The Wheatsheaf Inn, Symington

With a mixture of wide sandy beaches, cliffs and rocky coves, the Ayrshire coastline looks out towards the Isles of Arran and Bute and enjoys a fine, mild climate fanned by the warm currents of the Gulf stream. Like so many parts of Scotland, Ayrshire is excellent for walking and the area is renowned for its superb championship golf courses, as well as boasting a wealth of historic landmarks to seek out, including lots of castles and ancient strongholds.

A favoured holiday resort on the Clyde coast, with its 2.5 miles (4km) of seafront esplanade, spacious gardens and parks, Ayr itself is a Royal Burgh dating back to 1202. It is also home to Scotland’s premier race course, where the Scottish Grand National is run, and, more importantly to fans of Robert Burns, the literary heart of the Burns Heritage Trail. With its modern facilities, good shopping and wealth of family outdoor recreation, it makes an excellent centre for exploring Burns country.