Turnberry Resort - The Ultimate Golf Experience

Article by Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook

Turnberry Resort has been a jewel on the Ayrshire coastline since 1906 and was among the first purpose-built golf resorts in Britain. It is also widely renowned for being one of the UK's premier locations for a stay and play golf break, with three courses as well as their aptly named ‘Wee Links’, Spa, Gym, dining options and a plethora of other activities on offer. We take a look at the resort and surrounding area to reflect on why Turnberry is arguably the Ultimate Golf Experience in the UK.

Golf

The keen golfers amongst us will know all about the Ailsa Course – host of four Open Championships - most famously known for the 1977 Duel in the Sun. The Ailsa is considered to be one of the leading courses in the British Isles, and you can read our full feature review. 

The Ailsa is complemented by the King Robert the Bruce Course. A championship standard layout in its own right, it's not to be overlooked when considering a break to Turnberry as it comes with the same conditioned playing experience as the Ailsa. You can see our full feature review for the King Robert the Bruce Course. 

The Arran Course is a fine 9-holer. Perfect for beginners or those that are looking for a shorter golf option, or indeed those that want to fit in as much golf as possible. This quirky design is maintained to the same standard as the two 18-hole courses and is also used by the PGA Professionals on-site for teaching. 

If after all that you still have not quite had enough of a golf fix, the Wee Links is the final option. The smaller mini golf style course sits in front of the hotel and has 18 holes ranging from 25-40 yards. It's a super fun option for all ages and all abilities so you can grab a wedge and a putter and head on down. 

And if you are looking to base a longer stay at Turnberry, there is also a list of prestigious courses within a 45/50-minute drive. These include Prestwick – birthplace of The Open, Royal Troon, Dundonald Links and Western Gailes to name a few. 

Accommodation

The Hotel itself serves up a variety of stunning options that can offer accommodation for any group size. 

Offering 192 spacious guest rooms that are superbly designed and furnished with comfort in mind, Queen, King, Deluxe, twin and family rooms are available, and for those extra special occasions you can also select a room overlooking the Firth of Clyde.

The four suites are aptly named after the Open Champions that Turnberry has crowned. The Watson, Norman, Price and Cink Suites add a little more luxury to your stay. 

The very best that Turnberry can provide comes in the shape of the two suites that are located in the iconic Lighthouse that sits on the edge of the coast on the ruins of Turnberry Castle, where King Robert the Bruce is believed to have been born. With extreme luxury and the panoramic 360-degree views looking out over the Ailsa and sea you will struggle to find a more idyllic setting for an overnight stay. 

The final option for accommodation is the self-catering style. These are set just to the side of the hotel and also have a variety of different set ups. Two six-bedroom villas will be a great option for those that are looking for group breaks, while a selection of two bedroom cottages that come with fully equipped kitchens and two luxury bedrooms may be popular for couples looking for a more intimate break.

Dining

The 1906 is the signature restaurant at the resort suitably named after the year the hotel opened, with the doors opening each evening at 19:06. The restaurant provides stunning views looking over the grounds, the Firth of Clyde, Ailsa Craig as well as the golf courses, providing one of the finest dining experiences around. 

If you are more of an afternoon tea connoisseur then be sure to check out the Grand Tea Lounge & Bar which sits in the heart of the hotel. A selection of treats as well as afternoon tea options await until the evening where the area turns into the hotel's main bar area with a selection of over 250 whiskies to try.  

The Duel in the Sun is located in the golf clubhouse and features a steak and lobster concept. This spot is maybe more suited to the visiting golfers as the panoramic views looking out over both golf courses makes for a suitable backdrop. 

The Halfway House – set in the Lighthouse – also provides for a superb experience. Whether a shuttle or walk down, the iconic spot is a popular hit for golfers, as well as walkers, with a nice selection of light snacks and sandwiches and views directly out to sea. 

Other Activities

Whilst a popular destination for golfers, for non-golfers and golfers looking for more than just golf there are a host of other activities available at Turnberry.

The Spa at Turnberry will be the first stop for many. Tranquil relaxation at its finest when you stay here with a selection of heat experiences that include saunas and steam rooms, or you may just settle for a swim in the infinity pool with views of the golf courses and Isle of Arran through the 20 metre glass windows providing panoramic vistas. Treatments on offer also include ishga – an organic range of Scottish seaweed skincare products – and ESPA, which are aimed at relaxation of the mind and body. Massages, aromatherapy, and reflexology are also on offer. 

If fitness is more your thing, pay a visit to the state-of-the-art gymnasium where personal fitness evaluation and personal training sessions are available. 

Turnberry seems to have every angle covered, from kids clubs to pet clubs, archery to horse riding and kayaking to quad biking. You certainly won't struggle to fill your time when staying here. 

Local Attractions

Staying at Turnberry also provides a fantastic base to explore the local area. The hotel concierge will be at hand to provide details and recommendations of outside attractions whether that be a visit to Culzean Castle or an afternoon gin or whisky tasting at one of the local distilleries, or even a trip to the Robert Burns Museum at Burns Cottage just 20 minutes away.

Summary

A visit to Turnberry will no doubt leave you completely fulfilled. Whether it’s for golfers, non-golfers or a mixture of the two, this is an exciting scenic spot for everyone of all ages to come and enjoy the area for a short or longer break.  

Steeped in history throughout the surrounding area, resort and golf courses, everything at Turnberry is done with grandeur and class and you will be made to feel extremely special by all the staff onsite and a visit here is one that comes Highly Recommended by Golfshake.com. 

Turnberry is easily accessible for most Scottish golfers and within a five-hour drive for golfers south of the border travelling from the Midlands and the North. With this venue making most ‘bucket lists’ then the seven-hour drive from London may be acceptable or alternatively a short flight from London to Glasgow could be preferable.

For more information and packages to experience Turnberry with 'Legendary Golf' prices starting from £199 per person for golf and accommodation, click here.

Related Content

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry Feature Review

The King Robert the Bruce Course at Turnberry Feature Review