Airstreams near Maybole with horseback riding
A magnet for history lovers, Maybole also offers access to Ayrshire’s great outdoors.
- Maybole
Popular camping styles for Maybole
Airstreams near Maybole with horseback riding guide
Overview
The small town of Maybole appeals to history lovers with its collection of elegant, historic buildings, including the imposing 19th-century town hall and 16th-century Maybole Castle. Staying here also puts you within easy reach of Ayr, which is 20 minutes north and home to a long sandy beach, and Alloway, birthplace of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns. It’s also a handy base for exploring Ayrshire and taking advantage of the opportunities for activities including kayaking, white water rafting, climbing and mountain biking, and for heading to the offshore islands of Arran, Cumbrae and Bute.
Where to go
Culzean Castle
Perched dramatically atop a cliff, overlooking the Firth of Clyde, Culzean Castle is filled with treasures to be explored. The castle is set within a sprawling country park whose woods, beaches, deer park and children’s play areas are the setting for outdoor adventures. On the castle grounds, Culzean Castle Camping and Caravanning Club Site has grass and hardstanding pitches, as well as glamping-style safari tents.
Maidens
A 15-minute drive from Maybole, the tranquil village of Maidens lies at the southern end of Maidenhead Bay is home to the imposing 16th-century Maybole Castle, as well as the ruins of the 13th-century Turnberry Castle just down the coast. The town also has a picturesque nine-hole golf course and is within easy reach of the world-famous course at Turnberry. In town, Redgates Holiday Park has camping and touring pitches.
Kilkerran
Heading inland, five miles (eight kilometres) south of Maybole, the small village of Kilkerran is known for its grand 18th-century Kilkerran House and is a good base for those tackling the Ayrshire Alps cycling route. Here, the Walled Garden is set within woodland and has a children’s play area and small putting green as well as grass and hardstanding pitches.
When to go
Ayshire is at its best in the summer months, when temperatures typically range from mild to warm, with occasional hotter days, and daylight hours are long. This is also peak season, though, especially during the school summer holidays in July and August. May and September/October are both also good alternatives: there will be fewer crowds compared to summer and the weather is typicallly still mild. Winters don’t get too cold but you may find closed businesses.
Know before you go
- Wild camping is possible throughout Scotland but campers must adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- Maybole is on the Glasgow South Western railway line and has regular connections to Ayr, Glasgow and Carlisle.
- There are a few small shops in Maybole but for, for bigger purchases, you’ll find more variety in Ayr.
