Seasons Holidays Brunston Castle

Crosshill Arms is a Bar/Restaurant located in the village of Crosshill.

Open throughout the week with varied menu and daily specials.

Tel: 01655 740160

Girvan Beach is just a 10 minute drive from Brunston Castle.

A stroll along the beach, which stretches for over a mile, will allow you to take in impressive views of Ailsa Craig and on clear days, The Isle Of Arran.

Boat trips around Ailsa Craig are often available from the harbour.

There is a picnic area at the south end of the beach with snack bars/vans available during busier periods.

Follow the link to the Girvan website for more information.

Maybole Castle is believed to be Maybole's oldest inhabited house, dating back to around 1560. It served as the town house and winter residence of the Earls of Cassillis and was originally built across the bottom of the High Street.

The castle is opened to the public seasonally. Admission is free with guided tours half hour after opening, all children up to 16 years old must be acompanied by an adult.

Opening hours:

MAY
Sun 3rd - 2 - 4.30pm
Sat 9th - 10am - 12.30pm
Sat 16th - 10am - 12.30pm
Sun 24th - 2 - 4.30pm

Ayr Racecourse is Scotland's Premier Racecourse and hold races throughout the year. With a variety of restaurants and bars it caters to all who attend.

The Racecourse also holds many different events throughout the year and regularily holds a car boot sale every Sunday unless this conflicts with race fixtures.

Please check website for more details.

The Galloway Forest Park is a woodland operated by the Scottish Forestry Commission. It covers 300 square miles and receives over 800,000 visitors per year.

The park has a range of walking and cycle trails as well having picnic areas, rock climbing areas and ice climbing. Near the boundaries of the park there are developed mountain bike tracks forming part of the 7 Stanes project.

The park is home to a few Lochs and three visitors centres (open seasonally) which offer refreshments and information: Glentrool, kirroughtree and Clatteringshaws.

Castle Kennedy gardens is situated in the south-west corner of Scotland and is around an hours' drive from Brunston Castle.

The gardens are extensively landscaped with terraces, mounds and avenues, all of which were created by men and horses, and extend to more than 30 hectares.

Crossraguel Abbey's history can be traced back to 1215
It is one of the best Abbey ruins dotted across Scotland
TEL: 01655 8833113 for opening times

Ayrshire's only monthly indoor craft fair. The Ayrshire Arts and Crafts Fair takes place each month in Troon in either the Concert or Walker Hall. Admission to every event is FREE and each month provides a fantastic opportunity to buy some truly unique, hand-crafted items. The Craft Fair is open to the public from 11am to 4:30pm.

Dates:

13/06/2009, 04/07/2009, 01/08/2009, 05/09/2009, 10/10/2009, 14/11/2009, 05/12/2009 (Christmas Fair)

The Farmers' Market in Ayr was one of the first in Scotland to commence operations. Held in the car park of the Kyle Centre Shopping Centre on the first Saturday of each month.

Grass - reared Ayrshire lamb, beef, pork and venison are on offer, together with excellent bacon, good meats and pies. Locally raised chicken and other smoked produce.

These delights are complimented by farmhouse produced ice-cream, high quality confectionery, amazing local honey, local Ayrshire potatoes and other vegetables.

On November 7th 2009 Girvan will hold it's annual Festival Of Light.

The Festival has its roots in the traditional bonfire night celebrations and the Celtic fire festival it replaced. It was born of a desire to transform the night from one of explosions and flashes into one of genuine safe community celebration. A simple idea to bring some light into peoples lives through the works created by children and those involved in the lantern workshops and to put a smile on peoples faces.

Ayr has a variety of shops, both chain store and independant
Ayr Central is situated at the top area of the main town just off Kyle Street
The Kyle Centre is situated in the middle of the high street.
There is Marks & Spencers, Next, BHS, Houstons, River Island, Debenhams, Top Shop, HMV, Matalan, Primark plus many more along the streets of Ayr.

Culzean Castle is one of South Ayrshire's most famous landmarks. With over 600 acres to explore, this National Trust Scotland property is a perfect day out for the whole family. You will not be short of things to do at Culzean - have a tour of the castle itself, visit The Old Smiddy Toy Shop, have fun in the Adventure Play Area or enjoy a picnic in the Walled Garden. Various shops and a restaurant can be found at the visitors centre.

Various events take place at Culzean throughout the year. Follow the link to the official website for more details.

