Below is a handy guide for things to see and do in and around the area. If you need any further details, please contact us where we will give you as much detail as we can.
Try your hand on the Golf Course
There is a selection of Golf courses within a half hour drive from the cottage. In Portpatrick just outside Stranraer the golf club offers two courses 18 hole Dunskey Course and 9 hole par 3 Dinvin Course.
Set on the cliffs above the picturesque village of Portpatrick, a links type course with magnificent views of the Irish Coast, the Isle of Man and the Mull of Kintyre. The 9 hole Dinvin Course is adjacent to the Dunskey Course for those without a handicap. There are also courses in Stranraer and Glenluce.
Gardens
Due to the unique geographical position of the Wigtownshire region, which allows the warm breezes of the Gulf Stream from the Gulf of Mexico to pass through, Wigtownshire has some of the most beautiful, diverse and spectacular gardens within Scotland.
Something for the Green Fingered Visitors to enjoy…
Logan Botanic Gardens
There are several gardens to visit in the area including the nationally famous Logan Botanic Gardens which is situated just outside the village of Port Logan. The Gardens include a walled garden and a new addition is Local Heroes which features a fascinating collection of native coastal treasures found in this region. There is also the Discovery Centre that provides an interesting insight into the history of the Logan Botanic Garden. The self-guided audio tours highlight interesting plants and features in this beautiful Garden. The garden is open from the 1st March to 31st of October and opens at 10am.
Ardwell Gardens
Ardwell Gardens is surrounded by an 18th Century Country Estate House which is not open to the public, with the formal layout of the house blending into the informality of the wood and shrubberies. There is a walled garden grows a large variety of summer bedding plants and produce, including potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries and raspberries these are available to buy. There are various walks one of which is a around the largest pond which takes about half a hour which provide views over Luce Bay. Ardwell Gardens is open daily from: to 30th September 10am to 5pm
Glenwhan Gardens
Glenwhan Gardens is situated within 12 acres of beautiful gardens, lochs, pathways and vistas. The Gardens are open from March – September. Glenwhan Gardens stand on the hills above the small village of Dunragit, about 6 miles south of Stranraer on the A75. As well as the 12 acres of gardens there is also a tearoom, plant sales, two lochs, plenty of wildlife, and a wilderness area with pond and rough paths. Parking is available for cars however due to the terrain it might not be possible to access all of the gardens via wheelchair. The Auld Dairy luxury self-catering Scotland is well situated to visit all the local gardens.
Walking
The Mull of Galloway provides excellent walks, cycle routes while admiring the unspoiled landscape. Scotland’s “southern highlands” are ideal for walkers of all abilities and, for the real enthusiast; there is Scotland’s coast to coast long distance footpath.
Opened in 1984, the Southern Upland Way is a 212 mile walk covering some of the wildest landscapes in Scotland, from Portpatrick on the west coast, east across Galloway to Beattock near Moffat and on through the Borders to Cockburnspath in the east.
It is more demanding than most long distance paths, for it does not follow the natural contours of the country such as glens – instead it cuts across them. However, the Way may be joined at any convenient point, and excursions planned to suit both the ability of the group and the weather. The Auld Dairy luxury self-catering Scotland sits just below the start of the Southern Upland Way in Portpatrick.
The Mull of Galloway
The Mull of Galloway is approximately 5 miles away from the village of Drummore. The Mull of Galloway is the southerly most point in Scotland which is home of the lighthouse and spectacular views over Ireland’s Antrim Hills and the Cumbrian coast of north-west England, and across Luce Bay to the Machars of Galloway and the Galloway Hills. Tours of the lighthouse are available at the weekends from April to September.
The Mull of Galloway is residence to a RSPB nature reserve. The reserve lies at the most southerly point in Scotland with stunning views in many directions. The cliffs are home to more than 3,500 nesting seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, black guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. There is also a visitor centre that provides information about birds, rare plants and marine life. The visitor centre is free of charge but donations are welcome.
The tearoom Gallie Craig café is situated at the Mull of Galloway to provide walkers, bird watchers and visitors alike with a Full café menu and meals available (not RSPB-run).
Things to do by yourself or as a Family
The Ryan Centre leisure facility consists of:
- 25 Metres Competition Pool
- Leisure Water and Flumes
- Health Suite with Steam Room, Sauna and Spa Bath
- Dedicated Adults and U16 Fitness Suites and Games Hall
- Movement Room
- Cafe and Soft Play Area
- 263 seat Auditorium with Cinema
The Ryan Centre is open: Monday to Friday 8:00am – 10:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Agnew Park
For children along the water front of Loch Ryan is Agnew Park in the centre of Stranraer. The park has a wide range of leisure facilities for all ages including a large boating lake with a range of boats; a specially designed themed crazy golf course; an 18 hole putting green.
A miniature railway provides visitors with a tour of the park also available is a sand filled play park with various play structures. The café pavilion offers a range of refreshments. Agnew Park is open to the public year round and is staffed for chargeable activities such as boat hire during the Easter and Summer school holidays.