Local Area Information

There is an abundance of activities on our doorstep, we recommend the following

The Galloway Forest Park

Explore the Galloway hills. Perfect for walking, mountain biking, picturesque lochs, mountains, wildlife and starry skies. Three family friendly visitor centres –

• Kirroughtree - the gateway centre to the Galloway forest park, for active adventures. Home to world famous 7 stanes mountain bike trail centre. Kirroughtree Visitor Centre is well signposted from the A75 at Palnure, about 1.5 miles east of Newton Stewart. DG87BE.
• Glentrool – discover woods, water, hills and history. Home to world famous 7 stanes mountain bike trail centre. The turning for Glentrool Visitor Centre is signposted from the unclassified road that passes north from Glentrool village. DG8 6SZ.
• Clatteringshaws – enjoy a tranquil view over the lochs and hills. Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre is on the Queen's Way (A712) between New Galloway and Newton Stewart, on the shore of Clatteringshaws Loch. DG73SQ.
• Dark sky park – Scotland’s first. One of the best places to star gaze in Europe! Dark sky points at the three visitor centres and various points around the park.
• There is also a wild goat park, deer park and otter pool.

Wigtown Book Town

Scotland’s National Book Town. A book lovers haven with over a quarter of a million books to choose from and plenty of cafes.

Cream o’ Galloway

The home of luxurious dairy ice cream from an award-winning farm. Adventure playground, nature trails, crazy golf, pedal karts and mini play zone open from spring to autumn. Food also available.

 Cream o’ Galloway, Rainton, Gatehouse of fleet, Castle Douglas, DG7 2DR.

The Chocolate Factory

Chocolate workshops for children and adults, food and drink, indoor and outdoor play areas and chocolate factory shop.

 The Cocoabean, Ashland, Twynholm, DG64NP.

Crafty Gin Distillery

Tours, food and drink, shop and gin escape – where you forage for gin botanicals and taste gin cocktails (pre booking required).

 Crafty Distillery, Wigtown Road, Newton Stewart, DG8 6AS.

Bladnoch Whiskey Distillery

One of the oldest Scotch whiskey distilleries. Tour and taste, bespoke tours, shop and food and drink.

 Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch, DG89AB.

The Swallow Theatre

Scotland’s smallest theatre.

 The Swallow Theatre, Mosspark, Whithorn, DG88DR.

Galloway House Gardens

Created in 1740. Set overlooking Galloway Bay, gardens and informal natural woodland walks. Also leads to a costal path where you will discover Cruggleton cliffs and the remains of Cruggleton Castle.

 Galloway House Gardens, Garlieston, DG8 8HF.

Farm Parks

There are three farm parks for children. Mabie farm park, dalscone farm park and ernespie farm park. The first two are located around Dumfries and Ernespie in Castle Douglas.  

The Wee Pottery Kirkcudbright

Pottery painting and hand and foot prints. Fun for kids and adults alike.

The Wee Pottery, Johnston Centre, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4EG.

Portpatrick

A small fishing village with lots of lovely eateries and shops.

Castle Kennedy Gardens

75 acres of gardens border the ruins of Castle Kennedy, surrounded by the Black and White lochs. Café and shop.

Castle Kennedy Gardens are situated approximately five miles east of Stranraer on the A75. The entrance is clearly signed at the village of Castle Kennedy. DG98SJ.

The Gem Rock Museum

A collection of fine and rare crystals found in Britain alongside specimens from around the world. Gift shop and tearoom. Pre-booking required.

 The Gem Rock Museum, Chain Road, Creetown, DG8 7HJ.

Soleburn Garden Centre

Garden centre with wide array of plants and gifts, playpark and café.

 Soleburn Garden Centre, Leswalt, Stranraer, DG9OPW.

The Mull of Galloway

Scotland’s most southernly point, an unspoilt paradise. Home to Scotland’s most southernly lighthouse. Lighthouse exhibition, RSPB visitor centre and reserve and café.

 Mull of Galloway, Drummore, Stranraer, DG99HP.

The Whithorn Story Visitor Centre

Learn about the priory and pilgrams who travelled here in honour of St Ninian. Enjoy displays of artefacts and a simulated archaeological dig.

The Whithorn Story, Whithorn.

Port Logan Fish Pond

Originally a sea fish larder, now home to a wide variety of local sea life. Gift shop.

 Port Logan Fish Pond, Port Logan, Stranraer, DG99NF.

Logan Botanic Garden

The country’s most exotic garden. A remarkable collection of exotic and unusual plants. Award-winning café and garden shop.

 Logan Botanic Gardens, Road B7065, Port Logan, DG99ND.

Wigtown and Bladnoch Golf Course

Just a short walk from The Haven, in Wigtown.

 Lightlands Avenue,Wigtown, DG8 9EF.

Beaches

There are an lots of beaches in the local area. Our favourites are Mossyard Beach, St Meadens Beach and Rig Bay beach at Galloway House.