SIDE TRIPS FROM GLASGOW - Edinburgh and Glasgow - page 259

Where to Stay & Dine
Lochgreen House Hotel This lovely country-house hotel is set on 12 lush hect-
ares (30 acres) of forest and landscaped gardens. The property opens onto views of
the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig. The interior evokes a more elegant era, with
detailed cornices, antique furnishings, and elegant oak and cherry paneling.
Monktonhill Rd., Southwood, Troon, Ayrshire KA10 7EN. & 01292/313-343. Fax [phone]. www.
costley-hotels.co.uk. 40 units. £150 double with breakfast. AE, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: 2 restau-
rants; 2 bars; room service; tennis court. In room: TV, hair dryer.
MacCallums of Troon Oyster Bar FISH/SEAFOOD Near the ferry terminal at
the harbor, this seaside bistro has its own fresh fish market, as well. Oysters, whole
sardines, grilled langoustines, sole, and combination platters frequently grace the menu.
The Harbour, Troon. & 01292/319-339. Reservations recommended. Main courses £12-£22. AE, MC, V.
Tues-Sat noon-2:30pm and 7-9:30pm; Sun noon-3:30pm.
Piersland House Hotel Opposite Royal Troon and designed by William Leiper in
1899, this hotel was originally the mansion of Sir Alexander Walker of the Johnnie
Walker whisky family. It remained a
private residence until 1956. The mod-
erately sized guest rooms have tradi-
tional country-house styling; for
additional privacy and more space
(rooms have small lounges), opt for one
of the cottages across the car park.
15 Craigend Rd., Troon, Ayrshire KA10 6HD.
& 01292/314-747. Fax [phone]. www.
piersland.co.uk. 30 units. £145 double with
breakfast; £190 double with dinner and break-
fast. AE, MC, V. Free parking. Drive 3 min. south
of the town center on B749. Amenities: Res-
taurant; bar; room service. In room: TV, mini-
bar, hair dryer.
Turnberry
The coastal settlement of Turnberry,
some 81km (50 miles) southwest of
Glasgow on the A77, was once part of
the Culzean estate. It began to flourish early in the 20th century with the develop-
ment of a rail service (now absent), and when a recognized golfing center with a
first-class resort hotel was established.
From the original pair of 13-hole golf courses, the complex has developed two
championship level courses, Ailsa and Kintyre, known worldwide as the Turnberry
Hotel Golf Courses. Ailsa's 18 holes have been the scene of British Open tourna-
ments, and after 15 years the Open returned in 2009. Guests of the Westin Turn-
berry hotel get priority of play, especially on the Ailsa course. The fees vary. Hotel
residents should expect to pay between £50 and £150, depending on the course and
the season. If you're not staying at Turnberry, rates range from around £100 to £200.
Log onto www.turnberry.co.uk, or call & 01655/334-032 for up-to-date details.

Spa Breaks

If you want to take it slow, get pam-
pered, and perhaps, when ready,
indulge in a bit of exercise, you'll find a
number of good options in the regions
around Glasgow. On the Isle of Arran,
the Auchranie Spa Resort is open year
round. It offers a range of treatments
and therapies, plus a 20-m (65-ft.)
indoor pool and a games hall for rainy
days. It is located on the outskirts of
Brodick, & 01770-302-234, www.
auchrannie.co.uk. Another good bet is
Turnberry (see below), which has a
first-class gym and luxury indoor pool
with views of the sea.

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