Dog-friendly glamping near Dunure

South of Ayr, the small fishing village of Dunure merits a detour for the 13th-centure Dunure Castle, which stands in ruins on a rocky promontory on the Carrick coast. The pretty harbour, with its white stone fishing cottages, is the village’s focal point and keen-eyed Outlander viewers will recognise it from several scenes in season three. Dunure is well-placed for exploring coastal Ayrshire, and enjoying such activities as kayaking, white water rafting and mountain biking along the Ayshire Alps route. It’s also a handy base for those travelling to the islands of Arran, Cumbrae and Bute.

94% (36)

Top-rated campgrounds

94% (36)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cairn Meadow Pods

99%

(42)

141km from Dunure · 4 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines

2. Organic Welltree

100%

(2)

145km from Dunure · 2 units · Glamping · England

3. Dod Mill Fishing Hut

136km from Dunure · 1 unit · Glamping · Lauder, Scotland

Artistic riverside cabins in the grounds of a 17th-century watermill

4. Broom Fisheries Campsite

104km from Dunure · 4 units · Glamping · Dumfries, South Scotland

Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes

5. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%

(9)

30km from Dunure · 3 units · Glamping · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

Stories from the community

Mandy

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cairn Meadow Pods

Loved our first pod experience. Very warm and cozy. Facilities were great! Directions were a little confusing at the start as the sat-nav took us to the house a little distance up the road but once we knew our place it was absolutely fine. Would stay again and will be recommending to family & friends.

Chris

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Organic Welltree

We had a fantastic stay at Organic Welltree in the Bramble yurt. Lovely people, lovely setting and very nice accommodation. If you’re looking for a weekend escape this is a great, affordable option. We’ll definitely visit again.

Sally

July 2025

With kids

4 nights at Runach Arainn Glamping

Runach Arainn is even more lovely in person than in the photos. Great location for a peaceful and relaxing stay on Arann. The yurts are comfortable, the kitchen/fire-pit etc are well-equipped and the orchard setting is beautiful. It's just a short walk to the beach or to the Lagg Inn for dinner. Highly recommend.

Lorna

June 2025

With pets

4 nights at Organic Welltree

I loved my 4 night break in the Bramble Yurt. The yurt was clean and cosy. I did have the stove burner on due to the weather being so good. The bathroom shed was clean and fresh. The fridge was a god send considering the temperature reach a high of 27 degrees. I had a relaxing time sitting in the fresh air watching the wild life and the world go by. I would highly recommend Organic Welltree. I shall definitely go back. I wish to thanks them for my time at Kirkland.

Stacey

April 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cairn Meadow Pods

These pods are lush. There’s everything you’ll need (except bedding for the sofa bed - which is absolutely fine). It’s a beautiful location too. There were a few little bottles of wine on the table when we arrived, which was a lovely touch. Would definitely recommend.

Available this weekend

West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

82%

(36)

70km from Dunure · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

Harebeck Holidays

84%

(22)

140km from Dunure · 8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Wasdale, England

Nestled between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea coast this site is situated on a working dairy and sheep farm. Farm tours can be arranged on arrival. A play hut with outdoor games, drying room with communal fridge and freezer (some units have their own small fridge). Natural hedges surround the site. Four fruit trees near the shower block Half a mile to Gosforth village with Shop, Bakery, Cafe, 4 Pubs providing food and an Italian restaurant. Gosforth and Seascale villages have play parks. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Wasdale, Scafell Pike and Sandy Beaches with Cafes selling local ice cream are nearby with most Lake District attractions within an hours drive and Edinburgh a three hour drive away. There are 5 campervan/motorhome pitches, a pod, a modern take on a shepherds hut with underfloor heating, a heated pod and two gypsy caravans with electricity to book. All pitches are on gravel positioned to enjoy views over farmland to Scafell Pike and other fells, they are surrounded by grassy areas with seating and a picnic table. A wooden play hut has outdoor games and toys inside. Awnings can be added on the 3 larger pitches. Tents can be pitched next to units for an extra £10 per night. Barbeques are allowed on gravel with our Gypsy Caravans having a campfire area. There is a communal fridge and freezer, outdoor drying space. Farm tours can be arranged. Wildlife and farm animals can be seen in the surrounding fields. Fresh vegetables and barbeque packs can be ordered with 24 to 48 hours notice. Grocery deliveries accepted from supermarkets. There is also a holiday cottage on the farm sleeping 6 over two rooms. Situated midway between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea Coast makes this site ideal for lower or higher level walks. Sandy beaches at Seascale and St Bees have cafes selling locally made ice cream alongside play areas to keep children happy. Scafell England's highest mountain is close by as are a number of Wainwrights. Nearby is Muncaster Castle and Gardens with its Hawk and Owl Centre, also Ravenglass (a Roman port with remains of a bath house),  you can ride up the Eskdale Valley on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Laal Ratty). Perhaps take a stroll to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. They have a cafe at both terminuses with a museum in Ravenglass where nearby you can sample Ravenglass Ice Cream. Wasdale and Ennerdale are close by both valleys having cafes and pubs.

