If you are looking for a getaway of a different sort, you may want to consider a castle holiday. You could turn your getaway into a romantic second honeymoon steeped in history. In the area around Ayr, there are several old castles that have accommodations available on their estates. Should stepping back in time appeal to you, you’ll want to make one of these castles the destination of your next vacation.

A short distance south of Ayr, Blairquhan is one such castle. During the 3-mile approach to the castle, you are transported back into time. As you pass over a William Burn bridge and see the River Girvan, the beauty will take your breath away. Some 2-miles down the approach, the castle comes into sight. Its magnificence will make you shiver in awe. As one would expect, the accommodations that are offered are spectacular. There are 8 cottages, some dating back as far as the 1500’s and several well-appointed castle bedrooms that can be booked. As well, Blairquhan offers a bed and breakfast option for parties of 8 or more. You can wander the estate to your heart’s content and lose yourself to the pastoral beauty. A lazy day of fishing can also be arranged if you are so inclined. The prices are very reasonable and the accommodations are modernized and quiet elegant. Meals are optional and, considering what you get, well priced. As well, Blairquhan offers a bed and breakfast option for parties of 8 or more.

Constructed in the 16th century, the Tower of Carnell and the newer mansion house are located between Ayr and Kilmarnock. Renowned architect William Burn extended Carnell to its present glory in the 1840’s although the original tower house can still be seen. This castle not only has large, well-appointed rooms available but there are also buildings on the vast estate that they let for longer terms. This castle is a storybook setting with the manicured lawns and the beautiful gardens. If you are getting married, you may want to consider booking this venue. Be warned however, weddings at Carnell are an exclusive event as there are only 5 allowed per year.

Set on an 85-acre estate, the 14th century Sundrum Castle was built for the Sheriff of Ayr. It provides a different experience for a vacation. Sundrum Castle has the distinction of being one of the oldest inhabited castles in Scotland. A private residence that has been refurbished, it can be rented for a minimum of one month and longer. Imagine living in a castle, sleeping behind 12-foot thick walls, drinking your morning coffee in the Great Hall taking in the beauty of the scenery. The experience would definitely create incredible memories that would be with you forever.

Step into history and book a castle vacation for your next getaway!

The Scottish Firth of Clyde riverport town of Ayr has historical roots going back to the 13th century. To put the length of time into perspective, Ayr existed before the Magna Carta was signed and several years before the Fifth Crusade. From the castle built in 1197 to the present day, Ayr is steeped in more than 800 years of history. A Royal Burgh charter was issued to Ayr in 1205 and is the oldest surviving founding Royal Burgh charter in Scotland.

Delving into Ayr’s past, you’ll find that the town was held by the British for a very few years (1301-1312). Although the church it was attached to was demolished, St John’s Tower was the site of the first “sitting” of Parliament of Scotland led by in 1315 and still stands. This “sitting” of the Parliament of Scotland led by Robert the Bruce occurred 13 years before he was declared King of Scotland.

Examples of 15th century construction exist to this day. Image the solid construction that feat would take. A few such examples are the Tolbooth, Louden Hall and the Auld Brig, now a pedestrian walkway. The port remained a busy place and the town thrived.

In 1654 Oliver Cromwell built a citadel on the site of the original castle and much of the citadel’s wall is still visible. The 1700’s brought the New Bridge that replaced Auld Brig as the main crossing. Unfortunately that washed away in flooding in the 19th century and had to be rebuilt. So many parts of Ayr’s long history remain an integral part of the town and are celebrated proudly.

It is fitting that the birthplace of John Loudon McAdam, engineer and renowned road innovator, should be home to such beautiful bridge construction. The Borderline Theatre, the County Building, Sandgate and the Town Hall Spire are all excellent examples of architecture and construction from a day gone by.

The water, the beaches, the buildings, the history, the countryside, and so much more draw tourists to Ayr. There are a seemingly endless number of things to do and see around Ayr. Relax on the beach, explore the countryside, or slip over to Prestwick to enjoy a round of golf on one of Prestwick’s golf courses, including the world famous home of the British Open, the Prestwick Golf Club. A vacation in Ayr will provide you with wonderful memories for years.