Turkey & Tinsel in Portpatrick

Local departure by coach, then on to Portpatrick and our hotel for four nights. We enjoy a tea, coffee or mulled wine with a festive treat on arrival to get us into the spirit of the season.

Today we travel along the Ayrshire Coast to reach Ayr in the heart of Robert Burns country. As the National Poet, he is widely regarded and celebrated throughout Scotland and nowhere is that more apparent than in Ayr, his birthplace. Ayr also has excellent beaches for when the elusive Scottish sunshine appears, and has an excellent town centre for those less sunny days. Enjoy time at leisure to stroll down the esplanade or browse the shops. We return back to the hotel in time for our 'Christmas Dinner' complete with a complimentary glass of wine.

Relax in Portpatrick or join our optional excursion to Galloway Forest Park, where we take a scenic drive to admire the views.

This morning we visit Stranraer, situated at the head of Loch Ryan. Stranraer is the largest town in South West Scotland and for more than a century has been a bustling ferry port. Perhaps see the ruins of St. John's Castle and admire the many artworks that surround the castle. The Stranraer Museum is in the old town hall or there are plenty of interesting shops to keep you entertained. We return to the hotel for a festive cream tea.

We depart the hotel this morning full of festive cheer and return home.