Knock Old Castle in Skelmorlie | Must-See Ayrshire Hot Tub Cottage

About Knock Old Castle

Knock Old Castle is a restored 14th-century detached castle near Largs in Ayrshire, Scotland. A five-year restoration project led by the current owner and local craftsmen turned this medieval structure into a whimsical, fairytale castle unlike anything else you'll find. Quirky doors, no straight lines anywhere and a painted ceiling in the keep make this genuinely extraordinary. Sheep graze on the wildflower roof.

The castle sits in a private setting just a short walk from the shore. Largs is 1½ miles away with shops, restaurants and a promenade. Ferries from Largs connect you to the Isle of Cumbrae, Arran, Bute and Dunoon. Rail links from town make Glasgow and Edinburgh easy day trips.

Knock Old Castle sleeps 8 across 4 bedrooms. Three floors each hold a twin bedroom with ensuite shower. The fourth floor has a super kingsize bedroom. There are two living rooms one with a woodburner on the ground floor and a second with a 48" TV and woodburner on the first floor.

Culzean Castle Country Park (16 miles, 25 mins) spans 550 acres. Loch Lomond National Park (30 miles, 45 mins) is reachable via Dunoon. The Ayrshire Coastal Path starts at nearby Skelmorlie. World-class golf at Troon, Prestwick and Turnberry is within easy reach.

Families, groups and couples looking for something genuinely different will love Knock Old Castle. A private hot tub for 7, sauna in the tower and sea views from the glass domed lookout seal the deal. Book it.

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Need To Know

✓Detached 14th-century castle restored over 5 years by local craftsmen into a whimsical fairytale style with quirky doors and no straight lines
✓Private setting 200 yards from owner's home, short walk from the shore with stunning sea views from glass domed lookout
✓Four bedrooms: three with 2 x single (3ft) beds each, one with super kingsize (6ft) bed
✓Three bathrooms: two ensuites with cubicle showers and toilets, one ensuite with cubicle shower but no toilet, plus two separate toilets
✓Ground floor with living room featuring woodburner and no TV, kitchen/dining room with electric oven, electric hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and washer dryer, patio doors to courtyard
✓First floor second living room with woodburner, 48" Freeview TV, DVD player, CD player, and patio doors to balcony
✓Biomass central heating with underfloor heating on the ground floor
✓Electricity included in rental
✓Wi-Fi throughout the property
✓Logs for woodburners included
✓Bed linen and towels provided
✓Welcome pack included on arrival
✓Private sauna located in the tower
✓Hot tub for 7 people, private use
✓Courtyard with lawned area, sitting-out area, garden furniture and barbecue facilities
✓Bike store available on site
✓Private on-site parking for 8 cars
✓Pets allowed free of charge, maximum 2 pets
✓No smoking policy throughout the property
✓Steep steps throughout property and grounds, not suitable for those with mobility issues
✓Unfenced stream in garden approximately 10 yards away, caution advised
✓Baby equipment available on request including travel cot and highchair
✓Check-in time after 16:00 and check-out before 10:00
✓Close proximity to town of Largs (1½ miles) with shops, restaurants and promenade
✓Nearby ferry access to Isle of Cumbrae, Isle of Arran, Isle of Bute, Dunoon and Cowal Peninsula
✓Rail links from Largs for day trips to Glasgow and Edinburgh
✓Access to Ayrshire coastline, coastal path, golf courses (Troon, Prestwick, Turnberry), riding, fishing, racing, gardens, castles and national parks nearby
✓Painted ceiling in the keep and sheep grazing on the wildflower roof as unique architectural features

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What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to Knock Old Castle

Fairytale Castle Restoration

A genuine 14th-century castle restored over five years by local craftsmen with painted ceilings, wildflower roof and no straight lines anywhere.

Private Hot Tub for 7

A private outdoor hot tub seats 7 guests. Perfect after a day exploring the Ayrshire coast or the nearby islands.

Tower Sauna

A private sauna sits inside the castle tower a genuinely rare feature that sets Knock Old Castle apart from standard holiday lets.

Sea Views from the Lookout

The glass domed lookout delivers stunning views over the sea. One of the most talked-about features of the whole property.

Ferry Access to Three Islands

Ferries from Largs connect you to Arran, Cumbrae and Bute. Three islands accessible directly from the town just 1½ miles away.

Parking for 8 Cars

On-site parking for up to 8 cars makes this ideal for groups arriving in multiple vehicles with no stress on arrival.

Getting To Knock Old Castle

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

Knock Old Castle is located near Largs in Ayrshire, Scotland, postcode KA30 8SE. Follow the A78 coastal road into Largs and use the postcode to navigate directly to the property. On-site parking for up to 8 cars is available on arrival.

By Train

Largs railway station is just 1½ miles from the castle and sits on the Inverclyde Line with direct services from Glasgow Central. From the station a short taxi ride will get you to the property.

