With the summer holidays fast approaching, we round up some of the best sights to see in the West of Scotland to keep both kids and adults entertained.

Beaches & Coast

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside! We are quite spoilt for choice in Scotland and there are many good beaches on our doorstep on the west coast. There is around 65 miles of coastline on the Ayrshire coast alone, from Ballantree in the south to Largs in the north, with many fine beaches to explore on a sunny day. Some of the most popular coastal spots include Ayr beach with its 1 mile promenade, Troon beach that runs from Royal Troon Golf Club past the town centre with its many amusements, play parks and snack bars and Irvine beach which hosts some of the finest sand on the Ayrshire coast. Largs is also a popular coastal day trip destination, though it’s beach is most shingle there is plenty to see and do in the town and you can hop on the ferry to the Isle of Cumbrae too. Some of Scotland’s most beautiful, sandy white beaches can be found around the coastline of Argyllshire and the Isles, including along Argyll’s scenic secret coast.

Castles

Get into your history of an afternoon with a visit to one of the west coast’s majestic castles. Culzean Castle, 12 miles south of Ayr on the coast is the late 18th century home to David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis, set in immaculate grounds and full of treasures to explore. Kelburn Castle and Country Centre will take you by surprise with its colourful, muralled exterior with a busy programme of events offering everything from music festivals to storytelling sessions. Further north in Argyll sits Inverary Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne, the ancestral home of the Chief of Clan Campbell, the Duke of Argyll. Tour around the beautiful grounds and historic artwork and objects of antiquity in the castle’s great rooms before stopping for a bite in the tearoom. Dumbarton Castle is on our door step, offering stunning views at the top of White Tower Crag and offering a well-preserved example of 18th century military architecture.

Parks & Gardens

National Trust owned Brodick Castle Gardens on the Isle of Arran is just one more reason to take the ferry to this lovely island. The castle grounds offer up a walled garden, the ice house where they used to store ice for the summer months and the Bavarian summer house, as well as many walking trails and an adventure playground for children. Carnell Gardens by Hurlford in Ayrshire have been celebrated by The Beechgrove Garden and Country Life as a fine example of a traditional walled garden, containing an herbaceous border, gazebos and the Lime Avenue, with plenty of roses in full bloom in July. Scotland’s largest regional park, Cyde Muirshiel Park is perfect to enjoy walking, cycling, wildlife spotting and camping as well as a variety of water sports for the more adventurous on Lochwinnoch at Castle Semple Visitor Centre.

Museums

For those inevitable rainy days, take the opportunity to visit one of the many brilliant museums on the west coast. The Riverside Museum on the banks of the Clyde in Glasgow is a must-see.  Exploring the rich history of Glasgow through transport, its home to over 3000 objects including old city trams and buses, bicycles, vintage cars and the odd Stormtrooper also makes an appearance. Catch the ferry to the Isle of Bute from Wemyss Bay and make your first pit stop The Bute Museum which hosts various artefacts and information detailing the history of life on the island. The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine’s harbour side offers a day of exploring Scotland’s national collection of historic boats, maritime art and shipbuilding machinery. A trip to Greenock wouldn’t be complete without a stop at The Scottish Fire and Rescue Museum, an old station now turned into a museum that displays shiny red fire engines used throughout history as well as old firefighting uniforms and equipment – only open on Sundays.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.