Holmbyre Smithy - Islay

North Ayrshire's rural stretches between West Kilbride and Dalry hold Holmbyre Smithy, a single-bedroom glamping pod designed for four guests. The whole space is yours alone: a ground-floor open plan combining living area, kitchen and dining space, a separate double bedroom, and a shower room. A sofa bed in the main area provides the extra sleeping space. The kitchen has an electric hob and microwave for basic cooking; heating, electricity, bed linen and towels are all included, along with WiFi and a welcome pack.

What makes the stay distinct is the private hot tub, sunk into the front garden where you can soak while looking out across the countryside. There's garden furniture, parking for one car, and the space is non-smoking. From here, Ardrossan's ferry terminal is a short drive away if you want to reach Arran, and the Ayrshire Coastal Path runs nearby for walks along one of Britain's finer shorelines. Castles and historic sites—Ardrossan, Kelburn, Culzean—dot the region for those interested in exploring beyond the pod.