Millhouse Hotel Things to See and Do
Stewarton lies at a crossing point of the Annick Water six miles north
of Kilmarnock and within commuting distance of Glasgow and Irvine. This
part of North Ayrshire is attractively rural in nature and Stewarton has
served as a waypoint servicing through routes, as well as a town of some
significance.
Stewarton know as the “Bonnet Toun” was engaged in the production
of this traditional headwear from as early as the 1400’s.
Proximity & ease of access to Glasgow
Visitors to the Millhouse with their own transport will benefit from
the ease of access onto the M77 making journey times into Glasgow around
30 mins outside peak periods.
Stewarton is also well connected to the centre of Glasgow by a fast
and regular train service.
Airports
Located in the heart of Ayrshire, the Millhouse Hotel is only 30 minutes away from both Glasgow International and Prestwick Airports
Robert Burns
Ayrshire is the birthplace of Robert Burns, the National Poet of Scotland. He was born in the village of Alloway on 25th January 1759, in a thatched cottage built by his father. Ayrshire abounds with places connected with the poet, so much so that it is difficult to move within the boundaries of Ayrshire without coming into contact or being reminded of his influence and popularity in the region.
Outdoor pursuits
The area is ideal for those people with an interest in outdoors be it walking, fishing, cycling or motorcycling. The roads are quite quiet and interesting, with beautiful changing scenery. Walkers Cycling can be found just a few miles away in the next village (Kilmaurs). As well as sales and repairs they also hire out bikes from £15/day and will deliver them to the Hotel.
Fishing is also a popular past time with the river (Annick Water) across the road being stocked with a variety of fish annually. Other fishing lakes are within easy reach.
The Stewarton Woodland Action Trust (SWAT) have been successfully campaigning to open up the access to the countryside in and around Stewarton. The area now boasts a variety of off road paths. Pictures and more information can be reached here.
Golfing
On offer in Ayrshire and Arran are some of the finest and most fetching
golf courses Scotland has to offer. There are three Open Championship
venues within a few miles of The Millhouse Hotel in Stewarton.
Prestwick was where the greatest championship of them all began in 1860
and although it is no longer on the Open rota it is a Mecca for golfers
who love the history of the game.
Turnberry and Royal Troon, (venue for the 2004 Open) are internationally
renowned however there are others less well known perhaps but equally worthy
of a visit. The two Gailes courses, Glasgow and Western, the 27 holes at
Kilmarnock Barassie, James Braid’s magnificent Ayr Belleisleand,
the must visit 12-hole Shiskine course on the Island of Arran, are only
a small handful of them.
Loudoun Castle Family Theme Park
Set in over 500 acres of majestic Ayrshire
countryside, with the magnificent and imposing ruins of Loudoun Castle
as a stunning backdrop, the Loudoun
Castle Family Theme Park has got to be the best day out for the whole family.
In a safe and clean environment there are rides to suite all ages, live
shows featuring ‘Punch n’ Judy and our own ‘Rory’ the
Lion of Loudoun’, Rare Breeds up on ‘McDougals’ Farm, ‘Birds
of Prey’ demonstrations and mouth-watering food outlets
Add to that the famous ‘Twist n’ Shout’ reverse loop rollercoaster, the brilliant ‘Tidal Wave’ swing boat, the Loudoun Log Flume, unique Mechanical Tractor and Horse rides and lots more - and you have some idea of the amount of fun you can have in this unique setting.
Ayr Racecourse
Ayr is Scotland's premier racecourse, hosting both Flat and National
Hunt fixtures. Normally holding at least 25 days racing every year
Ayr is
host to the Scottish Grand National, the Ayr Gold Cup and a host
of other valuable races during it's 12 month racing programme.
The highlight of the jumping season is undoubtedly the Scottish Grand
National, held in April, just a couple of weeks or so after the Aintree
equivalent
with many top performers taking in both races. None have so far emulated
the great Red Rum who won both races in 1974.