Lochside House Hotel, Lodges and Spa

About

Set on the banks of Loch of the Lowes with stunning views of the Afton Hills, Lochside House Hotel is a luxury wedding venue in the heart of Ayrshire. This former hunting lodge features wraparound terraces, landscaped gardens, an ESPA luxury spa, and the renowned Afton restaurant. The property's scenic countryside setting and warm atmosphere make it an ideal choice for couples seeking an elegant celebration. Luxury lodges are available for guests, and the venue's individuality changes beautifully with the seasons.

Lochside sits on the edge of Loch o' th' Lowes near New Cumnock in East Ayrshire, a little under an hour from Glasgow, with the Afton Hills rising beyond the water. It is a full-service hotel rather than a blank canvas, which suits couples who would rather not run the logistics themselves. A wedding co-ordinator works with you from the first visit to the day itself, and packages include a master of ceremonies, a personalised seating plan, table linen and a room for the two of you on the wedding night.

Ceremonies can be held in the Glen Caol Suite, which looks out over the loch, and the meal, speeches and cake cutting take place in either the Glen Caol or the Lochview Suite. The Lochview has been refurbished with panoramic windows, crystal chandeliers and its own bars. There is a separate room, the Aaron Suite, set aside for getting ready, and French doors lead onto a wraparound terrace and gardens running down to the water for drinks and photographs.

Wedding menus are written by the head chef and can be adapted with your co-ordinator, and an evening buffet is available. For guests staying over there are more than 30 bedrooms and suites, some with private hot tubs, plus four lodges in the grounds ranging from the Water Lodge for up to six to the Birchwood Lodge, which sleeps as many as 18. The spa, with a thermal suite and treatment rooms, is an easy way to fill the morning after, and Dumfries House, golf courses and walking trails are all nearby.

The hotel offers midweek and winter packages, which are worth asking about for a smaller wedding. The honest caveat is that exclusive use in the packages refers to your chosen function suite rather than the whole hotel, and the website does not publish suite capacities or minimum numbers, so confirm early how a group of 50 or fewer will be set up.

What makes it special

• Spectacular lochside setting with panoramic Ayrshire countryside views
• ESPA luxury spa and on-site lodging for guests
• Historic venue with heritage as a former marquis hunting lodge

Features

Venue style

Location