Arran, Scotland in Miniature 551
Arran, Scotland in Miniature 551
Arran, Scotland in Miniature 551
5 Days Starting in Ardrossan, UK and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: Isle of Arran, Isle of Gigha, Brodick, Ardrossan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BARR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey to Arran, often referred to as "Scotland in Miniature," with this enchanting tour. Begin your adventure by sailing across the Firth of Clyde, where the majestic mountains of Arran beckon. Experience a scenic circular tour of the island, visiting charming villages and the renowned Isle of Arran Distillery for a tour and tasting. Delight in the stunning setting and vibrant gardens of Brodick Castle, and enjoy the option to explore Achamore Gardens on the tranquil Isle of Gigha. Stay at the comfortable Kinloch Hotel, perfectly situated on the island's picturesque "sunset side." With professional tour management, comfortable coach travel, and ferry crossings included, this tour offers a seamless and memorable exploration of Scotland's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Isle of Arran
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Best Western Kinloch Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from our designated pick up points and head for Ardrossan in time to catch the afternoon ferry to Brodick. On arrival on Arran our coach will transfer us to Blackwaterfoot where our accommodation has been organised for the next four nights at the Kinloch Hotel.
Dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 2
Location: Isle of Arran
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Best Western Kinloch Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today following breakfast we have a circular tour of the island of Arran. Only 56 miles around its coastline, the small villages are compared to ‘jewels on a necklace’ strung out like pearls around the island.
From Blackwaterfoot we will visit Whiting Bay, Lamlash, Brodick – the capital of Arran; Corrie and Sannox under the shadow of Goat Fell and other mountains, and then down the west coast to Catacol and Pirnmill with its ’12 Apostles’.
Also included today is a visit to the Isle of Arran Distillery, where we will have an opportunity for lunch (not included), followed by a tour of the distillery and a taste of the finished product.
We return to our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 3
Location: Isle of Gigha
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Best Western Kinloch Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today will be free to relax in the hotel and its surroundings. Alternatively for those who wish we have organised an optional excursion to the little Hebridean island of Gigha (not included).  Nestling close to the mainland just off the Kintyre peninsula, this is a gem of an island often overlooked by the island hopper. We will visit Achamore Gardens, the former home of the Horlick family. Sir James Horlick (of bedtime drink fame) came here in 1944 and started to create a woodland garden. A light lunch is served at the Gigha Hotel before we have a wander around the gardens. The mild climate combined with high levels of rainfall means that there is always something in bloom. We return to the Kinloch Hotel for dinner.
Day 4
Location: Brodick
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Best Western Kinloch Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we have included a visit to the Brodick Castle and Gardens. Brodick Castle occupies a splendid position, well protected from westerly winds and looking east across the Firth of Clyde. The present garden dates from 1932 when the Duchess of Montrose started an ambitious woodland garden with a collection of rhododendrons. From the castle, paths wind downhill towards the seashore, and in a shady place there is a fernery and a delightful Bavarian summer house embellished with rustic work and lovely inlaid panels of pinecones. A walled garden, dating from 1710, has been restored and mixed borders on three sides retain the gardener’s interest throughout the year.
The afternoon will be free in Brodick. We will return to our hotel for dinner.
Day 5
Location: Ardrossan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sadly today we must head for home. This morning, following breakfast, we will travel to the ferry port in time for the crossing to Ardrossan where we expect to arrive early afternoon. Thereafter we will return to our original pick up points to arrive late afternoon/early evening – your driver will be able to confirm a more precise return time en route home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included as part of the tour package.
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Services of a professional tour manager
The services of a professional tour manager are included to enhance your travel experience.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
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Meals - as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
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Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings are included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
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Optional excursion to Achamore Gardens and the Isle of Gigha
The optional excursion to Achamore Gardens and the Isle of Gigha is not included in the tour package.
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Lunch at the Isle of Arran Distillery
Lunch at the Isle of Arran Distillery is not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy comfortable coach travel throughout the tour, with ferry crossings included to and from the Isle of Arran, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey across the Firth of Clyde.
Accommodation
Stay at the comfortable Best Western Kinloch Hotel, located on the 'sunset side' of the Isle of Arran, offering a relaxing retreat with scenic views and convenient access to the island's attractions.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The accommodation provided during the tour is at the Best Western Kinloch Hotel, located in Blackwaterfoot on the Isle of Arran.
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Is there an opportunity to taste local products during the tour?
Yes, there is an opportunity to taste local products during the tour. On Day 2, you will visit the Isle of Arran Distillery, where you can enjoy a tour and a tasting of the finished product.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as per the itinerary. Dinner is provided on the first day, and breakfast and dinner are included on subsequent days.
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Is there an optional excursion available during the tour?
Yes, on Day 3, there is an optional excursion to the Isle of Gigha, where you can visit Achamore Gardens and enjoy a light lunch at the Gigha Hotel.
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What is the main activity on Day 4 of the tour?
On Day 4, the main activity is a visit to Brodick Castle and Gardens, where you can explore the castle's grounds and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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