Ayr, Scotland, UK

This charming seaside town has a lovely esplanade that stretches for an easy one-mile stroll from sandy Ayr Beach to the harbor at River Ayr. For a unique encounter with Scotland’s national bard and favorite son, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum celebrates the man whose poetry is known and loved the world over. South of town perched atop the Ayrshire cliffs, the opulent Culzean Castle is filled to the turrets with treasures telling the stories of the nobles who once lived there. As Scotland is also the birthplace of golf, Ayr has some spectacular courses, including the Royal Troon just a few miles north along the coast. Founded in 1878, the renowned links course hosted its tenth Open Championship in 2024. Travel less than hour further north to Glasgow to explore Scotland’s oldest mainland cathedral, the distinctive home of architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the esteemed Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.