By Ambarish Awale,Sean Murphy
Copyright dailyrecord
A hotel group with one of the most striking seaside venues in Ayrshire has announced the return of its hugely popular Christmas markets. The RAD Hotel Group has confirmed that Seamill Hydro’s festive markets will be back again this year promising festive fun for the family. The markets will take place on Sunday November 23 and Sunday November 30. The events, which have become a highlight of the season, will once again transform the hotel’s Firth Pavilion into one of the region’s biggest indoor markets, Glasgow Live reports. Running from 12 pm until 5 pm on both dates, the markets will feature hand-picked stalls offering candles, jewellery, textiles, perfume, confectionery and other seasonal gifts. Entry will be free for visitors. Sales and marketing director Aaron Kyle said the group was determined to make this year’s festive programme its most ambitious yet. He said: “Christmas at RAD Hotels is always special, but this year we wanted to go bigger than ever before. With everything from drag brunches and ABBA tributes to Santa lunches, Christmas markets and spa staycations, we’ve created a festive line-up that truly has something for everyone.” The group has now opened bookings across its full portfolio of hotels, which includes Lochside House Hotel, Seamill Hydro, Hetland Hall, Dalmeny Park House Hotel, Brig o’ Doon, Fairfield House Hotel, The Royal Hotel and The Radstone Hotel. Guests will be able to choose from a wide range of experiences, from spa breaks and lodge getaways with private hot tubs to party packages and festive dining options. Tribute nights, Santa events and family-friendly entertainment will also feature heavily, with organisers keen to cater for all tastes and budgets. Seamill itself is a coastal village in North Ayrshire overlooking the Isle of Arran , known for its sandy beaches, golf and walks. It takes its name from the Sea Mill, a grain watermill that appeared in 17th century maps, and is seamlessly connected to neighbouring West Kilbride. The village has three hotels with restaurants, including Seamill Hydro, the Waterside Hotel and the smaller Seamill House Hotel, all popular with visitors heading for ferry crossings at Ardrossan , Largs or Wemyss Bay. For visitors to Seamill Hydro, the appeal of the Christmas markets goes beyond shopping. The hotel sits directly on the coast, overlooking Seamill beach, a quieter stretch of sand just north of Ardrossan. The beach is a popular spot for dog walkers and families, with rock pools revealed when the tide goes out and plenty of space for children to explore. Buckets and nets are often seen along the shoreline as visitors search for crabs and other small creatures. On clear days, the setting becomes even more spectacular, with views stretching across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran. Many visitors combine a trip to the markets with a walk along the beach before enjoying food and drink at either Seamill Hydro itself or the nearby Waterside Hotel.
