As you sweep up the long tree clad drive you will glimpse the beautiful façade of Glenapp Castle; encapsulating the romance of the Scottish Baronial style with magical towers, turrets, and crenellations. Once inside our luxury 5 star castle hotel a world of Victorian splendour is yours.
Oak panelled halls lead to the heart of the castle offering stunning views out to sea and the famous volcanic outcrop of Ailsa Craig. Beyond that you can see the Isle of Arran, Holy Island, and, on a clear day, the hills of Northern Ireland.
Robert Adam’s cliff-top masterpiece rises above a world of woods, beaches, secret follies and play parks
Discover 40 buildings and secret follies in this country park, including the magnificent cliff-top castle.
Don’t miss Robert Adam’s Oval Staircase – the dramatic centrepiece of the castle.
Explore the woods, beaches, parkland, Swan Pond, deer park and cliffs.
Admire the enormous collection of flintlock pistols and military swords.
Run wild in the Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland play areas.
This glorious 260ha estate was once the playground of David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis – a man who was keen to impress with his wealth and status. Opulent to the extreme, the park is planted with conifers and beech, sculpted around miles of sandy coastline dotted with caves, and finished off with a Swan Pond, an ice house, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses.
The castle itself is perched on the Ayrshire cliffs, incorporating everything the earl could wish for in his country home. It was designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century and is filled to the turrets with treasures that tell the stories of the people who lived here.
For countless thousands of players the world over, Turnberry is simply the finest golfing destination of all. The scene of some of the most remarkable moments in Open history, the legendary Ailsa is complemented by the dynamic challenges of the new Kintyre championship course. With the famous hotel on your left, the magnificent Ailsa Craig away to your right and a whole new set of challenges ahead, there are few feelings in world golf to match those experienced at the first tee of the legendary Ailsa or highly acclaimed Kintyre course. To help you prepare for the Turnberry golfing experience, the Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy is situated right alongside one of the most luxurious and extensive clubhouses in the game.
Girvan Beach is a beautiful, wide sandy beach with a promenade right along its length, and a large expanse of grass beside it. Starting at the lively harbour, you can enjoy an interesting mix of boats, for fishing and pleasure, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot the seals that come in to ‘fish’ too.
During the summer, you can enjoy the boating pond, hire a cart to pedal along the promenade, or visit a modern children’s play area and a putting green. Girvan has also has Stair Park adjacent to the promenade, which is the perfect venue for a picnic or some of the best fish and chips in Scotland.
Woods, water, hills and history
A tranquil spot at the heart of Galloway Forest Park. Take the scenic trail beneath the Merrick to discover the lively waters that meet at Loch Trool. This area's history is also written into the landscape. Look out for Bruce's Stone, overlooking the site of the Battle of Glen Trool. There is also a monument to 17th century Covenanters who were slain for their religious beliefs.
For those seeking a few more thrills, Glentrool is one of the 7stanes mountain bike centres. You’ll find a mix of trails for novice and experienced riders.
And once you've completed your outdoor adventures, unwind in the café and watch woodland birds busy on the feeders.