Dog-friendly glamping near Maybole

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. 

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.

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.

• 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.