...Courtesy of Norman Hunter.
Our three-night vacation was based in the stunning location that is Turnberry in South Ayrshire – one of the very few local authorities still offering free EV charging! Within a 30 second drive of our chosen accommodation in the ‘Turnberry Apartments’, there are three points (all on the Charge Place Scotland phone App) offering 43-50 kW charging (CCS 50, ChadeMO 50kW and Types 2 43 kW). Also there are ample other charge points located throughout this part of Scotland - at The Maidens, Kirkoswald, Dowhill on the A77 heading south and further on at Girvan and Stranraer.
As our holiday destination was less than 40 miles from home and even after a day trip to Stranraer and the scenic area around Port Patrick, we only needed a top-up before heading back at the end of our stay.
This whole area is one of Scotland’s coastal paradises, playing host of course to the impressive Trump Turnberry Hotel and its three world famous golf courses – the Arran, the King Robert the Bruce and the Ailsa. But there are many areas of South Ayrshire and nearby Dumfries and Galloway well worth visiting and all within a half-day drive of central Scotland. Some prefer faster modes of transport – we spotted a helicopter parked nearby! ‘The Donald’, as he is known, has transformed what was always a wonderful resort into a magnificent golfing and luxury hotel complex - one that can be enjoyed by the not so R&F!
Overlooking the mouth of the Firth of Clyde and the beginning of the Irish Sea, the Turnberry lighthouse, now converted into executive accommodation, next to the ruined site of the birthplace of the 13th century king is worth the 0.6 mile walk through expertly re-designed golf courses. It stands as one of the attractions high on the bucket list of many home and overseas visiting players and holidaymakers alike.
We booked our two bedroom luxury pad at the impressive Turnberry apartments which are not part of the nearby luxurious Trump complex just over the trees. This privately owned development is located less than a quarter of a mile south of the golfing resort, just off the main A77 that links north and south Ayrshire en route to Dumfries and Galloway. Set in a beautiful and secluded development, there are four blocks each with individual apartments accommodating four to six people in two double bedrooms. The complex is tranquillity personified, surrounded by grass and woodland and is less than three minutes walk from the wonderful local beach.
The views are spectacular across to Arran and the granite islet that is Ailsa Craig, known affectionately as ‘Paddy’s Milestone’ as it lies halfway between the port of Greenock and Belfast (Northern Ireland). On clear days the Antrim coast is easily visible and, as our holiday was blessed with the best of late spring, early summer weather, the Emerald Isle seemed within touching distance!
The Turnberry apartments are worthy of an ‘executive’ tag. Extremely comfortable beds and spacious accommodation including two bathrooms (one en suite and a family bathroom), a good sized sitting/dining room and a very well quipped kitchen. Our ground floor (corner) accommodation looked over well manicured lawns and attractively laid out gardens oozing colour and fragrance. The apartments are well managed (by Alexandra of the Little Accommodation Company) and immaculately presented.
'The famous Turnberry lighthouse opposite the ninth green for golfers' refreshments - it also doubles up as private luxury accommodation in two executive apartments - complete with chef and butler!!'
A few minutes drive (although walking is highly recommended in this area) is the village of The Maidens where dining at ‘Wildings’ – a coastal hotel with (again) views across the Firth – is well worth an evening visit for food of the highest quality and excellent service. The hotel also has rooms for guests. There is also a wonderful cafe – ‘Ropes Bistro’ - sitting on the hill near the small harbour where local pleasure craft and the odd fishing boat are berthed. Its patio area (you can take your well behaved dog too) has views over the harbour, bay and the local bowling club.
Of our three night stay we only self catered on our first night as there’s plenty of choice for good places to eat around this part of the country. A carry-out fish supper sitting by the harbour at Girvan and a reservation made at Wildings for a wonderful dinner on our final night. Souter Johnnies at Kirkoswald is also renowned for good food (if somewhat expensive).
A little brush with the rich and famous is always a possibility when visiting Turnberry, especially (as we did) with a Lite Bite lunch at the excellent ‘Duel in the Sun’ restaurant in the Trump Golf Resort clubhouse. It is named after the two American golfing greats – Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson - who fought an epic and memorable battle here on the final day of the 1977 Open Golf championship. Photographs and paintings of that day and the whole history of the game grace the walls and balconies surround the restaurant which has panoramic views across all three courses and out across the Firth. Sitting in the restaurant, with its leather (castor) chairs, we enjoyed listening to the various overseas visitors dialects – American, Canadian, Irish and many more.
We were in the presence of Scottish and golfing history!
Overall, a very enjoyable short break – the exceptionally good weather did help!
Reservations for the Turnberry Apartments can be made through booking agencies but best direct by contacting Alexandra at the Little Accommodation Company- much easier and more pleasant making arrangements with someone able to add that personal touch! (details below)
email: info@thelittleaccommodationcompany.com