Ayshire Yurts

There are dozens of castles within easy reach of the site, but explores should probably start 10 minutes’ drive from base in the gardens of Blairquhan Castle. If that’s whetted appetites for old and stately piles, travel onwards to the spectacular clifftop Culzean Castle and Country Park (20 minutes) and the sprawling grounds and extensive Chippendale collection at Dumfries House (30). As a neat way to segue from castles to Scotland’s famous pastime – golf – make ways to the 13th-century Rowallan Castle (40 minutes) for drives and putts on the golf course with two 19th holes (one literal, one of the traditional variety). Closer to home base, urban days should be spent in the town of Maybole (10 minutes) – where guests can play golf, go to the swimming pool, or pass time in Scotland’s biggest indoor play area (Pirate Pete’s) – or by shopping, having a day at the races or lazing about on beaches in Ayr (20 minutes). For a strong taste of Scottish cultural history, be sure to travel to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (15 minutes) to learn about the famed poet, and get a feel for island life by exploring castles, distilleries, art galleries and stone circles on Arran (45 minutes’ drive and a 55-minute ferry crossing away).