Glenapp Castle

This magnificent turreted pile dates from 1870 & was owned for most of the 20th century by the Earls of Inchcape; it became a hotel in 2000 after extensive renovation. Set in 30 acres of grounds high above the village of Ballantrae, with views of the Irish Sea & island of Ailsa Craig, it's a slick & well-oiled operation at the upper end of the market. Chef Adam Stoke’s cooking runs to six courses at dinner & could include terrine of rabbit and morteau sausage with homemade piccalilli, roasted sea bass with fennel and dill purée, cockles and vanilla salad, & fillet of lamb with a tortellini of the shoulder, baby artichoke and rosemary jus. Note, closed January to late March.