wish all sites were like this
Perfect location, easy to find and probably the friendliest wardens I have met . As a stopping of point for touring West Scotland its ideal.
Ayr Craigie Gardens Club Campsite
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Almost Perfect
This was my third visit to Ayr. This is a favourite site of mine, perhaps my most favourite. For me, in a motorhome, my ideal site location is to be close to a town, or at least some civilisation in the form of shops, coffee shops and the like; to have a train station to go further afield – and/or buses too, perhaps; it helps if there is good cycling, preferably flat and it should have places of historic, scenic or other interest to visit. This site has all of those and the crowning glory for me is that the local people are so affable and friendly and will always chat if you are so inclined. And it’s by the sea – always a positive.
I very much like the site itself, albeit that everyone knows it is a little tired. It will benefit from some expenditure, and I gather a very significant amount has been earmarked, but, in the meantime, the site is perfectly acceptable and very far from the impression of a decaying shambles that some reviews may have left the reader with. The club need a new lease long enough to justify the investment proposed and I, at least, earnestly hope they secure it. For me it will be a great misfortune if this place had to close, and a loss to Ayr that needs the visitors it brings.
We all see things differently, but I am bemused, even upset, by some of the misleading comments about the site’s location and about the town of Ayr. The site is located by Ayrshire College and the University of the West of Scotland. If anything, this helps to make the surroundings more pleasant. It is not odd. The site is close to a large housing estate, but this is beyond the site – you don’t have to sully your outfit by driving through it – and it impinges not one jot on the site itself. I happily cycled through it more than once. I saw no issues; I wasn’t mugged, there are no tenements, I saw no fights or drunks or people exchanging drugs. I don’t say that never happens, like in any other town, city or estate, but this kind of stereotyping is so unfortunate. I promise potential visitors it should not put you off. It is not an issue, not even remotely.
As for Ayr itself: yes, it needs some investment. Parts are rundown, like many other seaside towns all over the UK. Money is short, the burden on taxpayers and rate payers is already great. If you’re used to affluent rural England or well-to-do towns in prosperous regions, Ayr might be a bit of a culture shock; but it is not a ruin. It has many of the quality High Street shops that other towns have lost. It has some lovely parts to explore. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Moreover, as a base, for visiting elsewhere, whether by bicycle or car or public transport it has lots and lots to offer. And the local people are an absolute delight.
Mick and Christine’s welcome was warm and efficient. Mick is very much the life and soul, and I was glad to get to know him. Together, indeed all four wardens, I am sure, although I did not meet the other couple, made this visit almost perfect.
Graydjames
Reviewed on 22/09/2021 10:17
1985 called and it wants its showers back
Lovely, well maintained and friendly site in a bit of an odd location.
You can walk to the station in 10 minutes and be in Glasgow an hour later (11.30 return), walk to the beach or town in 15 minutes. Ayr isnt especially tourist focussed. The site is in an urban location close to the car park for the college campus. Great for a stopover, but the longer term charms of Ayr are elusive. Showers are prehistoric and temperamental.
Very Clean well run site
This is our second visit to this site and it didn’t disappoint. The site is kept in an immaculate condition and the staff are very friendly and helpful. We were greeted like royalty when we arrived with a no fuss and friendly reception. The pitch was amply sized and in a great location. The site is close to Ayr town but as with many of the larger towns in the UK there are some older areas.
We will definitely be back for our third visit.
Great site, very clean facilities and very friendly staff all round..
Lovely site
We stayed here for 3 nights and could easily have stayed longer, other bookings wouldn't allow. Very friendly welcome and, unusually, we were allowed entry 10 minutes early. What a refreshing change from having to wait at the barrier until 1pm! Anyway, we picked pitch 43 and from what we saw we both thought it was a prime pitch with a grass area behind and at the side allowing us to make the most of the sunshine (many other pitches sheltered by trees) and close to the facilities. The site itself is about 10 mins walk away from town but if you want to take a drive out go and visit the stunning Ayr beach. We were so surprised at the glorious long sandy beach, totally unexpected. Also Castle Culzean is within easy driving distance (National Trust). No complaints whatsoever about the site or location and would happily make a return visit.
Third Visit
This was our third visit to Ayr and again we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The site is in a good location for a walk into Ayr and is kept in an immaculate condition. Looking forward to our next visit.
Clean site poor location
This site is clean and well run. However it is located in the rough part of Ayr .
The description does not tell you it’s near a large housing estate , tenement housing etc.
We walked into Town and found it to be rough and run down. A lot of drunks around the town . Walked in and right back out again.
We were to stay here two nights but left after one .
It’s worthy of one night if you want to see the Robert Burns museum ( the other side of Ayr and in a beautiful setting.)
Or as one night passing through only .
Will use again
Had a one night stay to allow my wife to redeem a voucher to ride a Clydesdale Horse at Cumnock, about 30 minutes away. Friendly greeting by staff, well presented and peaceful site. Intend to return for a longer stay to explore the area in future. Was worried about proximity of Prestwick airport but wasn't aware of plane noise. Site proved very peaceful.
Good location for walking to town or along the river
We enjoyed our stay at this site, it is very well located for walking or cycling into the town. The town itself seems to have been hit hard by the pandemic and needs time to recover but we enjoyed exploring and had a great meal and fantastic service at the Waterfront Bar / Restaurant - highly recommended, even have a dog menu!
Great site
Great site, wardens all very friendly ,pitches spacious. The toilets are kept immaculate. Easy walk into ayr, directions printed out for you when you book in. Will definitely come back here.
