The Best Castle Hotel in South Ayrshire in 2026

Hidden away in the forests of South Ayrshire, Glenapp Castle Hotel rewards a detour. Designed in the 1860s by David Bryce in the Scottish Baronial style, the castle retains plenty of Victorian character, with original turrets, stonework and period detail intact. The interiors are elegant with oak-panelled corridors, drawing rooms with open fires, and comfortable lounges setting a relaxed tone. The Michelin-starred restaurant at Glenapp is an absolute highlight, offering polished multi-course dining, and you can order lighter meals throughout the day from the castle kitchens. Rooms are spacious and traditionally furnished, some with fireplaces and sea views towards Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran.