Edinburgh to Burns Country: Private day trip

The quaint cottage where Robert Burns was born in 1759 still stands in Alloway, as part of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Visitors can admire the period-furnished thatched cottage, built by Burns’ father, where the poet lived until age seven. The museum hosts a collection of Burns’ manuscripts and belongings, and the grounds surrounding the site are equally worth a visit. Enjoy pristine landscaped gardens, a 19th-century monument, and a medieval bridge (“Auld Brig o’ Doon” featured in Burns’ “Tom o’ Shanter”). Be sure to book tickets in advance: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/robert-burns-birthplace-museum/planning-your-visit

Culzean Castle (pronounced Cull-Ane) is not directly linked to Robert Burns, but it is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the stunning Ayrshire landscape beloved by the poet. Admire the 18th-century aristocratic creation, featuring a unique oval staircase and a round drawing room. Stroll the grounds for unmatched views across the Firth of Clyde, where on clear days you can see as far as the Isle of Arran. Enjoy the Victorian formal gardens and the dramatic coastal beauty that makes this Scotland’s most visited country park. The castle has more limited seasonal opening times than the country park itself, so be sure to check the National Trust website before visiting: https://www.nts.org.uk/