Machrihanish is a spectacular part of the Kintyre peninsula — just a few miles from the Mull of Kintyre, overlooking the Atlantic, and on a clear day the islands of Jura, Gigha and Islay. This is a small village, and there’s not a lot on our list of the best places to stay in Machrihanish, but what is there has some of the most breathtaking views of any of our Scottish recommendations, and the golfers, surfers, walkers, explorers and escapers who venture here are in for a real treat.

Most visitors to Machrihanish come for the golf. Arguably quite a large part of this stretch of peninsula looks like a golf course, but the official bit is an historic Old Tom Morris links, an 18 hole Championship course set in and around natural dunes, and directly overlooking the ocean. Here the wind can be a friend or adversary, another player in the game, but rather a rule-less one! The Machrihanish Golf Club quotes Jack Nicklaus as saying Machrihanish has the best opening hole of golf in the world. Machrihanish’s second golf course is much, much younger, but built nearby and in a similar vein, it’s called the Machrihanish Dunes.

Machrihanish’s main beach stretches about five kilometres along the links, a smooth, sandy stretch also buffeted by the winds, making it a prime spot for surfers. It is also the start, or end, point of the Kintyre Way, one of Scotland’s Great Walking Trails, and it’s just a few kilometres away from Largiebaan, a nature reserve, so there are plenty of outdoorsy activities. The best places to stay in Machrihanish will have local experts on hand to help you set up particular trips, excursions, or adventures too.

The Best Places to Stay in Machrihanish

For The Views

• The Ugadale Hotel is a classic Scottish golf hotel with fantastic views over the course and the Atlantic — all the way to Jura and Islay on a clear day. There are 22 rooms and suites, most with incredible views, classic furnishings, and just the right amount of tartan. There’s a large restaurant, a traditional bar, a pub and a spa. We recommend you book a whisky tasting session. As well as the golf course, this is a great base for keen fishermen and walkers too.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Glasgow Airport is the nearest international airport option to Machrihanish, and from there you can fly even closer, into a little airport called Campbeltown Airport, or you can take a bus, which takes around five hours, or drive for just under three. Edinburgh International Airport is about three and a half hours away by car or taxi. If you’re coming from London or via London, it will take you about nine and a half hours to drive, or just shy of nine by train from Euston and Glasgow.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The busiest time to visit Machrihanish is during the summer, but this is also the busiest time for Scotland’s midges, so if you can, plan for the shoulder months: April and May, or September, you may have a more enjoyable trip! Scotland’s west coast is known for being warm and wet, and even though the spring and summer months are usually the drier periods, that doesn’t mean you won’t see any rain. In fact the best thing to do when planning your visit to Scotland is make sure you pack plenty of waterproof layers. In this region many showers pass quickly, it’s the kind of place where you fight find you’re experiencing all the seasons in the one day.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Argyll
• Consider accommodation in nearby Arran or Islay
• Refine your search to the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and seek out just the best pubs with rooms in Argyll
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.