Turnberry is a charming village in southwest Scotland on the picturesque South Ayrshire coast. This small but captivating village is renowned for golf, luxurious hotel, and stunning coastal vistas. Despite its small size, Turnberry draws visitors from all over the world.
The focal point of Turnberry is the esteemed Trump Turnberry Resort, which boasts over 200 luxurious rooms, including self-catering accommodation. Turnberry Resort features two world-class championship golf courses, including the famous Ailsa Course, which has hosted four Open Championships, the most famous being the 1977 "Duel in the Sun" Additionally, the King Robert the Bruce course, recently renovated, offers breathtaking views and is ranked among the top 100 courses worldwide. Beyond golf, the resort offers lavish accommodations, fine dining, a splendid ballroom, a world-class spa, and recreational activities such as horse riding and archery.
One of Turnberry's most iconic landmarks is the historic Turnberry Lighthouse, perched on a rocky coastline between the golf course and the sea. Turnberry Lighthouse, built in 1873, provides incredible views of the coastline and the distinctive volcanic island, Ailsa Craig. Recently converted into one of the world's best halfway houses, the lighthouse also offers a luxurious two-bedroom suite.
Adjacent to Turnberry Lighthouse is the supposed birthplace of King Robert the Bruce, the historic Turnberry Castle, now in ruins. This medieval fortress played a significant role in Scotland's history and remains an intriguing attraction for visitors.
Turnberry's coastline offers some of the most magnificent coastal walks, with Turnberry Beach being particularly stunning. The Ayrshire Coastal Path, which passes through Turnberry, provides walkers with breathtaking views of the sea, Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran, the Mull of Kintyre, and, on clear days, even Northern Ireland.
Just a short drive from Turnberry, Culzean Castle and Country Park stands as one of Scotland's most magnificent castles. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the castle offers tours of its opulent interiors, stunning gardens, and vast parklands with scenic cliff-top views and wooded paths.
Ailsa Craig, also known as "Paddy's Milestone." This unique island, located 12 miles off the coast of Turnberry, is a haven for seabirds, including puffins, and is renowned for its granite production used in making curling stones.
The tranquil village of Maidens, just a mile north of Turnberry, boasts a charming harbour, a beautiful beach, and, again, views over the Firth of Clyde towards Arran. Maidens offers a couple of dining options, with Wildings Restaurant being a popular choice with locals and Ropes Bistro being a nice spot with views of Maidens Harbour.
Turnberry is approximately 50 miles southwest of Glasgow, accessible by a scenic drive along the A77, the drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can get to the centre of Ayr in 25 minutes by car. For those travelling to Turnberry by train, the nearest station is Girvan, about 6 miles from Turnberry, train services to Girvan are limited to just a few a day. Glasgow Prestwick Airport, located around 20 miles from Turnberry and offers flights to Europe.
Turnberry is an ideal destination for those seeking a luxurious escape centred around world-class golf, relaxation, and the beauty of the Scottish coastline. Whether you're staying at the opulent Trump Turnberry Resort, exploring the historic Culzean Castle, or immersing yourself in the rugged Ayrshire coast, Turnberry promises an unforgettable experience for all travellers.