On-site parking for up to 8 cars

Largs railway station (1½ miles)

Accessible via the A78 coastal road, Ayrshire

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

Culzean Castle & Country Park

Distance: 16 miles (25 mins)

KA19 8LE

Isle of Cumbrae (Millport) via Ferry

Distance: 1.5 miles to ferry terminal (10 mins)

KA28 0AS

Kelburn Castle & Country Centre

Distance: 3 miles (7 mins)

KA29 0BE

Ayrshire Coastal Path (Skelmorlie Start)

Distance: 4 miles (10 mins)

PA17 5EY

Largs Seafront & Promenade Walk

Distance: 1.5 miles (5 mins)

KA30 8BG

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Distance: 30 miles (45 mins)

G63 0JE

Largs Town Centre

Distance: 1.5 miles (5 mins)

KA30 8AB

Irvine Retail Park

Distance: 14 miles (20 mins)

KA12 8EZ

Braehead Shopping Centre

Distance: 28 miles (40 mins)

PA4 8XQ

Largs Ferry Terminal (to Cumbrae)

Distance: 1.5 miles (5 mins)

KA30 8EZ

Ardrossan Ferry Terminal (to Arran)

Distance: 10 miles (15 mins)

KA22 8DA

Largs Railway Station

Distance: 1.5 miles (5 mins)

KA30 8BG

Culzean Castle & Country Park

Distance: 16 miles (25 mins)

KA19 8LE

Isle of Cumbrae (Millport) via Ferry

Distance: 1.5 miles to ferry terminal (10 mins)

KA28 0AS

Kelburn Castle & Country Centre

Distance: 3 miles (7 mins)

KA29 0BE

Ayrshire Coastal Path (Skelmorlie Start)

Distance: 4 miles (10 mins)

PA17 5EY

Largs Seafront & Promenade Walk

Distance: 1.5 miles (5 mins)

KA30 8BG

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Distance: 30 miles (45 mins)

G63 0JE

Largs Town Centre

Distance: 1.5 miles (5 mins)

KA30 8AB

Irvine Retail Park

Distance: 14 miles (20 mins)

KA12 8EZ

Braehead Shopping Centre

Distance: 28 miles (40 mins)

PA4 8XQ

Largs Ferry Terminal (to Cumbrae)

Distance: 1.5 miles (5 mins)

KA30 8EZ

Ardrossan Ferry Terminal (to Arran)

Distance: 10 miles (15 mins)

KA22 8DA

Largs Railway Station

Distance: 1.5 miles (5 mins)

KA30 8BG

Is Knock Old Castle Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

Kids will love exploring a real 14th-century castle with painted ceilings, a wildflower roof and a glass domed lookout. The courtyard and lawned area give space to play. Ferries to Cumbrae and Arran are nearby. A travel cot and highchair are available on request. Note the steep internal stairs and an unfenced garden stream 10 yards from the property.

For Couples

Knock Old Castle is a serious romantic option for couples. A private hot tub for 7, a tower sauna and sea views from the glass domed lookout create a genuinely special atmosphere. Two woodburners add warmth on cooler evenings. The super kingsize bedroom on the fourth floor is the perfect retreat. Largs is 1½ miles away for dinner out.

Pet Friendly

Up to 2 pets are welcome at Knock Old Castle at no extra charge. The courtyard and lawned garden give outdoor space. Owners should note there is an unfenced stream approximately 10 yards from the property. The Ayrshire Coastal Path and surrounding countryside offer excellent walking for dogs. Steep internal steps may not suit all dogs.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Knock Old Castle

Nardini's Café & Restaurant

Located 1.5 miles (5 mins) from your accommodation.

Postcode: KA30 8BG

The Clachan Inn

Located 1.5 miles (5 mins) from your accommodation.

Postcode: KA30 8LN

Willowbank Hotel Restaurant

Located 1.5 miles (5 mins) from your accommodation.

Postcode: KA30 8PD

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Knock Old Castle

Does this cottage have a hot tub?

Yes. Knock Old Castle has a private outdoor hot tub that seats 7 guests. It is included in your stay and is not shared with any other property.

Is it pet friendly?

Yes up to 2 pets are welcome at Knock Old Castle and there is no additional charge for bringing them. Note that there is an unfenced stream in the garden approximately 10 yards from the property.

How many people does Knock Old Castle sleep?

The castle sleeps 8 guests across 4 bedrooms. Three bedrooms have twin beds and one has a super kingsize bed. There are 3 bathrooms plus a separate toilet on the ground floor.

Is there parking at the property?

Yes. There is on-site private parking for up to 8 cars directly at the castle. No need to park on the road or in a public car park.

Are there steep stairs inside the castle?

Yes. There are steep steps throughout the property and grounds. The castle is a multi-storey building and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.

What is included in the price?

Wi-Fi, electricity, bed linen, towels and logs for the woodburners are all included. A welcome pack is also provided on arrival.

Can we visit nearby islands from here?

Yes. Ferries from Largs connect to the Isle of Cumbrae, Isle of Arran, Isle of Bute and Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula. Largs is just 1½ miles from the castle.

Is there a sauna at the property?

Yes. There is a private sauna located inside the tower of the castle. It is available exclusively for guests staying at Knock Old Castle during their visit.