Muiredge

100%

(16)

116km from Dunure · 8 units · Glamping · Perth and Kinross, Central Scotland

Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland

Herdie Hideaway

125km from Dunure · 2 units · Glamping · Scotland

Herdie hideaway is run by Charlotte and Alex and is nestled next to rolling hills of the the Lake District overlooking the Solway Firth, our shepherd’s hut offers a haven of tranquility. Lush woodlands surround the property, teeming with wildlife, creating a symphony of sights and sounds for nature enthusiasts. Here, on a working farm, you’ll find a quiet escape unlike any other. We hope you enjoy your stay in this beautiful part of the world which we hope you are able to switch off, unwind and have a relaxing time in this lovely secluded area.

Garrison Shepherd's Huts

100%

(2)

110km from Dunure · 4 units · Glamping · Bowness On Solway, England

Shepherd’s hut glamping near Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Firth.

Star Hosts in Dunure

Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%

(108)

142km from Dunure · 3 units · Glamping · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England

Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra

Camping at Cardewlees

99%

(47)

127km from Dunure · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall

King Garth

100%

(9)

123km from Dunure · 1 unit · Glamping · Carlisle, England

Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position. In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you. The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river. My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay. You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk! Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there. This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host. The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.

Otter Moss Accommodation

100%

(8)

142km from Dunure · 4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England

Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions. Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius. Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.

Dog-friendly getaways

Broom Fisheries Campsite

104km from Dunure · 4 units · Glamping · Dumfries, South Scotland

Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes

Dod Mill Fishing Hut

136km from Dunure · 1 unit · Glamping · Lauder, Scotland

Artistic riverside cabins in the grounds of a 17th-century watermill

Runach Arainn Glamping

100%

(9)

30km from Dunure · 3 units · Glamping · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

Organic Welltree

100%

(2)

145km from Dunure · 2 units · Glamping · England

Cairn Meadow Pods

99%

(42)

141km from Dunure · 4 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Glamping pods in Cumbria's secluded Eden Valley with views of the Pennines

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Dog-friendly glamping near Dunure guide

Where to go

Culzean Castle

If castle bagging appeals, you can head 10 minutes south to Culzean Castle, which is dramatically perched atop a cliff overlooking the Firth of Clyde. You can explore the castle’s interiors and its sprawling grounds, which feature woods, beaches, a deer park and children’s play areas. Within the grounds, Culzean Castle Camping and Caravanning Club Site has grass and hardstanding pitches for campers, as well as glamping-style safari tents.

Ayr

Twenty minutes north of Dunure, Ayr is known for its long sandy beach and associations with Robert Burns who was born in the suburb of Alloway. Campers can park or pitch a tent on the grounds of the Craigie Estate, which offers woodland walks and birdwatching within walking distance of the town centre.

Maybole

Yet another castle, the 16th-century Maybole Castle, is the main draw of Maybole, 15 minutes inland from Dunure. South of the town, The Walled Garden is set within woodland and has pitches for tents and tourers and especially appeals to families with its children’s play area and small putting green.

When to go

The summer months make the best conditions for visiting Ayrshire. Summer temperatures are typically warm, with the chance of a few hot days, and daylight hours are long. This is peak season, however, and its accessibility from Glasgow brings lots of holiday makers during the summer school holidays in July and August. You can avoid crowds and still enjoy mild temperatures by visiting in April/May or September.

Know before you go

Wild camping is possible throughout Scotland but campers are required to adhere closely to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Some campsites in the area are open seasonally. Check before travelling.
Dunure is a 20-minute bus journey from Ayr, where the railway station has regular connections to Glasgow.
There are limited options for shopping in Dunure but you’ll find plenty of supermarkets in Ayr, as well as a handful of outdoor and camping shops.