Self catering

This exceptional fifteenth century keep is a stone clad castle, which sits high on a hill, with stunning views over the Firth of Clyde and onto the Isle of Arran. In recent years the castle has been refurbished and it retains an authenticity rarely seen with its stone walls, turnpike stairs and stone flagon floors.

Handily placed between Glasgow and Prestwick, it is accessible through the village of West Kilbride, and once up the hill, this grade A listed castle can be found within an acre of its own grounds. Inside, a rustic spiral stone staircase, aged with hundreds of years of use, connects all the five floors. The main reception room is on the first floor, and is the Great Hall, which is the main living space with wood burning stove and seating area, a dining table and the kitchen in the recess area. This is a very impressive room with modern touches with the large flat screen TV with cinema sound and under-floor heating. Whilst there is one bedroom on the ground floor, the rest of the accommodation is found on the second, third and fourth floors. The bedrooms mainly have four poster double beds with shared or en-suite bathrooms. The bedrooms are beautifully decorated with lots of attention to detail. There is one further room on the ground floor, which is a vaulted room, which can be used for pre-drinks or utility space, depending on your requirements. By the very nature of the building due to its age, there are low doorways to encounter and steep stairs, which takes getting used to, but is part of the charm of the castle. Outside, there is parking for about 6 cars, depending on size. There are very few castles in Scotland that are as authentic as this in structure and in design and anyone booking this castle will know they are getting something completely different for their money. It is ideal for a family holiday with a difference, a special event, an intimate wedding for up to 12 people or even for a golfing group. This is a castle that everyone will talk about for years to come.

WHAT TO DO IN THE AREA
Golf at the Open Championship courses, such as Royal Troon or at Prestwick and the good local golf courses. Take the ferry to the Isle of Arran. Kelburn Castle and country estate has activities for all age groups. Stroll along the River Ayr Way, Scotland’s first source to sea walking route passing through picturesque scenery. Fish on Ayrshire’s lochs and rivers.  Cycle on numerous mountain bike trails. Day trip to Glasgow, just 30 miles distant. Children will love Heads of Ayr Farm Park with its animals, playground and quad biking circuit or Loudon Castle Theme Park. Explore Robert Burns Country and Visitors Centre in Ayr.

Use of a car is not essential, as the castle is located in the centre of West Kilbride, which has its own train station just a short walk from the property, although to discover the true beauty of the surrounding areas, car hire is advisable.

For those flying into Scotland, the closest airports to this property are Glasgow 23 miles away and Prestwick 20 miles away and hiring a car or 4WD couldn’t be more convenient if you are choosing to travel by air. There are a variety of well known car rental companies situated within walking distance of the arrivals terminal at Glasgow and such arrangements for car hire can also be made for arrivals at Prestwick.

If you are driving into Scotland from the south, the major arterial motorway into Scotland, the M74, although busy is generally free flowing.

The closest station with car hire facilities available on site (or within short taxi/walking distance) would be Irvine, approximately twelve miles from the castle. Although trains from Prestwick town railway station to West Kilbride, will take approximately 50 minutes, whilst trains from Glasgow airport station to West Kilbride will take approximately 75 minutes.