Barrhill Holiday Park

You’ll never run short of outdoor larks out here, a 20-minute drive from the hiking trails of the Galloway Forest and the 7stanes mountain biking centre at Glentrool. Head to Loch Trool (40 minutes) for trails up southern Scotland’s highest peak, the Merrick; 50 minutes away there are further walks along with fishing aplenty at Clatteringshaws Loch. For outdoor thrills of a more organised kind, Adventure Carrick (half an hour) appeals with archery and bushcraft, kayaking and gorge walking, mountain biking and guided coast-to-summit walks. For simply speeding through the fine surrounds, opt for the zipwires, Segways and grass sledging on offer at Laggan Outdoor (45 minutes). If you fancy a spot of historical splendour, a 40-minute drive gets you to Culzean Castle, where some 40-odd buildings and follies, including the clifftop topper with its oval staircase, sit among a wider landscape of beaches, deer parks, woodlands and adventure playgrounds. Robert Burns pilgrims should make for Alloway (50 minutes) for the birthplace museum and the two-hour walking trail weaving the natural beauty of the village with the Bard's life and works. For those less impressed by poetry, Cream o’ Galloway, an hour away, competes with farm-based frolics, including dairy tours, rides and playgrounds and the sampling of much locally-fashioned cheese and ice cream.