Campsites near Ardrossan
Gateway to the Isle of Arran, Ardrossan’s pretty setting makes it worth a longer look.
- Ardrossan
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Campsites near Ardrossan guide
Overview
The coastal Ayrshire town of Ardrossan is best-known as the main port for the ferry to the island of Arran, just under an hour’s sail away—the port also has seasonal services to Campbeltown on the Kintyre peninsula. While most visitors rush through on their way to the ferry and see little more than the waiting room, it’s worth lingering a while in this historic port town, set on a pretty bay, that boasts sandy beaches with good views over the Firth of Clyde. The town’s two beaches, Ardrossan South Beach and Ardrossan North Shore, are the perfect setting for coastal walks, while sailing enthusiasts will appreciate the facilities on offer at the Clyde Marina.
Where to go
Saltcoats
Ardrossan is part of a conurbation with Saltcoats and Stevenston, collectively known as the 'Three Towns'. To the south, the Saltcoats area is known for its picturesque harbour and golden beaches set around Irvine Bay. It’s also home to the North Ayrshire Museum, housed in a former church. Here, Sandylands Holiday Park enjoys a coastal location and has electric or non-electric grass pitches.
Fairlie
A 20-minute drive north of Ardrossan, Fairlie is world-famous for its graffiti-covered Kelburn Castle—the castle was given a colourful makeover by a team of Brazilian street artists. The Kelburn Castle estate is also the setting for one of Scotland’s liveliest music festivals, the Kelburn Garden Party, and is home to a secluded forest and glens, as well indoor and outdoor play areas. The estate has pitches for tents and tourers, as well as glamping yurts and bell tents.
Ayr
The Ayrshire countryside famously provided inspiration for Robert Burns and today visitors to Ayr can explore the Burns Heritage Trail and the Burns Heritage Centre to learn more. Ayr Beach’s long stretch of sand is another highlight in the area, as is Culzean Castle and Country Park to the south. A 35-minute drive from Ardrossan, Ayr Craigie Gardens Club Site has pitches for tents and tourers and sits on the grounds of Craigie Estate within easy walking distance of Ayr’s town centre.
When to go
Summer temperatures range from mild to warm, with the chance of the occasional hotter day. Add in the season’s long daylight hours and summer is the best time to explore Ardrossan and the surrounding Ayrshire’s towns, villages and countryside. Spring and autumn are both also good options: there will be fewer crowds and booked-up ferries compared to summer and the climate should be mild after April and through October/November. The area doesn’t get too cold in winter but winter storms can disrupt ferry journeys.
Know before you go
- Wild camping is possible throughout Scotland but campers must adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- Ardrossan is a 40-minute train journey from Glasgow. Regular local buses can get you to most places of interest in the surrounding area.
- You can easily stock up on food supplies at Ardrossan’s well-stocked supermarkets.