Craigie Road, Ayr, South Ayrshire, KA8 0SS, Scotland
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Ayr Craigie Gardens Club Site is in the grounds of Craigie Estate with access close by to the River Ayr. It is within easy walking distance of the seaside town of Ayr with its long sandy beach and excellent shopping facilities. It is close to Ayr Racecourse and adjacent to the new campus for the University of the West of Scotland. There is a station nearby, offering easy access into the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can enjoy a bus trip from Ayr to Ireland at a very reasonable cost.
The beautiful Ayrshire countryside provided the inspiration for the National Bard of Scotland, Robbie Burns - the Burns Heritage Trail and the Burns Heritage Centre at Alloway is a must for visitors to Ayr Craigie Gardens Club Site. Culzean Castle and Country Park is easily accessible from the site and the boasts a dramatic clifftop setting. Golf enthusiasts will be in their element as there are no less than 40 golf courses in the area, which is why Ayr is known as the 'Golf Coast'. The caravan park also offers fun for the kids at nearby Heads of Ayr Farm Park, where they can to see the animals and enjoy the rides. An excursion on the Waverley or Balmoral is not to be missed as these are the only sea going paddle steamers in the world and will let you view some memorably scenic landscapes. Ferry crossings can also be made further along the coast to the Island of Arran, known as Scotland in miniature.
Offers available to Club members
Mount Stuart, one of the world's great houses, is arguably the finest piece of domestic Victorian architecture to emerge from Britain's 19th century Gothic Revival. Set in 300 acres, the grounds are recognised as some of Europe's finest gardens with a collection of both exotic and native flora spanning several gardens.
Leisure Activities
100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, Scotland, G3 8RS
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A remarkable adrenaline-filled experience awaits you as you take part in the awe-inspiring, bucket-list, daredevil activities of either Bungee Jumping or Skydiving - jumping from spectacular heights as you plummet to the earth below at heart-racing speeds! Your unforgettable experience will take place at one of Jump This' magnificent venues situated across the nation, so you'll encounter unbelievably picturesque views before you take the leap of faith! With over 25 venues located nationwide, Jump This is by far the UK and Ireland's largest Bungee Jumping and Skydiving provider! Other locations are available, see website for more details.
Discovery
The Observatory, Rotchell Road, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland, DG2 7SW
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Dumfries Museum is centred around an 18th century windmill. On the top floor of the museum is the Camera Obscura, a historic astronomical instrument that gives amazing panoramic views across the countryside. Although the museum is open (free entry) the camera obscura may not be available for some time. Please check website www.dgculture.co.uk for updates as to when it will re-open.
Leisure Activities
The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre Duke's Pass, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Scotland, FK8 3SX
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From the North: turn off A77 Ayr Bypass at roundabout onto A719(signposted town centre, Whittlets, Racecourse). At traffic lights past racecourse turn left into Craigie Road. At next traffic lights turn left Into Craigie Way. At next roundabout take 2nd exit onto University Avenue and follow the signs into the site. From the South: at roundabout A70/A77 Ayr Bypass follow signs to Ayr town centre. At the next roundabout turn right into Station Road (keep in right-hand lane). At the next roundabout continue straight on into Craigie Road. At the traffic lights turn right into Craigie Way; at next roundabout take 2nd exit onto University Avenue and follow the signpost into the site.
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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.
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