Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Glenapp Castle, where luxury, history, and natural beauty combine to create unforgettable experiences. To help you plan your perfect stay, we have compiled answers to our most frequently asked questions.
General FAQs
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What is the history of Glenapp Castle?
Built in 1870, Glenapp Castle is a magnificent Scottish baronial Castle nestled in the heart of Ayrshire. This historic treasure has been lovingly restored to its former glory, maintaining its period features while offering all modern luxuries. The Castle sits within 110 acres of stunning gardens and woodland, providing a tranquil escape surrounded by breathtaking Scottish landscapes.
To read more about Glenapp Castle’s fascinating history, click here.
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What is the best time of year to visit?
Each season at Glenapp Castle offers its own unique charm. Spring brings blooming gardens, summer offers long days perfect for outdoor adventures, and autumn transforms our grounds with spectacular colours. Winter creates a cosy atmosphere with roaring fires, frosty mornings, and crisp air, along with the festive cheer of the season. Our doors are open year-round, welcoming guests to experience the magic of Glenapp in every season.
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Where is Glenapp Castle located?
Glenapp Castle is located on the scenic Southwest Coast of Scotland, at the following address:
Glenapp Castle
Ballantrae
Ayrshire
KA26 0NZ
Scotland, UK
To view our location on Google Maps, click here.
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How do I reach Glenapp Castle?
By Car: The Castle is approximately a 90-minute drive from Glasgow and 2.5 hours from Edinburgh.
By Train: The nearest station is Girvan, approximately 25 minutes from the Castle. The largest nearby station is Ayr, around 50 minutes from the Castle.
By Air: Glasgow Airport is the closest international airport (90 minutes away), with Edinburgh Airport also easily accessible (2.5 hours away). Prestwick Airport is a smaller local airport (1 hour away) and is perfect for private jets, as well as several European destinations. Helicopter landing facilities are also available in the castle grounds.
By Helicopter: Helipad landing facilities are also available in the Castle grounds.
By Sea: We have a private jetty for those wishing to arrive by boat.
Transfers: Our dedicated team of chauffeur drivers are on hand to collect or drop off guests throughout the United Kingdom. Please contact our Reception Team for your bespoke quotation.
For further details on our location and directions, please click here.
Booking Policies
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What is your reservation/cancellation policy?
For fully refundable bookings made on regular rates, a deposit equal to the first night’s stay per room is charged at the time of booking and is fully refundable if cancelled prior to 1500 hours 14 days before arrival; cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable and guests are advised to have travel insurance.
Promotional rates and bed and breakfast promotional offers require full payment at booking and are non-refundable. Special offers also require full payment at booking and are non-refundable; however, monies can be held for 12 months from the original reservation date.
For reservations using a pre-purchased gift voucher, the voucher number must be provided at booking; cancellations must be made more than 14 days before arrival to retain voucher validity, while cancellations within 14 days result in forfeiture, with monetary vouchers subject to the applicable rate’s terms. Please note that voucher expiry dates are final and not extendable, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their experience within the designated time frame.
In the event of cancellation by the hotel, all payments will be refunded in full, although the hotel is not liable for any client-incurred costs, and all guest cancellations must be submitted in writing. Bookings must be confirmed with deposit payment within 3 days of a provisional booking, or the accommodation may be released, and the hotel will endeavour to make contact to advise accordingly.
Accommodation
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How many bedrooms does Glenapp Castle have?
In total, Glenapp Castle has 21 luxurious bedrooms.
Firstly, Glenapp Castle has 17 individual Castle Bedroom Suites, all completely unique in terms of colour, size and style, spanning across the following five room categories:
Moreover, the further four bedrooms can be found in the Castle Penthouse Suite which offers 4,500 sq. ft of luxury, making it the largest hotel suite in Scotland, with a 4-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom option. It includes a media room, library & games room, period kitchen, lounge & dining room, sauna, beauty & treatment room and a rooftop viewing terrace with panoramic views, alongside private elevator access and personal concierge service. The additional services of private chef and personal butler are also available with a supplement charge.
