Strathclyde Historic Towns and Villages to Visit

Ayr grew up as a royal burgh established by King William the Lion in 1197 to guard the Scottish border with the Kingdom of Galloway. On the edge of Ayr is Alloway, where poet Robert Burns was born, while in the town itself is the Tam O'Shanter Inn where Burns liked to drink. Look for the Auld Kirk, built in 1654 to replace a parish church seized by Oliver Cromwell to help build a military fort.
Ayr, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: 1654 Auld Kirk
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Blaxckwaterfoot is the largest village on the west coast of Arran, and a popular holiday centre. The village grew up around a small harbour, just south of an Iron Age promontory fort at Drumadoon Point. Blackwaterfoot boasts an unusual 12-hole golf course, established in 1896.
Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: The Doon Iron Age fort
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Brodick is the major ferry port on Arran, with regular service from Ardrossan on the mainland. It is also home to historic Brodick Castle, once the seat of the Dukes of Hamilton. Brodick is home to the Arran Heritage Museum and to the popular Arran Aromatics shop.
A841, Brodick, Isle of Arran, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: 19th-century Brodick Castle
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Catacol is a small village south of Lochranza on the northwestern tip of Arran. The village is known for The Twelve Apostles, a terrace of 19th-century cottages looking out across a long beach to Catacol Bay and Kintyre. Walks lead from the coast along tumbling rivers to mountain lochs.
C147, Catacol, Isle of Arran, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: The Twelve Apostles 19th-century cottages
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Dalmellington is a pretty town in East Ayrshire on the banks of Muck Water. The town grew up beside a 12th-century Norman motte and bailey castle. The town centre is a Conservation Area, full of attractive older buildings. Outside Dalmellington is the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.
A713, Dalmellington, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: Norman motte and bailey castle
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Kilchattan Bay is a picturesque village in the southern corner of Bute, looking across the Firth of Clyde to the Scottish mainland. The West Island Way long-distance trail starts here and leads to Glencallum Bay lighthouse and the 12th-century remains of St Blane's Church.
B881, Kilchattan Bay, Bute, Strathclyde, Scotland, PA20 9NN

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Heritage Highlight: The ruins of Kelspoke Castle stand above the village
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Lamlash is the largest village on Arran, facing east across Lamlash Bay to Holy Isle. It is a popular boating centre and holiday base for the island. Outside St George's Church is a medieval cross rescued from the monastery on Holy Isle.
A841, Lamlash, Isle of Arran, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: Medieval cross outside St George's Church
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Lochrannza is perhaps the prettiest village on Arran, located on a sea loch, and boasting the picturesque ruins of 13th-century Lochranza Castle. Red deer roam the area around the loch. West of the village is a ferry terminal with connections to the mainland.
A841, Lochranza, Isle of Arran, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: 13th-century Lochranza Castle
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Port Bannatyne is a picturesque village on the southern sweep of Kames Bay. It was begun in 1801 by Lord Bannatyne of Kames Castle, in an attempt to rival Rothesay, to the south. The village is home to the 16th-century fortified tower house of Kames Castle and to a very popular marina.
A844, Port Bannatyne, Bute, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: 16th-century Kames Castle
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Rothesay is the largest town on the Isle of Bute, with a rich heritage as a seaside resort in the Victorian period. The town grew up around the 13th-century stronghold of Rothesay Castle. One unusual attraction is a beautifully restored Victorian toilet on the Esplanade, with marble and tile fittings.
Rothesay, Bute, Strathclyde, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: Rothesay Castle, built c. 1200
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts