Enjoy a Stagecation!

The service 585 Ayr - Largs

Journey through villages and towns of North Ayrshire and enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Firth of Clyde.  Enjoy a walk along the sandy beaches in Stevenston, Saltcoats, Ardrossan or Seamill. Stop off in West Kilbride and take in the scenic village with galleries, shops, museums and of course a village pub to meet the locals. Looking for something a bit different? Then why not visit Fairlie and spend some time at Kelburn Castle, Country Park and Estate to take in the distinctive graffiti styled artwork and a tasty treat or two.

Make the most of your time in Largs

Largs has so much to offer and you'll find something for everyone, from amazing ice-cream to fair rides on the shore front. Largs has everything you could wish for and so much more with attractions, walks and historic sites.

Visiting between Sunday 30th August – Monday 7th September 2026 you'll get your chance to see Largs Viking Festival filled with parades, live entertainment, a full Viking and Scots village, Viking Long Boat, and the ever popular Festival of Fire, with fire procession.

As well as the Viking skirmish, burning of the long boat, entertainment, and ending in a fabulous firework display.

Things to see and do when visiting Largs:

•  Vikingar! -  Is an exciting, interactive, hands on Viking and Scottish heritage and cultural centre, with real Viking storytellers, who will invite you into their replica 8th century Norwegian Longhouse (where it all began) and as you sit under the flickering lights, you will experience a day in the life of a Viking over 1000 years ago.
•  Largs Bay  - Enjoy a walk along the shoreline and take in the views of Millport and the Firth of Clyde, embrace the fun on the fair rides and taste some of the best ice-cream in Scotland. 
• Millport - Take a short ferry ride over to Millport and enjoy the sights of island life, there's no better way to see all that Millport has to offer than by bike. The island has some bike hire shops to help you explore. Cycle around the island in a hour or two, but remember to stop and take in the sights.
• Knock Hill Circular - Enjoy spectacular views over Largs and the Firth of Clyde on the Knock Hill circular walk. It's not for the light hearted, this walk will take around four hours, covering 8 miles. So remember those walking boots and pack a picnic, with some lovely spots to stop for lunch. Reward yourself with an Ice-cream from Nardini cafe on the shore front.
• Greeto Mast and the Gogo Glen - With panoramic views, this walk shows off all the best bits of Largs. Follow the new path up over the moors above Largs before descending into the wooded glen of the Gogo Water. A lovely walk taking around 2 hours covering 2.75 miles, definitely not one to be missed.

No staycation would be complete without some historical sightseeing:

• The Pencil Monument - Take a walk along to the south end of the Prom and see one of Largs' most famous monument, The Pencil. Built in 1912 to commemorate the Battle of Largs 1263.
• Skelmorlie Aisle - Built in 1636 as a private place of worship and burial vault the Skelmorlie Aisle has some beautiful painted ceilings.
• The Three Sisters - The 3 Sisters are located just off of Waterside Street in Largs at the north end of the town centre. The 3 Sisters stand as a monument to Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane, definitely worth a visit.

Service 585/585A bus times

The service 585/585A operates 7-days per week with pick up points from Ayr, Prestwick, Irvine, Stevenston, Saltcoats, Ardrossan, Seamill West Kilbride, Fairlie and Largs. Our Ayrshire DayRider ticket has you covered for travel within this area.

Service 585/585A timetable

Isle of Arran 

The Isle of Arran has everything you could wish for in a staycation location. Stunning shorelines, dramatic mountains and fantastic activities with picturesque villages. It's one of the largest islands in the Firth of Clyde - the Isle of Arran won’t disappoint and will become one of your go-to locations to unwind and enjoy making memories.

Make the most of your time on Isle of Arran

Arran has so much to offer, your only problem will be trying to work out where to start. Form stunning views, water sports, tasting whisky and ales to alpaca trekking. Don’t forget all the island historic sites.

Arran holds a range of events through the year, so if you're planning a visit then take a peek at our what’s on in Arran guide:

• Arran Farmers Show – Wednesday 5^th August 2026, one of the biggest events on Arran! Come along to Glenkiln Farm in Lamlash - a great day out for all the family.
• Brodick Highland Games – Saturday 8^th August 2026, this event is not to be missed, a great day out for the whole family. The island come together to celebrate traditional highland games events with pipe bands, highland dancers and games as well as fun activities for the whole family.
• Arran Festival of Food & Drink– Dates TBC, there is no better time to visit the island, with a range of the most amazing food and drink the island has to offer. With a range of different events, you’ll be sure to find something to meet everyone’s tastes. 

Fancy spending a night or two?

Arran offers a great range of places to stay while visiting. There's a wide range of hotels, B&B,  camping and glamping! You'll be sure to find an amazing place to meet your needs and budgets. Love staying somewhere with a great view? We've got the place for you!  

• Balmichael Glamping - Whether you're a first time glamper or an experienced camper, Balmichael Glamping is the place to stay. Wake up to the view of alpacas while enjoying your luxury stay in one of their pods or safari tents and dogs are allowed too! 
• Seal Shore Camping  or Bridgend Campsite - Enjoy pitching your own tent or have your own caravan or motorhome? Then check out these fantastic locations. Seal Shore Camping is situated on the seafront where you can watch nature in action from seals to ottors. Prefer to stay in-land? Bridgend campsite is the place to be, with some amazing views and great walks surrounding the campsite.

Things to see and do while visiting Arran

• Brodick Castle & Country Gardens - Explore the grounds of Brodick Castle keeping your eyes peeled for some fluffy red squirrels, waterfalls and adventure playgrounds. With fantastic views and stunning gardens, it's definitely a must visit while on the isle of Arran.
• Lochranza Distillery - Enjoy a tour through Arran's first distillery, learning all about Arran's famous whisky and finish your tour with a whisky tasting. Have a sweet tooth and love a bit of chocolate? Lochranza Distillery offers whisky AND chocolate tasting.
•  Isle of Arran Brewery - Whisky not your thing? Then the Isle of Arran Brewery is the place to be. Enjoy a guided tour through the distillery and taste some of the finest ale Arran has to offer. No visit would be complete without pit stop at the breweries' gift shop. 
• Lochranza Golf Course -  One of Scotland's most stunning golf courses, if you love to sport of golf then remember to pack those golf clubs and enjoy 18 holes with the hole family with day passes, 3-days passes and longers. Got your four legged friend with you worry Lochranza Golf Course is dog friendly.
• Lochranza Outdoor Centre - Have a love of the outdoors then look no further than the Lochranza Outdoor Centre with gorge walking, abseiling, open canoes to raft building explore the isle of Arran like never before. Whether watersports are your thing or guided walks through the geology, wildlife or mountains you'll find something for everyone to get your adrenaline pumping.  
• Goatfell - One of Arran's most famous hikes, this 5 mile hike takes on average between 4-6 hours and will not disappoint. With some of the most amazing views Goatfell is one of the must do's when when visiting Arran, but remember to pack your walking boots are the terrain can be steep in places, and to bring some extra layers and water proofs as the lovely Scottish weather can be unpredictable. 
• Devil's Punchbowl - Explore the countryside and enjoy a fantastic walk along the woodland before coming across waterfalls and fanatics views of the Firth of Clyde, taking on average 3 hours you'll cover 3.25 miles across the Isle of Arran enjoying all this beautiful island has to offer.

 No staycation would be complete without some historical sightseeing:

• Machrie Moor stone circle - One of the best known archaeological sites on Arran Machrie Moor having the remains for six stone circles. Enjoy the short 2.75 mile walk taking on average a hour and a half, taking in the sights of Goat fell along the route as you arrive at the stone circle the dates back to 1600 - 1800 BC.
• Holy Island - Take the ferry from Lamlash Pier to the Holy Island the ferry runs throughout the summer but is subject to the weather. Once arriving you'll embark on a 4.25 mile walk around the island taking on average 31/2 hours, the Holy island is owned by the Samye Ling Buddhist Community unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the island, if you have a chance to visit the island w would recommend you take the opportunity as it won't disappoint. 
• Kings Cave - The historic Kings Cave is one of the locations that Robert the Bruce is said to have had his famed encounter with a spider. Enjoy the dramatic coastline as you make your way along the path this 2.75 mile walk taking on average 2 hours is not to be missed. Explore the caves and enjoy the views and take in the history along the route.

Explore the Isle of Arran by bus 

Whether you're off to explore the historic sites, hike goatfell or taste all the Arran has to offer form whisky, ales or chocolate let your friendly bus drivers take you there in style. Did you know our drivers are a source of local knowledge and are always happy to help you make the most of your time on Arran, travelling out with the local villages did you know you can wave our buses down. That's right we operate a hail and ride so if that walks a bit longer than you remember just give us a friendly wave and our buses are dog friendly.

Explore the island with our Arran bus ticket, whether you're travelling yourself or part of a group we've got a ticket to meet your needs available on bus, on our websites or by app.

Hop aboard our Island services and start exploring today!

Your local Arran services 

Dumfries

Looking to relax and unwind to get away from the busy cities and towns, to take a breath, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside then Dumfries is for you. With rolling countryside, historical sites and beautiful villages enjoy the slower pace and take time to explore all the Dumfries has to offer. Once the home to Robert Burns Dumfries and Galloway is a cultural hot stop with music, museums and festivals.

