We wish to thank the wardens of Craigie Gardens for their understanding and compassion. Whilst at the site we received word that one of our sons had died. We packed a few things and made the 300 mile trip home. Prior to leaving we approached the wardens and informed them of our situation. We were due to depart the site in four days but we were not prepared to pack up the caravan and tow it back. The wardens totally understood and gave us permission to leave the caravan and come back when we were able. It was seven days before my wife and I felt able to return and collect the van.
We have relatives and good friends in the Ayr area and we come here every year.
I just wish that some who give adverse comments about the site understood why the site has not been upgraded, it is hardly a secret.
My wife and I cannot thank the wardens enough, they took a lot of pressure of us in our time of need.
Thank you.
Derek and Beryl Easton
We have just returned from a 4 night break at Craigie. It is a lovely site with easy access to Ayr, but the facilities definitely need updated. Every morning there was a queue for the showers as there were only 4 in ladies and gents. There are plenty of washbasins but they are seldom in use so more showers is a definite must for a site with 90 pitches. TV reception patchy at best as a result of the surrounding trees so maybe a booster system be considered. Price varied widely over the year and was quite pricey for our 4 nights.
Unfortunately after we arrived at Ayr Cragie site on the 2nd July, my husband was taken ill and needed the be taken to the local hospital. The staff on this site were very accommodating, they guided the ambulance into where we were and asked if we needed anything doing. When he came back they asked after him as to how he was. I can’t fault anything with their helpfulness and approach with the situation, fortunately my husband is now well and on the mend. Many thanks once again to all of them, they were fantastic. We hope to return sometime soon.
The site is located a short distance from the river at Ayr and alongside the University development in the same area. A path leads along the river and to a series of bridges which lead across to the main part of the old town and the docks and beach front of Ayr. The river path is easlily reached form the site, although after navigation through University property (car parks). It is a nice walk into town.
Access to the site with outfit is comparatively easy although some care is needed as travel is through some of the busier parts of the town's road network and round abouts. The whole area is pleasant with some space for dog walking outside the site. Overall a pleasant experience on site although the layout of the site does seem to give it a congested/closed in sort of feel about it.
Site itself is clean and well kept and comfortable to be in. Wardens are pleasant and helpful. I would use the site again for a short visit to the town and local area but would not remain for a longer stay due to the congested feel of the site and lack of a dog walk.
Definitely recommend for a town visit and perhaps to visit Trumps Golf Fantasia on the road to Girvan.
Unfortunately, I had to cut my trip to Ayr Craigie Gardens short; however, my three nights were enough to take a very positive impression from this site. Like many of us in motorhomes, I do prefer sites close to towns or at least close to good public transport – trains or buses – and you get all of that here. The town can be reached fairly easily in about 15 to 20 minutes and the station is on route. A big Morrisons is also reached in about the same time. It is a about 25 minutes brisk walk to the sea front. There are plenty of walking and cycling opportunities although in my case mobility issues limited my explorations, but I hope to return.
I thought Ayr a bit of a mixed bag; very rundown in parts, but appealing in other parts with some major shops and plenty of the discount/charity/betting genre as you might expect. The riverside was not very attractive, but I only manged to see the part between the site and the town. Further inland I imagine it is better.
I really liked the site itself. It is set out in what is essentially a big oval with pitches all round and further pitches in the middle. What I really liked is that, despite the ubiquitous trees surrounding the site – high and mighty – the site felt open and spacious. Indeed, the pitches were big – where I was anyway, but all round I think for the most part. Many had lovely shrubbery borders between them; I picked one like that – so much nicer to look at than a neighbour’s car or awning and providing an extra element of privacy for those that seek it. I hate being enclosed, but this was different and very well kept too as was the whole site. All in all, this site definitely makes my list of topmost sites.
The wardens were great especially the lovely lady (sorry not sure of name) who had to bear with me whilst I stupidly got in a muddle with the electric (new bollards with auto-trip switches had me fooled) directed me to a pharmacist and then had to deal with my early departure. Thank you.
One complaint: The nature of the site, especially the long “back straight” had the feel of a race track and many took it as that with some of the most astonishing examples of speeding I have ever seen. I do not normally join those holier-than-thou types complaining about speeding on sites, though I accept it can be an issue, but here some of the speeds I observed were out of all proportion and this seriously needs addressing. I really mean this; it was very dangerous and when a family with a toddler arrived one evening, and I witnessed the boy repeatedly running across the road, I genuinely feared for him. Although the same family lost my respect two nights later when they played their music anti-socially loud until nearly 10pm. On that sort of issue, I frequently join with the holier-than-thou brigade. Unacceptable!
We have stayed at Craigie Gardens a few times and love this site. A quiet oasis very close to the bustling city of Ayr. - shops within walking distance. The site is immaculately kept and the wardens always helpful. Easy access back on to the main road.
Be careful if using satnav - it can take you through through the University grounds, with a closed barrier - make sure you get the right exit off the roundabout!
I am sure we will be back.
Weve been here so many times as its a great destination to stay,nice and relaxing and very quiet,site is spotless and staff are very friendly,very helpful and easy to deal with,plenty of local attractions around surrounding area,plenty of pubs restaurants and takeaways,theres a small hut on right handside as you enter the site with loads of leaflets on what to do and lots of recomended menus for local eating,weve never experienced a bad time down here
Yet another pleasant Caravan Club site, usual good, clean facilities.
But get something done with the road at the gate! It is like a ploughed field! Don’t argue with the LA, just resolve the problem and put a bit of tarmac down.
We love staying at the Clubs Ayr site, its so convenient for the train station to Glasgow and Troon, the town centre and Ayr's lovely beach. Surrounded by excellent golf courses some very reasonably priced.
The walk along the river is a treat and lots of places to stop sit and chill, especially the small University Garden on the way to the river walk.
Do visit the tiny harbour village at Dunure just South of Ayr so lovely and peaceful with a great little Cafe
We was so lucky the weather was really warm and dry, "but whats that smell in the awning" dog pee! Once again irresponsible dog owners allowing their beloved pets to foul not only the site but their pitch I don't get it, there are miles of tracks and a dog walk.
Wardens as usual excellent they work so hard for us, oh! while I remember can you fix the drain cover on the front of the pitches after you turn right into the site (I think we was on pitch 58) some members seem to take great delight at hitting at speed very distinct sound? motor , = boing boing, caravans = Boing, Boing short delay Boing
Love Ayr site and already booked for next year
David M
Just returned from a fabulous week at Ayr. Close enough to walk into the town centre, but the tree coverage gives the site a remote feeling. Facilities are well maintained, staff are very friendly.
Plenty to do in the area for families.
All in all, 10/10