Turnberry Resort, South Ayrshire
Maidens Road, Ayrshire
Reviewed by Gary
When you think of Turnberry, golf probably springs to mind. But today you'll discover a whole range luxury products and services from outdoor activities for all ages to pampering and fine dining. But is this somewhere you can bring the kids? Absolutely!
For our visit we were not staying in the hotel itself but in one of the self catering apartments in what are called the ‘Land's of Turnberry'. This collection of Visit Scotland five star rated villa's sits just below the hotel overlooking the golf course. What you'll find is sumptuous and ample accommodation for 2-6 available for both short-term lets (*3 night weekend) and weekly stays of 4/7 nights. Our villa had two generously sized en-suite bedrooms, one twin one double, with an open plan dining room, kitchen & lounge with a TV & DVD, selection of family movies, board games and books. The modern kitchen had everything you would expect and the utility room provides your washing machine etc, as well as the store for high chairs. Cots are available so mention when you book and they'll be in your apartment when you arrive. There's free Wifi throughout too. You'll need provisions if you're self catering and there are all the major supermarkets within an easy half an hour's drive of Turnberry.
Turnberry has an activity centre with a full range to suit all ages, wants and abilities. From horse riding along the beach to mini quad biking, treasure hunts, pitch and putt, air rifle shooting...the list goes on. We decided to visit Little Turnberry farm and let the girls feed the animals. This lasts around an hour and a half and is very much hands on. With wellies supplied if you need them we headed off along a short track towards a real working farm where you learn about the different types of feeds, prepare them and then feed the animals. Hens, chickens, goats, sheep, pheasants, rabbits, guinea pigs, donkeys, a swan and ducks are all ready to be met and fed. The girls absolutely loved it, and if I'm to be honest so did we.
Turnberry has a new facility especially for kids - Wee Explorers. Within the hotel is a custom fitted playroom where you can leave your wee ones under the supervision of qualified play leaders. This bright and colourful space is packed with all manner of games, toys, books and activities and my girl's eyes lit up as they walked in. Once ensconced we left them to sample one of the more relaxing and invigorating aspects of Turnberry - the Spa.
Joined to the main hotel by an underground corridor, the Spa is a restful haven with beautiful views over the Irish Sea and is the ideal place to relax and be pampered. As a guest you have free access to the steam, sauna and relaxation rooms as well as the gym and the pool. There are also a number of bespoke treatments available including body scrubs and massages, Hot Stone therapy, hydrotherapy, reflexology and aromatherapy. Whilst the girls were doing their thing in the Wee Explorers we were forced to relax and enjoy the facilities....what a chore! They then joined us for the splash session that happens every day and enjoyed the inflatable's and floats provided. Beside the main pool there's a smaller toddlers pool and a Jacuzzi (over 16's only) and there's loungers dotted around so you can relax and watch the kids play. If you're having treatments then you are provided with a robe; towels are provided in the spa for everyone.
Turnberry offer a babysitting service that let Catherine and I head off to enjoy the fine dining experience which is the 1906. All the bars and restaurants at Turnberry and all have children's menu's and there's no issue with them eating with you at any point during your stay. We ate as a family in the Ailsa Bar which is more relaxed and informal than the 1906. The girls were provided with colouring packs at our table and they even provided my youngest (4) with a special ice cream ‘Friday' because the ‘Sundae' was too tall for her to reach!
Turnberry is outstanding. For me though it was not only the surroundings but the staff that made the visit so enjoyable. Everyone greeted us as we passed and did everything they could to make our stay thoroughly enjoyable.
Turnberry already had an extensive suite of activities and services for kids, but with the addition of the Wee Explorers (£5 per hour for kids 3+) they really now do offer a complete package for families.
Away with the Kids recommends Lands of Turnberry resort as a great family destination.