Most of our rooms have cosy working fireplaces, and many offer spectacular sea views. Additionally, many of our bedrooms can offer twin-beds, with interconnecting and accessible options too – simply contact our Reservations Team who will be happy to recommend the most suitable bedrooms for you to ensure the most comfortable stay.
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What amenities are provided in the rooms?
Luxury bed linens and towels
Flat-screen television
Penhaligon's toiletries
Bathrobes and slippers
Hairdryer
Evening turndown service
24-hour room service
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
Complimentary still and sparkling water
Complimentary teas and coffees are freshly made on request and delivered to rooms by the butlers
Dining
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Is there a restaurant on-site?
There are two restaurants on site. Firstly, the award-winning 3 AA Rosette Castle Restaurant, serving classical fine Scottish dining, offering a daily changing three-course menu or seven-course tasting menu.
Secondly, The Azalea, by Glenapp Castle is located in our Walled Gardens in the Victorian Glasshouse and offers a much more relaxed dining experience with a delicious a la carte menu serving the freshest produce straight from the garden.
To read more about the fabulous dining options available at the Castle, please click here.
- Do I have to make dining reservations in advance?
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Do you cater to dietary requirements?
We can cater to all dietary requirements and preferences – we simply ask that you let us know in advance.
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Is breakfast included? What time is breakfast served?
A delicious traditional, table-served Scottish breakfast is included in all of our room rates, and is served daily from 7.30 am – 10.30 am.
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Do you have a bar?
Our butlers are on hand to serve drinks throughout your stay. From the majestic Drawing Room and the cosy Castle Library to the Italian Gardens and the Victorian Glasshouse, there are plenty of spots to enjoy a delicious refreshment.
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Do you offer corkage?
Corkage is not available. However, the Glenapp Castle wine list offers a wonderful selection of wines and spirits to choose from, with options to suit all tastes ranging across a variety of price points.
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Do you offer non-resident dining?
We welcome non-residents to enjoy lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in both the Castle and The Azalea, by Glenapp Castle. You are welcome to take a stroll around the gardens or relax by the fire afterwards to make the most of your visit.
Facilities
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What activities and experiences are available at Glenapp Castle?
Guests can enjoy over 70 incredible activities and experiences on the Estate and in the surrounding area. From tennis, falconry, archery and perfume-making to fishing, cycling, whisky tasting and an immersive highland cow tour, there truly is something for everyone, of all ages! We also have the Glenapp Boat, perfect for day trips visiting iconic local islands.
To explore what’s on offer, please click here.
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What is there to do in the local area?
The local area that surrounds Glenapp Castle is rich in culture and attractions. To name just a few…
3 Championship golf courses within an hour from Glenapp Castle – Royal Troon, Prestwick and Trump Turnberry – as well as many more local courses
Culzean Castle (former Scottish home of Eisenhower)
Dumfries House (Scottish residence of King Charles)
Dunure (filming location of ‘Outlander’)
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
The Ayrshire Coastal Path
The Ailsa Craig – half-day boat trips available
Arran – full-day boat trips available
Chauffeured tours of the local area are also available upon request, and this is a great way to explore the surroundings of Glenapp Castle with an expert guide.
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What is the Hebridean Sea Safari?
This is a magnificent adventure unlike any other, including a couple of nights at the Castle enjoying 5-star luxury in a superior room type, before heading out on the Glenapp Boat for the experience of a lifetime. By day, guests will enjoy Hebridean island hopping and by night, glamping under the stars on a remote tip of the Isle of Jura, with the expert services of our private chef and butler. The itinerary is entirely bespoke to each group and it may focus on wildlife, white beaches, whisky, culture or wellness – this is a completely personalised experience for up to 12 guests, and we suggest a duration of 4-nights/5-days.
To discover more about this spectacular adventure, please click here.
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Do you have a spa?