Come face to face with the props, monsters and creatures from Doctor Who, featuring to name a few, Cybermen, Judoon, Autons and, of course ... the TARDIS and famous Daleks!

The Doctor Who Exhibition at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow opened on 28 March 2009 until 4 January 2010.

Due to the high demand of tickets, visitors are advised to book in advance.

Visit the official website for details.

The Stenaline Ferry from Stranraer to Belfast takes only 119 minutes with crossing times throughout the day.

Onboard facilities include restaurants, bars, onboard shopping, kids areas and a luxury lounge.

The Ferry accomodates foot passengers, cars, motorcycles and Stenaline also do selected Coach tours to various locations through out the year. Some of these include Day trips to Belfast Wheel, Giants Causeway, Belfast Zoo and Antrim Coast.

Keith and Beryl Dawdry are long established potters who live and work in the Old School and Schoolhouse in the small village of Pinmore.

They create table and kitchenware as well as decorative and sculptural ceramics.

A selection of their works are on display in their gallery which is attached to their home and is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday 11am until 5pm.

Please click on the the website for the family days out in Ayrshire, this website has been put together by South Ayrshire Council and gives lots of ideas for everybody.

L.A. Bowl and Megazone is situated on Miller Road in the centre of Ayr town and offers a selection of activities for the whole family.

With 16 tenpin bowling lanes, pool tables, air hockey and dance mats there is an activity for everyone. Also available is Laser Quest which is a futuristic game in which you can have up to 21 challengers and can compete to claim the largest amount of points in a variety of games.

A Bar area and diner are also available.

Please check website for family tickets and other promotions.

Arran is one of Scotlands most southernly islands which is located in the Firth of Clyde between Ayrshire and Kintyre. The island is known as 'Scotland in Minature' due to its diverse landscape which includes mountains, coastline, green hills and woodlands.

Arran is only 19 miles long by 10 miles but has a lot to offer in the way of local talent with painting, jewellery, glasswork and many other crafts on display and for sale.

Set in Levengrove Park, in Dumbarton the event is enjoyed from visitors all over the world.
Watch Pipebands from every country compete to win the Scottish Pipeband Championships.
A great day out for all the family set on banks of the River Clyde, a day not to be missed.
see their Offical website for full details on pipebands

Shanter Riding Centre is a family run business located in near the beautiful coastal village of Maidens.

Riders of all ages and experience are welcome.
Trekking and hacking is available in 1 or 2 hour slots.
All of the rides will take you along Maiddens beach allowing you stunning views of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. Those going for the 2 hours will be taken around Culzean Country Park which offers more beautiful scenery.

Rates, times and further information is available on the Shanter website.

Ayr is Scotland's premier racecourse and is home to the Scottish Grand National and the William Hill Gold Cup festival.

Various race days and events take place throughout the year, these can be found in our "Events" section at the appropriate times.

More information can be found on the Ayr Racecourse website.

Dean Castle can be found near Kilmarnock, around a 40 minute drive from Brunston Castle.

Covering 200 acres, the Country Park has something for everyone.
Take in the stunning surroundings on one of the woodland walks or take the kids to the adventure playground. The 14th century built castle itself is home to historical weapons, armour and even musical instruments.

Kids and adults will enjoy visiting the exotic birds in the avery along with the rest of the animals at Pet's Corner. A visitors centre and tearoom can also be found on the park.

This is an annual event held at Rozelle Park in Ayr.
A great family day out to raise funds for local charities and voluntary organisations.

There will be a pipe band competition followed by the Massed Bands Parade.

Visit the website for more details.

A small village which is the gateway to the Galloway Forest with the River Stinchar running through the village
The Kings Arms in Barr is an excellent Hotel/restaurant set in the center offering an excellent menu with discounted rates for Seasons Members.
Quaint little church open to all visitors, Teas served throughout the summer on Sundays
See their offical website for more details

on Friday 27th March, Dumfries House will open its doors to the public for its first full season as a visitor attraction. This stunning 18th century house holds one of the most significant collections of Chippendale furniture and works by 18th century master craftsmen. Shop and cafe also available.

27 March - 31st October.

Opening times: Thursday - Monday 11am - 4pm

To prebook a guided tour of the house ( individual and group bookings) call the dedicated ticket line 01290 551111

Visit the beautiful village of Barr, a 15 minute drive from Brunston, for their annual Gala Day.
There will be a parade with floats, face-painting, a bouncy castle and various activities throughout the day. Many stalls will be set up selling everything from home made jams and baking to crafts and bric-a-brac.

