Scotland is a fantastic destination for short trips thanks to its accessibility, incredible scenery and historical attractions. Whether you’re into fine dining, spas or outdoor activities like golf and horse riding, there’s something for everyone. Why not take a luxury weekend break to Scotland in picturesque Ayrshire and enjoy it for yourself.
A Gourmet Luxury Weekend Break to Scotland
The Turnberry Hotel is blessed with an amazing location on the Ayrshire coast, overlooking Ailsa Craig and the island of Arran. This is one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
Named Scottish Hotel of the Year at the Scottish Hotel Awards 2018, this Luxury Collection Resort has an illustrious history.
History of The Turnberry Hotel
Formerly known as Turnberry Station Hotel, this iconic resort opened in 1906. It was the first purpose built golfing hotel in the United Kingdom.
In fact, the burgh of Girvan, where Turnberry is situated, is the birthplace of The Open. One of the most renowned golf championships, it has been hosted at Trump Turnberry no less than four times.
The area itself is seeped in history, with the nearby island of Ailsa Craig being half a billion years old. Turnberry Lighthouse is built on the ruins of Turnberry Castle, where King Robert the Bruce was born in 1274.
Turnberry has welcomed many celebrities over the years, including Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Jack Nicholson and Luciano Pavarotti. Today, Trump Turnberry is famous for its golf courses and also considered to be one of the best spa hotels in Scotland.
First Impressions of The Turnberry Hotel
Spread over 800 acres, the resort has an incredible feeling of spaciousness.
Arriving at the hotel, you’ll notice an ornate fountain which sets the tone for the sophisticated interiors. Friendly staff dressed in traditional Scottish clothing greet you and whisk you away to your room. Everything is in pristine condition throughout the hotel, from the carpets to the paintwork.
The Turnberry Hotel Bedrooms
There are 192 beautiful guest rooms, including 11 suites and a two bedroom signature suite within Turnberry Lighthouse. We love the Watson Suite, which features a huge living room overlooking the sea.
The largest of the Turnberry Suites, it’s elegantly decorated with books, golfing memorabilia and other homely details. Tom Watson is one of the most iconic professional golfers of all time, having won eight major tournaments.
He and Jack Niklaus famously competed against each other at Turnberry in the 1977 Open Championship. The heatwave that year led to it being nicknamed the Duel in the Sun, with Tom Watson emerging the winner.
A charming welcome awaits in the shape of West Coast Scotland delicacies. The Scottish lavender and Speyside whisky chocolates are very moreish. You should also try the Ecclefechan tarts, originally smuggled onto the West Coast by pirates in the 17th century. They’re a great blend of pastry, muscovado sugar, dried fruit, peel and nuts.
Wash them down with a snifter of Hendricks Gin, made in the village of Girvan.
The king size bedroom has a stunning gilded bed with a tartan canopy. The tartan is Turnberry’s very own, and makes the suite feel extra cosy. There’s a fantastic coastal view and the bed has comfy down or foam pillows ensuring an excellent night’s sleep.
The view from the marble bathroom is equally impressive.
The Lighthouse Suite is a unique place to stay, with 2 spacious bedrooms, a large living area and 2 large private balconies. It’s stylishly furnished, with mahogany furniture and tartan fabrics adding warmth.
Turnberry Lighthouse
Standing on the foundations of Robert the Bruce’s castle, Turnberry Lighthouse dates from 1873. It was built to ward ships away from Bristo Rock and emitted its first beams in 1878.
The lighthouse is 24 metres high, and was automated in 1986. Myself, Bonnie and Debonita were lucky to climb the 76 steps to the top, and the views from the top are fantastic.
Dining at Turnberry
Whether you’re a fan of fine dining, afternoon tea or casual eateries, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Trump Turnberry.
1906 – Trump Turnberry’s signature restaurant takes its name from the year that the hotel opened. With extraordinary views of the golf course and the sea, it’s a popular evening destination that is open to non residents as well as hotel guests.
We can highly recommend the Scottish lobster bisque, the West Coast langoustines and the pot roasted halibut.
Hotel guests take breakfast here and there’s a wonderful selection of fresh fruit, cold cuts, Scottish cheeses, smoked salmon and hot dishes. Try the Haggis Benedict, it’s very tasty!
Chef’s Table – for special events, why not book the Chef’s Table which is located within one of the kitchens. The cosy pine seating area has a prime view of the chefs in action.
There are 7 delectable courses to enjoy, yet it’s well balanced and you’ll leave feeling pleasantly full rather than stuffed. The menu varies with the seasons.
On our visit we tasted golden beetroot and Scottish goat’s cheese, pigeon, scallops ceviche and duck as well as cullen skink. This is a hearty haddock, potato and onion soup that’s very warming.
For dessert, we enjoyed a tropical crémeux and a delicate passion fruit soufflé.
The sommelier chooses the wines to match the food and gives an interesting description of each one. Notice the distinctive Turnberry Lighthouse wine glasses!