Whilst we do not have a spa on the grounds, we can offer a variety of wellness experiences such as in-room massages, forest bathing and a digital detox session. Moreover, the great outdoors offers a rejuvenating and peaceful retreat, with the tranquil beauty of the manicured gardens and surrounding woodlands.
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Is parking available?
Yes, we offer complimentary parking for all our guests within the Castle grounds.
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Do you have electric car chargers?
We are delighted to provide 4 individual electric car charging points: two Porsche charging points, which are universal chargers that can fit all electric vehicles, and two Tesla charging points.
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Is WiFi available?
Yes, high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the Castle and is free of charge.
Additional Information
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What time is check in / check out?
Check in is 3pm, however you are welcome to arrive earlier to explore the Castle, grounds, relax in our public areas and enjoy a bite to eat. Should you plan to arrive early please do let us know and we will do our very best to have your bedroom ready as early as possible.
Check out is 11am.
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Are you pet-friendly?
It is our pleasure to welcome your four-legged friends, and we have a selection of dog-friendly bedrooms with handy exterior access, straight outside to our 110 acres of gardens and Estate – a dog’s paradise!
Doggie guests will receive a welcome pack of specially selected doggie treats and some essential poo bags. We also provide two doggie bowls for food and water and some bedding for your pooch.
Your dog will be happy to relax in your room after the activities of the day, leaving you free to enjoy Glenapp’s 3 AA Rosette dining. Dog sitting can also be arranged upon request.
Please click here to read more.
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Are you child / family-friendly?
Yes! Children love Glenapp Castle, with a selection of experiences crafted especially for little ones including a highland cow tour, a Glenapp Ranger session and beekeeping – you can read more about these here.
We have a delicious children’s menu including all the usual kiddie favourites and early dining times are available. We also offer a babysitting service upon request – please ask our Reception Team for more details.
Let their imaginations run wild at Glenapp Castle!
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Are you accessible for disabled guests?
Yes, wheelchair access is available, and our elevator provides access to all floors of the Castle. Some of our bedrooms offer additional accessible features, so please contact our Reservations Team to discuss your requirements and we will ensure your stay is comfortable and convenient.
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Is there a dress code?
While there is no strict dress code, we do suggest smart casual attire.
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Do you host events and weddings?
Yes – Glenapp Castle is an incredible venue for any special event, from a romantic wedding to a big birthday celebration or even a luxury corporate gathering. Whether you are looking to exclusively rent the entire Castle, or host a small, intimate event, our expert Events Team can create completely bespoke packages for any occasion. To discover the possibilities, please see below…
Celebrations at Glenapp Castle
Private Dining at Glenapp Castle
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Are gift vouchers available?
Yes, Glenapp Castle gift vouchers are the perfect way to treat someone to a 5-star luxury experience. From afternoon tea or a three-course gourmet dinner to a night in the Castle Penthouse Suite or a trip to the iconic Ailsa Craig, we have the most fabulous gifts for any occasion. Both e-vouchers and physical vouchers are available.
To read more about the possibilities, click here.
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Which payment methods do you accept?
All major payment methods are accepted – Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
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Are service charges added to the bill?
We do not implement service charges, and gratuities are entirely optional at the end of your stay.
We do automatically add a £2 per person donation to every dining bill. This goes straight to The Truestone Foundation, a charity very close to the heart of Glenapp Castle. However, this is also optional and can be removed.
Do you have a question?
Please get in touch with our team who will be on hand to answer any additional questions you might have about Glenapp Castle.
History
Explore the many aspects of Glenapp Castle's past over the last 150 years
Step back in timeGallery
Gallery
Take a tour of our stunning castle, gardens, and grounds
The Gardens
The Gardens
Beautiful, secluded, and peaceful gardens designed by world renowned Gertrude Jeykll
What our guests say
Standing high above a dramatic coastline overlooking the Irish sea, in the south west of Scotland’s historic lowlands, Glenapp is a family owned and occupied baronial castle set in an area of outstanding and unspoiled natural beauty.
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