Ballantrae is a fishing and holiday town situated in Ballantrae Bay on the South Ayrshire coast of Scotland, at the mouth of the river Stinchar, 13 miles south of Girvan, awarded Burgh of Barony in 1541. Ballantrae is best known for the book ‘Master of Ballantrae’ written by Robert Louis Stevenson, however the book was actually based on the village of Borge in Kirkcudbrightshire further round the coast. Ballantrae, from Gaelic, means ‘town on the shore’, the town’s tidal harbour was excavated from the rock and the pier built over a rocky ledge. Ballantrae’s deserted coastline was once famous as a smugglers den. Nearby lies the ruins of Ardstinchar Castle built c1450 with clock-surmounted tower, overlooking the harbour and the Parish Church re-built in 1819. The town has a Main Street with shops and amenities, a hotel, public hall. There is a garden centre with café and views out to sea, nearby are the Ballantrae Bird Sanctuary and Bennane Head, said to be the site of the cave of the legendary Sawney Bean, Scotland’s last known cannibal who robbed and ate passing travellers. The surrounding waters are popular for fishing and angling, there are golf courses and many attractions in the surrounding area.
Cottage
Doctor
Holiday Park
School
Shops
Foodstore
Thistle’s Tea Room
David’s Snack Bar
Places to Stay near Ballantrae
Glenapp Castle (1.33 miles)
Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel (8.91 miles)
Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel invests the charm and romance of an 1815 functioning lighthouse with the comforts of a small, very unique, luxury hotel and restaurant.
The Lighthouse is a listed 'A' building of major national importance. ... More | visit website
Cairnryan House (9.14 miles)
Situated directly across from the shore of Loch Ryan, Cairnryan House Bed and Breakfast Guest House offers quality accommodation with uninterrupted views across the loch to Wig Bay and Corsewall Point. We are just 500 ... More | visit website
Woodland Bay Hotel (9.20 miles)
Imagine being lulled to sleep by gentle waves and exploring rock pools in the bay. Far enough from the city for complete relaxation, yet near enough for easy access to ... More
Rhins of Galloway (10.25 miles)
Located in charming lawned gardens close to the A77, this hotel style guest house boasts views over Loch Ryan and is just 20 yards from an attractive shingle beach. The guest house ... More
Kenmuir Arms Hotel (12.46 miles)
The Kenmuir Arms Hotel is situated next to the Crosswaters of Luce and is ideally placed for walking, cycling, fishing, golfing and many more outdoor persuits. It is also an idyllic place to visit if ... More | visit website
Balyett Bed and Breakfast (12.89 miles)
Graded 4 stars by the Scottish Tourist Board and recommended by Lonely Planet, this bed and breakfast accommodation has a magnificent seafront location overlooking the coast where the Stranraer and Cairnryan ferries pass by.
Balyett ... More
The Swan Inn (13.36 miles)
Marine House Hotel (13.50 miles)
Jim & Fiona Wood welcome you to the Marine House Hotel website. Our well furnished and decorated hotel is in the town of Stranraer, in the southwest of Scotland. We ... More
North West Castle Hotel (13.57 miles)
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