Duel in the Sun – named after the famous Open championship battle and Turnberry’s , this casual eatery is easily reached by a short walk down the hill or via a shuttle service. It has prime views over the opening and closing holes of the Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce courses.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it specializes in Josper Grill cooked Scottish beef, dry aged for a minimum of 28 days. The Caesar salad and the luxury fish and chips are also not to be missed.
The Lighthouse Halfway House – the perfect pit stop for golfers or walkers, it’s located between the 9th and 10th holes of the Ailsa course. Try the homemade sausage roll or the Turnberry Pie with beef, haggis, potato and turnip.
The Grand Tea Lounge and Bar has an open log fire, chandeliers and breathtaking views of the coast.
It’s a popular spot for afternoon tea, with a delicious selection of sandwiches, scones and pastries.
After dinner, why not try an Arran whisky in the bar or a signature cocktail.
Turnberry Golf
Turnberry Golf Club boasts 2 fantastic golf courses, the renowned Ailsa course and the new King Robert the Bruce course. The Ailsa has played host to four Open Championships and many golfing celebrities. It was redesigned by Martin Ebert and has been named the best golf course in the UK and Ireland by Golf Monthly. The ninth hole, known as Bruce’s Castle, is particularly revered due to its location on the cliff edge.
The King Robert the Bruce course also has some fine challenges including fairway bunkers with marram grass and sand faces.
The Pro Shop at Turnberry is one of the largest in Europe, at 3,600 square feet. There’s also a spacious clubhouse, with the Duel in the Sun restaurant, two meeting rooms and a fascinating display of golfing memorabilia.
The Golf Academy at Trump Turnberry has an 18 hole putting course as well as a short game practice course also designed by Martin Ebert. Try a golf lesson with one of the expert PGA tutors, it’s great fun.
The Golf Academy uses the very latest technology to help you improve your game. There’s a putting facility with Quintec high speed camera technology, a teaching studio with Trackman dual radar technology and a True Spec custom fitting service with 30,000 head and shaft combinations.
Turnberry Spa
Voted one of the top spas in Scotland, The Spa at Turnberry is the perfect place to relax and unwind. There’s a 20 metre heated indoor pool with underwater lighting and lovely views of the sea, a paddling pool for children, sauna and steam room.
With twelve treatment rooms and two hydrotherapy suites, it’s ideal for a girl’s weekend break or a romantic getaway. Try a Top to Toe signature treatment, which combines a sea salt and oil scrub with an express facial or back, neck and shoulder massage to great effect.
This is also the first spa where I’ve been offered a refreshing glass of water by staff whilst in the sauna. Those feeling energetic will enjoy the fully equipped Technogym Fitness Studio.
Meetings and Events at The Turnberry
Trump Turnberry is a popular Scottish event venue, with a ballroom that holds up to 500 guests. It has magnificent crystal chandeliers from the Czech Republic and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the coast.
The adjacent Crystal Room has a capacity of up to 80 people. There are 8 function rooms in total, with several located in Turnberry Clubhouse having great views over the greens.
Outdoor Activities
The range of activites on offer by Turnberry Adventures makes this an ideal luxury break in Scotland for those who like the great outdoors. For team building, clay shooting, quad biking and water zorbing are all popular.
There are also lots of things to do for children, such as archery, a GPS treasure hunt and mini Highland Games. Younger children will enjoy the Wee Explorers, a playroom with lots of games and toys.
Horse riding on the beach and through the grounds at Turnberry was definitely one of the highlights of our stay. Turnberry Stables can arrange trekking and lessons for beginners and expert riders.
Things to Do Near Turnberry Hotel
- The Isle of Arran – Scotland in Miniature as the island is nicknamed, can be reached by ferry from Ardrossan Harbor. You can visit Brodick Castle and the whisky distillery or admire Machrie Moor Stone Circles.
- Culzean Castle and Country Park – this cliff-top castle is the former home of the Marquess of Ailsa.
- Galloway Forest Park – a great place for star gazing as it has the darkest sky in Europe.
- Heads of Ayr Farm Park – as well as farm animals, there are bumper boats, electric diggers, tractors and quad bikes, trampolines and an assault course.
- Scottish Highlands – head up to the Highlands if you have time after your stay at Turnberry.
Getting to The Turnberry Hotel
Address: Trump Turnberry, Maidens Road, KA26 9LT, Turnberry, Ayrshire, Scotland
- By Air – 84 km/52 miles from Glasgow International Airport (GLA), 152 km/94 miles from Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
- By Train – Ayr railway station is just 25 minutes away.
- By Car – 1 hour from Glasgow City Centre or 55 minutes from Glasgow International Airport, 30 minutes from Glasgow Prestwick Airport and 2 hours from Edinburgh Airport.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual tour of Trump Turnberry. It’s definitely one of the top places to stay in Scotland. Have you ever taken a luxury weekend break to Scotland?
You might also enjoy:
- Cromlix House Hotel, Stirlingshire
- Edinburgh’s Best Restaurants
- Fingal Floating Hotel
- Scottish Highlands Tour
- St Andrews Food Guide
- Things to Do in the Highlands
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