Glenapp Castle – Ballantrae, Ayrshire
Be inspired, reflect, recharge, reconnect. That’s what the owners of Glenapp Castle, Paul and Poppy Szkiler, hope you will do when you come to stay – and that is surely what will happen. The 19th-century sandstone castle, once the seat of the Earl of Inchcape, is suitably grand, with oak-panelled hallways and corridors, lavishly decorated reception rooms and 17 highly individual bedrooms and suites. But it’s the wonderful gardens and grounds overlooking Ailsa Craig that make this Relais & Châteaux hotel truly special, where guests have exclusive access to the huge Victorian glasshouse, walled garden and woodland walks. Not to mention the hotel’s own 11-metre rib for fishing and birdwatching trips, as well as a host of world-class golf courses nearby. Then there’s the seriously good food, sourced from the Scottish larder. Ultimately, it’s the staff – local, warm, always professional, who are Glenapp Castle’s best asset.
Doubles from £245
+44 (0)1465 831212; glenappcastle.com
tip
SEE
Take a boat trip to Ailsa Craig, the iconic volcanic outcrop from which Scotland’s famous curling stones were quarried. Continue on to discover Isle of Arran, a place with all the beauty of Scotland in miniature.
EAT
Fine dining at Glenapp Castle’s beautiful restaurant is a truly unique experience and something not to be missed. Whether you choose the six-course dining experience or the ‘Taste of Glenapp’ three course menu there is something for everyone
BUY
Charter the Glenapp Castle Boat, a fast 11-metre rib with covered seating for eight, including a range of hydraulic suspension seating, on board kitchen and WC facilities. The vessel allows for both long and short-range trips in comfort and is available for charter, fully crewed and fully equipped for most types of sea fishing. The cost for charter per day is £1000 plus VAT.
CLAIM TO FAME
Glenapp has an incredibly colourful past. One of its most famous visitors, Winston Churchill, is rumoured to have visited in 1944 with Lord Inchcape and Eisenhower – history in the making.
Want to find out more? Visit the hotel's website.
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