The iconic Turnberry resort on the Ayrshire coast is one of Scotland's great golf hotels, home to the legendary Ailsa Championship Course which has hosted the Open Championship four times. The clifftop hotel offers stunning views to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. The resort features luxurious spa facilities, fine dining, and a range of activities.
Trump Turnberry is a legendary Scottish golf resort situated on the Ayrshire coast, approximately 50 miles south of Glasgow, commanding sweeping views across the Firth of Clyde to Ailsa Craig and, on clear days, the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre. The clifftop hotel, originally opened in 1906 as part of a railway hotel development, is one of Scotland's most iconic sporting destinations. Following its acquisition by the Trump Organization in 2014 and a comprehensive multi-phase refurbishment, the resort now offers approximately 150 rooms and suites finished to a very high standard, many with unobstructed sea views over the Ayrshire coast. The Ailsa Championship Course is the centrepiece of the resort's sporting identity. Designed originally by Willie Fernie and refined over subsequent decades, it is among the finest links courses in the world and has hosted The Open Championship four times, most recently in 2009. The 9th and 10th holes, which run along the cliff edge adjacent to the historic Turnberry Lighthouse, are among the most photographed golf holes in Scotland. The King Robert the Bruce Course provides a challenging and slightly more sheltered alternative. A comprehensive Golf Academy provides tuition and fitting services for guests and visitors at all skill levels. Beyond golf, the resort features the 1906 Spa — a large, well-equipped facility with an indoor heated pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam rooms, and extensive treatment rooms offering a broad menu of body and beauty therapies. Dining is available in the formal 1906 restaurant, the Clubhouse Bar and Grill with views directly over the Ailsa Course, and the Grand Tea Lounge, which serves afternoon tea and lighter meals throughout the day. Additional leisure pursuits including falconry, cycling, and coastal walking complete the offering. The drive from Glasgow along the A77 coastal road through Ayrshire takes approximately one hour and is scenic in its own right.
Amenities
- Golf courses
- Spa
- Pool
- Restaurants
- Bar
- Gym
- Tennis
- Cycling
Location
Maidens Road, Turnberry, South Ayrshire KA26 9LT
Highlights
- Ailsa Championship Course (Open Championship host)
- Views to Ailsa Craig
- 1906 Spa
- Clubhouse 1906 restaurant
- Coastal setting
Tips for visiting
- The best coastal walking at Turnberry follows the path from the hotel down to the historic Turnberry Lighthouse, taking approximately 30 minutes each way; the views of Ailsa Craig are exceptional.
- Ailsa Craig, the dramatic volcanic plug visible from the clifftop, can be visited by boat from Girvan (about 10 miles up the coast); trips are weather-dependent and should be pre-booked.
- Tee times on the Ailsa Championship Course are highly sought after from May through September and should be booked as far in advance as possible, especially for non-resident visitors.
- The 1906 Spa is very popular at weekends; treatments should be reserved at the time of hotel booking rather than on arrival.
- For Open Championship history, the 18th fairway and the lighthouse 9th hole are two of the most photographed spots; the Clubhouse has historical displays from all four Open Championships held here.
Accessibility
Trump Turnberry provides accessible rooms with adapted bathrooms and lift access throughout the main hotel building. The clifftop setting and links golf courses involve sloped and uneven terrain, but the hotel's main public areas and primary amenities are accessible to wheelchair users. Guests with specific mobility requirements are advised to contact the resort in advance to confirm room suitability and access arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
Which Open Championships has the Ailsa Course at Turnberry hosted?
The Ailsa Course hosted The Open Championship in 1977, 1986, 1994, and 2009. The 1977 edition is particularly celebrated for the famous duel between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, known as the 'Duel in the Sun'.
Can visitors play golf at Turnberry without staying at the hotel?
Non-resident visitors can book tee times on both the Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce courses, subject to availability. Green fees are among the highest in Scotland, particularly on the Ailsa Championship Course.
How far is Trump Turnberry from Glasgow?
The resort is approximately 50 miles south of Glasgow city centre, roughly a one-hour drive via the A77. The nearest railway station is Girvan, about 10 miles away; transfers to the hotel can be arranged.
What dining options are available at Trump Turnberry?
Dining options include the formal 1906 restaurant, the Clubhouse Bar and Grill serving casual food with golf course views, and the Grand Tea Lounge for afternoon tea and light meals. In-room dining is also available.
Does Trump Turnberry have a spa?
Yes, the 1906 Spa is a large facility with an indoor heated pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam rooms, and a comprehensive range of treatment rooms. Spa day packages are available for non-resident guests.