Campsites near Ardrossan

Gateway to the Isle of Arran, Ardrossan’s pretty setting makes it worth a longer look.

94% (107 reviews)
94% (107 reviews)

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12 top campsites near Ardrossan

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Cleghorn Farm

15 units · Glamping, Tents250 acres · Lanark, Scotland
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. CAMPING IS ONLY AVAILABLE AT WEEKENDS. WE REQUIRE AT LEAST 48 HOURS NOTICE FOR CABIN BOOKINGS* Cleghorn Farm is a mixed farm just north east of the market town of Lanark. Comprised of 250 acres of fields and woodland and bounded to the south by Mouse Water, it is a beautiful spot to get away from it all without having to leave it all behind if you don't want to. The fields are grazed and cultivated but the woodlands are much as they were at the end of the last ice age with spectacular walks along Cleghorn Glen with the chance to see badgers, bats, deer and all manner of birds among the towering pine and beech trees. The Mouse Water (pronounced moose) tumbles down along the edge of the farm and has some glorious pools for swimming, shallows for paddling and some spectacular water falls before it joins the River Clyde.
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from 
£10
 / night
Booked 1 time

King Garth

1 unit · Glamping2 acres · Carlisle, England
Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position. In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you. The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river. My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay. You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk! Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there. This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host. The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.
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from 
£80
 / night
Value Prop
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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. 

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