Dumfries House and the Isle of Bute

Uncover the threads of Scottish creativity woven through its art, architecture and poetry. From the lavish interiors of Dumfries House and Mount Stuart to the intimate spaces of Burns’ childhood, this journey moves between neoclassical elegance and design innovation – with collections, historic residences and a voyage to the Isle of Bute along the way.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive from 15:00. Evening welcome drink, talk from Robin Cairns, and dinner.

Day 2: Dumfries House, and Burns museums
Morning visit to the magnificent Dumfries House, one of Scotland’s great stately homes. Enjoy a guided grand tour through its beautifully preserved interiors, showcasing exquisite 18th-century furnishings and craftmanship of this grand, historic mansion. We will enjoy an included lunch before time to explore the elegant gardens and grounds at your leisure, which includes terraces, greenhouses, formal areas, and the Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden. In the afternoon, step into the world of Scotland’s national bard with a visit to Burns Cottage, the humble birthplace of Robert Burns. Stroll along the Poet’s Path, dotted with sculptures and quotes, leading to the Burns Birthplace Museum. This excellent museum houses exhibits including Burns’ writing desk and chair, the pistols he carried as an exciseman and the fiddle on which he played and refined the ancient songs which he saved from obscurity.
End the walk at the atmospheric ruins of Alloway Kirk, immortalised in Burns’ poetry.

Day 3: Isle of Bute and Mount Stuart
Today, travel to the Isle of Bute. Visit the Bute Museum, rich in local history and heritage before some time to enjoy Rothesay, the island’s charming harbour town. This afternoon visit the spectacular Mount Stuart, a neo-Gothic mansion filled with art, innovation, and architectural wonder.

Day 4: Burrell Collection and Holmwood House
Morning visit to Pollok Country Park for the superb Burrell Collection, which houses the eclectic collection acquired by shipping magnate Sir William Burrell, donated to the city of Glasgow in the 1940s. The collection spans many centuries and art forms – from Ming Dynasty ceramics to Impressionist paintings. In the afternoon, explore Holmwood House, a hidden gem of Victorian design by architect Alexander Thomson. Thomson’s penchant for Grecian styling and symmetry is found throughout Holmwood, where the bold opulent decoration echoes the colours seen in ancient Greek temples. Return to the hotel by 17:00.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Three nights bed and breakfast at the four-star The Waterside Hotel, West Kilbride, based on twin/double occupancy
• First night welcome drink
• Three dinners
• Lunch at Dumfries House
• All talks, guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Expert guide Robert Cairns throughout the tour
• Tour manager throughout the tour

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement - £231
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

The Waterside Hotel, West Kilbride
Set along the Ayrshire coast, The Waterside Hotel offers stunning sea views and warm, welcoming hospitality. Delight in relaxed dining—fresh seafood on the veranda or a cosy bar drink—and unwind in lovely gardens. Relax in stylish surroundings, stroll the nearby beach, or explore the charming town of West Kilbride—Scotland’s Craft Town. Ideal for a peaceful escape with gentle coastal walks and easy access to local heritage sites.

Hotel Website