The main event starts at 1.30pm with the "Great Scots" themed parade, followed by the crowning of the King and Queen.

Girvan Civic week runs from June 21st - 28th

Various events take place throughout the week starting with the tartan themed parade through the town and crowning of the civic King and Queen.

These are a few of the events during the week:

Crowning and Parade - Sunday 21st

Pet Show - Tuesday 23rd

Senior Citizen Party - Wednesday 24th

Car Treasure Hunt - Thursday 25th

Visit the offical website for more details on the events.

The circus is coming to the Low Green in Ayr from Wed 24th June to Sun 28th June, promising " A New Production for 2009 never before seen in Western Europe."

It is advised to book well in advance for this event.

Contact details can be found on official website.

The williamhill.com Raceday is the opening day of the flat season at Ayr and includes 7 races.

Tickets should be purchased in advance.

Visit website for further details and prices.

Doors Open days gives you free access to hundreds of facinating buidings across Scotland and gives you a chance to visit places which are normally closed to the public.

Crossraguel Abbey was founded early in the 13th century by the Earl of Carrick and its remains include the church, cloister, chapter house and domestic premises. Owned by Historic Scotland.

Located 2 miles south of Maybole. Open 9.30am - 5.30pm, Last admission is 5pm.

Fun Day with a Panto Horse Race, Ayr Fire Brigade, Billy Bowies Monster Truck, Kids Fun Fair Stalls, Haggis Hurling, Wellie Throwing, Tug o' War and much more!

Horse Show, Show Jumping, Horse Showing, Pony Showing, In-hand Classes, M and M's

Dog Show, Waggiest tail, most like owner, gun dog, puppy, junior handler

Time: 11am

The Riverside Inn, By Ayr, Ayrshire
KA7 4TP

The Port of Belfast holds the final port of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009. There is also a Maritime Festival around the race with music, street theatre, entertainment and a chance to step onboard many ships from the past.

Watch the vessels battle for glory in the challenge which has taken in six international ports and two Atlantic crossings before racing to cross the finish line in Belfast.

Prices £27 per adults and £22 per child. Price includes return Stena HSS travel and coach transfers.

Please check website for more details and to book.

This year Dodds of Troon will be running Day Tours from Ayr Sandgate Bus Station to destinations all over the country.

There are plenty to choose from - take a tour of Edinburgh City and the Zoo or you can travel further North and take a tour to visit Fort William and Glencoe.

These are just an example of the many tours to chose from.

Prices, dates and booking instructions can be found on the official website or by calling 01292 288100.

Many famillies visiting Brunston Castle have found Heads of Ayr Farm Park to be one of the highlights of their holiday. Tucked away along the coast, the park is home to many fascinating animals. From the exotic alpacas, monkeys and meerkats to the more recognisable goats, donkeys and horses!

There is also plenty to see indoors - have a look at the reptiles or pay a visit to the animal handling area.

If you need a break from the animals then try out the quad bikes or the giant jumping pillows - the adults can join in too!

The Brtish Open Championship returns to Turnberry this year.

This will be the fourth time the Open has been held at the world famous course which is just a 15 minute drive from Brunston.

Please visit the official website for more information.

Scotland’s favourite children’s entertainers, THE SINGING KETTLE will be dancing and singing with the animals in their fantastic new stage show Boogie Woogie Zoo. Fantastic musical fun for youngsters!

This event will take place at The Magnum Centre in Irvine.
For booking details visit the website.

After 65 Millions years they're back! After years of planning, the award-winning TV series, Walking With Dinosaurs comes to life in a stunning theatrical event. Internationally renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 15 life-size dinosaurs, including the terror of the ancient terrain, Tyrannosaurus-Rex! Be amazed and thrilled as the greatest creatures ever to walk the earth return before your eyes. It's dazzling 10 million pound arena spectacle of unprecedented size and quality to captivate young and old alike.

The cream of world bowling champions come to Scotland to play at the National Centre of Bowling - a must for all bowling enthusiasts.

Takes place at Ayr's Northfield Bowling Complex.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival is an annual fortnight of cinema screenings and related events taking place each June. Established in 1947, it is the world's oldest continually running film festival. The EIFF aims to present both UK and international movie premieres and to exhibit the work of film-makers.

This years festival will run from 17th June to 28th June and will kick off with a film rom Oscar winning director, Sam Mendes, "Away We Go".

Visit the offical website for a detailed guide of what's on and ticket information.