Blackside Cottage sits in the heart of Ayrshire, perfectly positioned for exploring Scotland's southwest. From Burns Country heritage sites to spectacular coastal walks, championship golf courses to historic castles, there's something for everyone within easy reach of your cottage. We're just 45 minutes from Glasgow, 5 miles from Loudoun Hill, and surrounded by the best that Ayrshire has to offer.
You're staying in the heart of Burns Country. Scotland's national poet Robert Burns was born just 15 miles from Blackside Cottage, and his legacy lives on throughout Ayrshire. Visit his birthplace cottage and museum in Alloway, explore the atmospheric ruins of Alloway Auld Kirk where Tam o' Shanter encountered witches, walk across the famous Brig o' Doon, or visit the Burns House Museum in the local town of Mauchline. The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum houses the world's largest collection of Burns manuscripts and artifacts and The Burns House Museum is where he lived with Jean Armour for many years.
The Ayrshire coast is less than 30 minutes from Blackside Cottage, offering miles of beautiful sandy beaches and dramatic coastal scenery. Dog-friendly beaches like Troon and Ayr are perfect for long walks with spectacular views across to the Isle of Arran. The coastal town of Ayr combines beach relaxation with shops, restaurants, and the historic Ayr Racecourse. Further south, Culzean Castle sits dramatically on the clifftops with stunning coastal walks through its country park.
Ayrshire is Scotland's golf coast, home to several championship courses including Royal Troon, Trump Turnberry, and Prestwick Golf Club where the Open Championship was born. With over 40 courses in the region, golfers of all abilities can enjoy links, parkland, and moorland courses with stunning coastal and countryside settings.
Ayrshire's rich history comes alive through its impressive castles and heritage sites. Dumfries House, saved for the nation by HRH The Prince of Wales, showcases one of Britain's finest collections of 18th-century furniture. Dean Castle in Kilmarnock houses medieval arms and armour. The area played a crucial role in Scotland's Wars of Independence - Robert the Bruce won a significant victory at Loudoun Hill in 1307, just 6 miles from Blackside Cottage.
From your doorstep at Blackside Cottage, there are numerous walks across the vast moorlands and designated trails. The River Ayr Way provides 44 miles of walking from source to sea. Galloway Forest Park, Britain's first Dark Sky Park, is within reach for serious hikers and stargazers.
Your four-legged friends are welcome at many Ayrshire attractions. Most beaches welcome dogs year-round, with some seasonal restrictions during summer months. The country parks surrounding Culzean Castle, Boswell Coach House and Dean Castle offer miles of dog-friendly walking trails. The extensive grounds of Dumfries House welcome dogs on leads, and numerous forest trails throughout the region provide safe, enclosed walking.
For dog-friendly dining, The Fox and Willow in Ayr is a boutique gastropub that welcomes dogs both inside and in their outdoor domes, with water bowls and treats provided. Gro Coffee has two locations (Irvine and Ayr) offering puppuccino's and dog treats on the menu, with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating where dogs are warmly welcomed. Both venues combine excellent food with genuine hospitality for the whole family - including four-legged members.