The tranquil family retreat with amazing indoor pool just an hour from Glasgow

SOMETIMES you just want a quick escape from the city without spending hours in the car or getting on a plane.

Nestled in the South Ayrshire countryside, Landal Brunston is the perfect getaway spot for just that.

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We set off from Glasgow after school on a Friday and within half an hour were winding our way through the rolling green hills.

The holiday park is tucked away next to the village of Dailly and as we approached we caught a glimpse of the ruins of Dalquharran Castle peeking out over the trees.

We pulled up at the gates of the park and were met by an enormous brown hare that bolted across the road in front of us.

Up went the barrier and we drove round the charming little rows of individual lodges set among pristine gardens.

We were staying in one of the bigger lodges, which had four bedrooms and  comfortably slept eight.

It was really well kitted out. Modern, clean and cosy, just what we needed.

The kitchen had everything you could possibly want  and I got a pre-cooked chilli on the hob while the kids explored the rest of the lodge.

The two bedrooms downstairs both had twin beds and there was a shower room. Perfect if you want to get the kids to sleep so the adults can enjoy a glass of wine upstairs.

Our room had an en-suite and was tastefully appointed, even down to the white bathrobes in the wardrobe.

It didn’t take long before the kids had dug their swimmers out and were hauling the lid off the hot tub, which was sunken into the veranda to the back of the lodge.

The lights sparked into life, the bubbles started and we all sank into the heat to relax.

The back porch faced out into dense woodland and was shielded on both sides, giving you a sense of total privacy.

The next morning the kids were desperate to go for a swim, so we trotted up to the main building and grabbed some towels from the friendly reception team.

The pool is a great size with an array of windows facing out onto the green hillsides. To our amazement, a deer wandered by about six feet away from us as we were splashing about.

After the exertions in the pool, I took a quiet 15 minutes in the sauna, while our son Lucas, 16, went  to check out the gym.

There was also table tennis, a pool table, a mini golf course and decent kids play area outside.

Then it was  time to head out and from Brunston you’ve got loads of options in close striking distance, with the coast just 15 minutes away.

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We took a drive to Girvan, grabbed some fish and chips, then treated ourselves to  a cone and walked along the beachfront. It was glorious.

A fleet of e-bikes are available for hire for those looking to explore the miles of coast, which I’d highly recommend.

Once we headed back to our luxury home from home,  we ordered some tasty pizzas up from reception before settling into a night of boardgames. Don’t Wake Dad is a new family favourite.

Come Sunday, there was time for a quick dip in the pool before we headed out again, this time  to explore Culzean Castle.

Situated atop the cliffs and crashing seas, this has to be one of the National Trust for Scotland’s finest properties.

The castle is spectacular and the tour is fascinating.

But there’s loads to do here for families too, from wild woodland, the swan pond, a walk on the beach, to the immaculate gardens — there’s literally acres to explore.

We had to drag the kids away from the massive adventure playpark, filled with chutes and treehouses. 

There’s a great restaurant too, with hearty pies and coffees on offer.

Before we knew it, it was  time to head back after our weekend away  and we were home in just 45 minutes.

Now that’s what I call a quick getaway.