  Dumfries & Galloway