Let's make the most of your time in Dumfries:

• River Nith Walks - Enjoy scenic walks along the River Nith, which runs through the heart of Dumfries. Great for photography and peaceful moments.
• Dock Park - A lovely riverside park with gardens, a play area, and mini golf - perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
• The Globe Inn - A historic pub frequented by Robert Burns, offering guided Burns tours, hearty food, and a cosy atmosphere
• Theatre Royal Dumfries - Scotland’s oldest working theatre, offering a mix of drama, comedy, and live performances.

No staycation would be complete without some historical sightseeing:

• Robert Burns House - Visit the home of Scotland’s national poet, where he spent the last years of his life. It’s a must-see for literature lovers and history buffs.
• Dumfries Museum & Camera Obscura - Located in an 18th-century windmill, this museum offers fascinating local history exhibits and the world’s oldest working Camera Obscura 
  
  

Explore all Dumfries has to offer onboard our service X74 from Glasgow!

The service X77 Glasgow - Ayr!

Leave the vibrant city of Glasgow behind you and head down the coast to the seaside town of Ayr. Enjoy a walk along the sandy shoreline or take walk in Robert Burns footsteps and have a dram or two in The Tam O'Shanter Inn. Where you’re looking to enjoy some historical sites or unwind by the seaside with some Renaldo's ice-cream or Marcos Fish and Chips Ayr will find a special place in your heart. 

Let's make the most of your time in Ayr

South Ayrshire holds a range of events through the year, if your planning visit then take a peek at our what’s on in Ayrshire this year: 

• The International Ayr Show Festival of Flight, 5th - 6th September 2025 - One of the biggest events in Ayr is our Festival of Flight, with typhoon display team, military and civilian aviation displays. A great day out for the whole family, with lots of activities for the children young and old to take part in. 
• Ayr Gold Cup, 18th - 20th September 2025 - Whether you're a regular at the races or newbie Ayr races is a day not to be missed, The Gold Cup Festival is one of the biggest race events in Ayr and will not disappoint so dust of those glad rags and join in the fun.

Things to see and do while visiting Ayr

• Head of Ayr Farm Park - If your little one has a love of animals then  the Head of Ayr Farm Park  is must visit with a wide range of animals from alapacs to highland cows and of courses they have little critters too!  With fantastic play parks and activities your little one won't be able to keep their eyes open, looking for a bite to eat we can recommend restaurant enough!
• Ayr beach - Just a short walk from the bus station Ayr beach on a sunny day is the place to be. With a fantastic play park for children and a large open green playing field for a picnics,games and kite flying. With public toilets and cafes you'll set for the day and we can guarantee to hear 'just five more minutes' when it's time to head home.
• Culzean Castle & Country Park - With breathtaking gardens and walks through the woodlands Culzean Castle & Country Park will not disappoint. Take a tour of the castle, explore the walled garden, play parks and swan pond. With a range of cafes, shops and farm kitchen your set for a day of fun.
• Golf Courses -  South Ayrshire has some of the best golf courses in Scotland, so make sure to pack your clubs when coming to visit, from Belleisle to Prestwick St. Nicholas both with spectacular views not to be missed.
• Ayrshire Coastal Path - Ayr to Troon- Enjoy a coastal walk from Ayr to Troon taking in the views as you head along the shorefront this 9.5 mile walk take on average 5 hours taking you through Ayr, Prestwick and Troon a fantastic walk on a sunny day.
• Ayrshire Coastal Path Ayr to Dunure - Take in the breathtaking views of South Ayrshire coastline with views of Greenan Castle, Dunure harbour and rocky shoreline you'll see Ayrshire in all its glory. Covering 7.25 miles taking on average 5 hours, just remember to check for high spring tides when leaving the harbour.
• Burns' Trail, Alloway - This short 2 hour walk covering 3.75 miles takes in all that Alloway has to offer exploring birthplace of Robert Burns, woodland and parks, crossing the 'Brig O'Doon' you'll be able to see the Alloway in all its beauty while learning more about Robert Burns. 

No staycation would be complete without some historical sightseeing

• Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and Centre - No visit to Ayr would be complete without a visit to Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and Centre learning all about the poet himself and the teals of his life. 
• Miller's Folly - Heading to the beach, why not take a storle past Miller's Folly at Ayr Harbour built by the Cromwellian Army in 1652. Keep your eyes peeled for cannon!
• Dunure Castle - Explore all the at Dunure Castle has to offer from the gateway to the tower and the Doocot built in 1200s overlooking the Firth of Clyde. The castle may be in ruins but is definitely a visit worth taking and you'll understand why the Kennedy family loved it so much.

Service X77 bus times

The service X77 operates 7-days a week with pick up points from Ayr, Prestwick, and Monkton, with later buses on a Friday and Saturday night. Our West Scotland Connect DayRider ticket has you covered for travel within this area.

Service X77 timetable