Ayrshire Castle

In the fifteenth century the castle was constructed as a wedding gift for Princess Mary, the eldest daughter of James II of Scotland upon her marriage to Thomas Boyd the Earl of Arran. Six hundred years later, it is available for rent as Scotland's most luxurious and exclusive holiday home.

What is now the formal great hall of this comfortable but unusual home once served as a courtroom - and comes complete with a pit prison behind a flagstone trap door. There's also a 'murder hole' through which hot oil could have been poured over unwelcome visitors outside.

This landmark property lies in its own grounds at the foot of a hill, just inland from the Ayrshire coast.

Weekly prices: £2950 - £3750
Short breaks: From £1770

A spiral stone staircase connects the five floors. On the ground floor there are two vaulted rooms, one a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, and the other a utility room. On the first floor there is The Great Hall and kitchen, and on the levels above five bedrooms and a sitting room. Many of the shuttered windows dotted around the castle have seats in small chambers set into the thickness of the wall. The staircase continues to the roof level, where there is an unusual 'Caphouse', formerly the guards' lookout. There are views over the quiet village of West Kilbride towards the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran.

All upper rooms have four poster beds intricately hand carved with quality drapes individually styled and all have wood burning stoves. Linen and towels are included. Each floor has an easily accessed bathroom.

There is even a secret staircase from the utility room to the great hall! Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access for disabled people and the Castle is not recommended for the elderly due to the turnpike staircase.

In the Great Hall, you will find the living room with dining/meeting table. Here you can relax on comfortable sofas and enjoy the beautiful furniture in a relaxed atmosphere. A log fire usually crackles in the wide fireplace, overhead are two large candelabras, while the large windows supply magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. It is an intimate, quiet haven from everyone and everything. The Great Hall also features a 42" Plasma TV with full cinema sound, and is discreetly hidden behind an ornate tapestry.

Level 4 features the Suite Bedroom with Lounge, Dressing Room and a pull down double bed. It has a TV/DVD, Sky Television and a Computer point where you can find out more about the surrounding area or just keep in touch with your friends by email.

*Please note, locations shown on the maps are approximations only

The castle is 20 miles from Glasgow Prestwick Airport. 24 miles from Glasgow Airport. 70 miles from Edinburgh Aiport.

Golf: Turnberry Golf Course - Situated on a magnificent stretch of the Atlantic coastline, with the gently rolling Scottish countryside at its back, Turnberry is unquestionably one of the great resorts of the world. 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. Royal Troon Golf Course - One of the great links courses in Scotland, the Old Course is a challenging test of golfing ability. With the wind to contend with, and deep rough interspersed with gorse and broom, accurate shot making is essential. Players should make their scores on the outward nine, as the prevailing north-westerly wind can make the back nine extremely difficult. Prestwick Golf Course - extends a warm welcome to all Golfers from all around the World wishing to come and enjoy our testing traditional Links. Prestwick Golf Club is situated just half an hour south west of Glasgow on the famous golfing Ayrshire coast. A stretch of land unequalled anywhere in the world for prime golfing terrain. Prestwick shares it boundaries with Royal Troon and is just 20 minutes from Turnberry, with Open final qualifying courses such as Kilmarnock Barassie, Glasgow Gailes, Western Gailes and Irvine Bogside all within just 5 minutes drive.
         
Walk in the footsteps of Tam O'Shanter in "Alloway's auld haunted kirk" and across auld Brig O'Doon, where Tam's mare, Meg had her narrow escape from the witches. View Robert Burns' beloved Ayrshire countryside from the roof of Burns Monument and experience the humour and excitement of Robert Burns best-loved tale in the Tam O'Shanter Experience.

Loch Lomond must be the worlds most famous Loch and has been much written about, both in song and verse. The area is renowned for its beauty and tranquility and offers picture postcard views around every corner.

Arran Heli-Tours is a Scenic Helicopter Tour and Charter service based at the Balmichael Visitor Centre, Shiskine, on the Isle of Arran. We offer scenic tours, transfers and emergency collections.

We offer an exciting range of activity days, breaks and courses to suit all ages and abilities, in Ayrshire and throughout the whole of Scotland. Our activities are available to individual and group visitors to the area, as well local individuals, families, groups, organisations and companies. From White Water Rafting to Rock Climbing & Abseiling, Snowboarding to Team Building & Problem Solving events, Active Outdoor Pursuits is Scotland's premier outdoor activity provider.

Enjoy the thrill of riding over acres of unchartered countryside on fully automatic quad bikes. Also indoor air rifle and clay pigeon shooting. Competitions can be organised and national events held. Enjoy the thrill of riding over acres of unchartered countryside on fully automatic quad bikes. Also indoor air rifle and clay pigeon shooting. Competitions arranged and national events held.

Come racing at Ayr and enjoy a great day out at Scotland's top racing venue. Throughout 2001 Ayr stages 25 days racing, both NH and Flat, providing all year round entertainment and top sporting action.

Mucky Wheels Off Road Experience is a 4x4 off-road driving course. Enjoy the thrill of off-road driving at the wheel or as a passenger. Alternatively drive your own 4x4 round our course. Individuals and groups welcome.
         
Scottish Paintball Centre is located near Fenwick, just off the A77, 20 minutes from both Ayr and Glasgow, offering high quality and value for money paintball. SPC also runs Special Ops laser scenario games.

Please enquire.

Treat your guests to the fabulous settings of a medieval castle, arrange to have the ceremony performed in front of the fireplace in the great hall, or on the rooftop with stunning views over the Dramatic Scottish landscape over the Clyde estuary towards Arran.

The Castle is ideally equipped to cater for wedding parties and there is also a very generous parking area.

- Security deposit: This is paid on arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection.
- Linen & towels: All linen and bath towels are included in the rental price.
- Energy costs: Included in the rental price.
- End of stay cleaning: Included. Please leave the property in the state that you found it.
- Arrival time: 4pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am.
- Pets: Please enquire.
- Smoking: No smoking in the property.
- It is recommended that all guests take out insurance to cover against potential cancellation and any accidental damage caused during your stay at the property.