EXPERIENCE THE DELIGHTS OF THE ISLE OF BUTE AND MOUNT STUART
Room Only
Travel Solutions Rep
Description
Step into a world of elegance, heritage, and breathtaking coastal scenery on this unforgettable 4-day break. Your base for this relaxing escape is the welcoming Riverside Lodge Hotel, ideally located on the outskirts of Irvine—a perfect starting point for exploring Scotland’s stunning southwest coast. A highlight of your trip is a full-day excursion to the Isle of Bute, one of Scotland’s most enchanting and easily accessible islands. The island’s contrasting landscapes offer something for everyone: the rugged, forested north appeals to nature lovers and walkers, while the gentler southern coastline is ideal for tranquil beach strolls. Along the western shore, discover five beautiful beaches with spectacular views over the Sound of Bute. During your visit, enjoy a guided tour of Mount Stuart House, a magnificent Victorian Gothic mansion nestled within 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland. You’ll also have time to explore Rothesay, Bute’s charming main town. Stroll along its elegant Victorian promenade, visit quaint shops and cafés, or take in the views from the historic seafront and pier. This scenic escape also includes a tour of the Ayrshire coast, with a stop in the seaside town of Ayr for some leisure time, followed by an afternoon visit to the magnificent Culzean Castle and Country Park. Set high on a cliff with dramatic sea views, the castle is surrounded by lush gardens, wooded trails, and spectacular coastal scenery. With scenic ferry crossings, rich history, and unspoiled natural beauty, this short break is the perfect blend of relaxation, discovery, and coastal charm.
Price Includes
- Luxury coach travel from Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast, and Belfast Stena Line Port
- Return ferry crossings with Stena Line – Belfast/Cairnryan
- 3 nights’ accommodation at the 4* Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine
- Breakfast and Evening Meals
- Return ferry crossings to the Isle of Bute and Admission to Mount Stuart
- Visit Culzean Castle
- Visit Rothesay
- Services of an experienced Travel Solutions tour manager
Accommodation
EXPERIENCE THE DELIGHTS OF THE ISLE OF BUTE AND MOUNT STUART
Set on the outskirts of Irvine, the Riverside Lodge Hotel offers a welcoming retreat just 7 miles from Prestwick Airport and only 2 miles from the sandy beaches of the Ayrshire coast. This modern, low-rise hotel has recently undergone a stylish refurbishment, bringing a fresh, contemporary feel to its public areas. The hotel features 128 en-suite bedrooms, each tastefully decorated with wooden headboards, satin cushions, and warm tones. Rooms are equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, Freeview TV, free Wi-Fi, and a work desk, ensuring a comfortable stay for both leisure and business guests. Dine in style at the Brasserie Restaurant, which offers a cosmopolitan menu complemented by a carefully selected list of world wines. For a more relaxed setting, the spacious Lounge Bar serves light snacks, classic cocktails, and features plush armchairs and cosy sofas—ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. Surrounded by its expansive grounds, the hotel is proud to hold a Green Tourism Award and includes a 9-hole junior golf course on-site. For golf enthusiasts, Irvine Golf Club is just a 10-minute drive away.
Room Types
- Single Room - Sleeps max. 1
- Double/Twin Room - Sleeps max. 2
- Triple Room - Sleeps max. 3
Hotel Services
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wifi
- Coffee House on-site
- Shared lounge/TV area
- 24-hour front desk
Guest Rooms
- Single Room - Sleeps max. 1 - This room has either a single bed or a double bed for sole occupancy. Amenities include desk, TV, telephone, iron facilities, heating. The En-suite bathroom has a bath/shower, toilet and hairdryer.
- Double/twin Room - Sleeps max. 2 - This room has either a 2 single beds or a double bed. Amenities include desk, TV, telephone, iron facilities, heating. The En-suite bathroom has a bath/shower, toilet and hairdryer
- Triple - Sleeps max. 3 - This room has 1 large double bed and a single bed. Amenities include desk, TV, telephone, iron facilities, heating. The En-suite bathroom has a bath/shower, toilet and hairdryer
*Some services may have additional charges
Please Note
- Full payment required 12 weeks prior to departure.
- Meals on-board the ferries are not included in your tour price.
- NEW BELFAST PICK-UP POINT. The new Belfast pick up point for coach tours will now be Leonardo Hotel (formerly Jurys Inn).
- Kindly note that this hotel does not have lift facilities, and access to rooms on upper floors is by stairs only. This may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Itinerary
Day 1 Travel to Scotland Meet your coach at your chosen pick-up point and travel to Belfast Port for the mid-morning ferry crossing to Scotland. Upon arrival in Cairnryan, we continue by coach to our hotel in Irvine. Once checked in, take the remainder of the afternoon to relax and settle in before enjoying dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 Isle of Bute & Mount Stuart After breakfast, join your coach (departure time will be confirmed by your Tour Manager) as we travel to the ferry terminal for the short crossing to the Isle of Bute—a picturesque island measuring just 15 miles long and 4 miles wide. Our scenic island tour includes a drive past Ettrick Bay, a beautiful stretch of golden sand that captures the charm of Bute’s unspoiled coastline. Next, we visit the magnificent Mount Stuart House and Gardens, a spectacular 19th-century neo-Gothic mansion and former home of the Marquess of Bute. This award-winning attraction is renowned for its stunning architecture, exquisite interiors, and 300 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodlands. In the afternoon, we continue to the island’s main town, Rothesay, where you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure. Enjoy the Victorian promenade, shoreline walks, local shops, cafés, and perhaps a visit to the popular Bute Gin Distillery (payable locally). Later, we return to the mainland by ferry and travel back to the hotel in Irvine, where dinner will be served.
Day 3 Ayr & Culzean Castle After breakfast, join your coach (departure time will be confirmed by your Tour Manager) for a scenic drive along the beautiful Ayrshire coast. Our first stop is the charming seaside town of Ayr, where you’ll have free time to explore, browse local shops, or enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we visit the spectacular Culzean Castle and Country Park, a grand clifftop estate surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, woodland walks, and sweeping coastal views. Discover the castle’s rich history, elegant interiors, and dramatic setting overlooking the Firth of Clyde. Afterwards, we return to the hotel in Irvine, with time to relax and freshen up before enjoying dinner.
Day 4 Return Journey After breakfast and check-out (departure time will be confirmed by your Tour Manager), we bid farewell to Irvine and begin our journey to Cairnryan Port. En route, we’ll make a comfort stop before boarding the afternoon ferry back to Belfast. Upon arrival, you will return to your original joining point, marking the end of your tour.
Ferries & Dates
Flight Times
- Departs Belfast 11:30 / Arrives Cairnryan 13:52
- Departs Cairnryan 15.30 / Arrives Belfast 17.45
Optional Extras
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £140 PER TOUR
