Local Area

Galloway is without doubt one of the most unspoilt parts of Scotland. It is the perfect place for a holiday and you will leave the area feeling relaxed and refreshed – no matter what the time of year. Have a look at www.southwestscotland.com for useful information about what’s on and what to see.

Port William

Only a mile or so from the Haven, Port William or “the Port” as it is known is the nearest village. It is built around a working harbour where you can watch the fishing boats coming and going.

Whithorn

Scotland’s first recorded place of civilization and in addition the birthplace of Christianity and so it is a very important “city” in the history of Scotland. There are a good range of shops in Whithorn and Priory Antiques is a must see! The Whithorn Experience is an exhibition which gives a fascinating insight into the birthplace of Christianity and St Ninian who is credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland in the 4th Century. South-west of Whithorn, St Ninian’s Cave at Physgill on Luce Bay is said to be where Ninian retreated periodically for contemplation. The cave is definitely worth a visit.

Isle of Whithorn

A few miles from Whithorn is the Isle of Whithorn which is a fishing village also popular with yachties, it boasts the nationally renowned Steam Packet Inn. It is also home to St Ninian’s Chapel.

Wigtown

Wigtown is Scotland’s National Book Town and is the location for the annual Wigtown Book Fair which is held in late September and attracts writers and book aficionados from all over the UK. For the rest of the year it boasts about 20 second hand book shops. If you like reading…

Portpatrick

Portpatrick has developed into a golfing, yachting leisure resort. People drive for miles to have fish and chips in the harbour side Crown Hotel. This is just one of the highlights of Portpatrick which is well worth a visit. Boats, golf, cafes, art galleries and gift shops it’s all there in Portpatrick. A day trip here should definitely include a visit to the Mull of Galloway lighthouse, the most southerly point in Scotland.

Places To Visit

The Bladnoch Distillery is ‘Scotland’s most southerly distillery’, go and sample the whisky which has been described by a professional connoisseur as having ‘a light, fragrant, lemony aroma and a gentle, unassertive flavour with fruity tones’.

Cream O’Galloway Ice Cream near Gatehouse of Fleet is one of the most visited attractions in the local area. It is an organic dairy farm, luxury ice cream factory, visitor centre, as well as a Burger Barn café. As well as numerous nature trails for walking or cycling you can also enjoy pedal karting as well as many more outdoor pursuits. There is definitely something here for all the family!

The Cocoa Bean Company, Twynholm. The Cocoabean offers fun for all the family, kids make chocolate creations in interactive workshops and can then explore the indoor and outdoor play areas. There is also a café and visitor shop where you can stock up on lots of chocolates!

The Gem Rock Museum, Creetown – Is the leading independent museum of its kind in the UK. It also has a gem rock shop and a Prospectors’ Pantry Café.

Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy – Is described as “one of the showplaces of Galloway”. These gardens are located in truly stunning scenery between two natural lochs and extend to 75 acres of landscaped terraces avenues and gardens. There is a charming tea-room, gift shop, plant centre and children’s activities.

Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan – At the south-western tip of Scotland lies Logan Botanic Garden, unrivalled as the country’s most exotic garden. With a mild climate washed by the Gulf Stream, a remarkable collection of bizarre and beautiful plants, especially from the Southern Hemisphere, flourish out-of-doors. Delicious home cooking can be sampled at the Salad Bar and wide range of plants and gifts are available at The Botanics Shop.

Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Mull of Galloway Experience – The lighthouse exhibition is open daily from Easter to the end of October, climb the Lighthouse Tower 115 steps up and you will be rewarded with one of the best views in Southern Scotland. There is also an RSPB visitor centre and café open daily.

Local Activities

Golf – St Medan’s Golf Course is situated across the bay from the Haven and can be walked to at low tide. It is a 9 hole Links course which will test the most successful of golfers. The views are sensational from the course. There are many other excellent golf courses in the area, please see the Links section.

Walking – Galloway Forest Park is Britain’s largest forest park at three hundred square miles and comprises of seashore, forest, moor land, lochs and mountain tops as well as an outstanding variety of plants and animals.

Mountain Biking – 7 Stanes Mountain Bike Trails are situated at Ae, Mabie, Dalbeattie, Kirroughtree and Glentrool Forest. Galloway is fast becoming one of Scotland’s most popular mountain bike centres.

Fishing – The fishing is superb with everything from small brown trout in the burns to the vast numbers of good sized Tope that visit our waters every year. Two famed salmon rivers in the area are the Cree and the Bladnoch, day permits are available or try your luck for mackerel and lobster from the rocks at Garlieston Harbour!

Bird Watching – There are some wonderful opportunities for bird watching in the Dumfries and Galloway district. Ospreys have returned in recent years and you can watch a live CCTV link to the Wigtown County Buildings Visitor Centre. The best bird watching in the area is along the rocky coastline and the mudflats and saltmarshes of Wigtown Bay. The Galloway Kite Trail is an exciting bird watching opportunity to view spectacular ked kites around Loch Ken.

Places to Eat and Drink

The Clansman, Port William – Excellent local bistro, booking is essential 01988 700 344.
The Steam Packet Inn – The Steam Packet Inn’s reputation for food has spread far and wide with locals and visitors. From a quick bite of lunch in the bar through to a full evening dinner in the harbourside restaurant they aim to satisfy all tastes! Booking is essential 01988 500 334.

Click here to see some useful links