Ayrshire

Friday, midday

Check into the Seamill House Hotel (doubles from £92, www. seamillhousehotel.co.uk), a stylish new nine bedroom escape on the shores of the Clyde. Book an Executive Room with your own balcony and views of Arran.

12:30pm

Drive down to palatial Culzean Castle (www.nts.org.uk) and savour lunch in their superb café.

1:30pm

Admire perhaps Robert Adam’s finest work and the sheer opulence of Culzean Castle, before exploring the sprawling estate, which is also home to a swan pond, myriad tree species, formal gardens and exotic glasshouses.

5pm

On the drive back north pop into AD Rattray’s Whisky Experience and Whisky Shop (www.adrattray.com). At this free to enter five star visitor attraction you can bottle your own personalised single cask whisky.

7pm

Catch a taxi to Braidwoods (www. braidwoods.co.uk), Scotland’s longest running Michelin star restaurant. This sublime family-run bolthole offers three or four courses laden with local produce.

Saturday, 10am

Drive to Alloway to learn about Robert Burns beginning at the cottage where he was born before heading to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (www. burnsmuseum.org.uk).

1:30pm

Enjoy lunch at the museum’s café, which features local produce and offers superb homebaking. On sunny days there are tables outside.

3pm

Make the most of your time by taking in the massive Burns Memorial and slipping down to the original Brig o’ Doon, which inspired the poet, plus the Alloway Auld Kirk, which stars in Tam o’ Shanter.

7pm

On the way back to Seamill, savour the fruits of Scottish waters at Maccallums of Troon Oyster Bar (www.maccallumsoftroon.co.uk)

Sunday, 9am

Ferry fares have never been cheaper so hop on the Calmac ferry (www. calmac.co.uk) across for a wee trip to Arran. It leaves from Ardrossan Harbour, a few minutes from the hotel. ■

A car is best for getting around Ayrshire, with hire available from Holiday Autos (www.holidayautos.com); www.visitscotland.com