Sightseeing
Take a drive down to the farthest south west point of Scotland and enjoy the stunning views of surrounding coastlines. Check out the lighthouse and adjacent cafe's full menu and gift shop. I recommend a slice of the lemon cheesecake!
7 locals recommend
Mull of Galloway
Take a drive down to the farthest south west point of Scotland and enjoy the stunning views of surrounding coastlines. Check out the lighthouse and adjacent cafe's full menu and gift shop. I recommend a slice of the lemon cheesecake!
Gardens with cafes
A favourite with locals and travellers alike, you can marvel at the magical walled garden so beautifully decorated with the summer season's colourful palette of plants and flowers. Pause for coffee, snacks, or lunch and enjoy the calm surroundings indoor or out. Meander through the grounds, past the giant monkey puzzle trees, lily pond and take in the views of the Earl of Stair's residence, Castle Kennedy. You will likely spot a combo of herons, ducks, swans, wild geese and even some belted Galloway cattle. Check out seasonal activities (e.g. Easter egg hunt for kids, etc.).
15 locals recommend
Castle Kennedy Gardens
A favourite with locals and travellers alike, you can marvel at the magical walled garden so beautifully decorated with the summer season's colourful palette of plants and flowers. Pause for coffee, snacks, or lunch and enjoy the calm surroundings indoor or out. Meander through the grounds, past the giant monkey puzzle trees, lily pond and take in the views of the Earl of Stair's residence, Castle Kennedy. You will likely spot a combo of herons, ducks, swans, wild geese and even some belted Galloway cattle. Check out seasonal activities (e.g. Easter egg hunt for kids, etc.).
Another beautiful outing is to visit these gardens and take your time to soak in the distant coastline. On a clear day you will enjoy views all the way down Luce Bay, New England Bay, onto Drummore and the Mull of Galloway. Visit the viewing points, find the serene Buddha, make a wish and try to spot some dragonflys. Tearoom with tables indoors and out tops off the visit with delish cakes and traybakes.
8 locals recommend
Glenwhan Gardens
Glenwhan GardensAnother beautiful outing is to visit these gardens and take your time to soak in the distant coastline. On a clear day you will enjoy views all the way down Luce Bay, New England Bay, onto Drummore and the Mull of Galloway. Visit the viewing points, find the serene Buddha, make a wish and try to spot some dragonflys. Tearoom with tables indoors and out tops off the visit with delish cakes and traybakes.
Surprising variety of plants thriving on the temperate climate by the sea infused by the Gulf Stream.
39 locals recommend
Logan Botanic Garden
Surprising variety of plants thriving on the temperate climate by the sea infused by the Gulf Stream.
Food scene
Just a short drive or bus ride into Stranraer, Henry's restaurant offers a fabulous menu as well as enjoying a great view over Loch Ryan. Check their website for special set-price 2 or 3 course lunch and dinner offers (times and day specifics).
9 locals recommend
Henrys Bay House Restaurant
Cairnryan RoadJust a short drive or bus ride into Stranraer, Henry's restaurant offers a fabulous menu as well as enjoying a great view over Loch Ryan. Check their website for special set-price 2 or 3 course lunch and dinner offers (times and day specifics).
Just steps from the Garden Flat, you will enjoy this wonderfully airy and bright cafe in the heart of Portpatrick. Breakfast, brunch, lunch or just a cuppa with cakes ... I think it requires a repeat visit!
The Port Pantry
24 Main StJust steps from the Garden Flat, you will enjoy this wonderfully airy and bright cafe in the heart of Portpatrick. Breakfast, brunch, lunch or just a cuppa with cakes ... I think it requires a repeat visit!
Mount Stewart Hotel
South CrescentGreat views, good dining. Best reserve.
Harbour House Hotel
53 Main StPet friendly restaurant/bar with lots of outdoor seating.
Best to reserve to avoid disappointment. Limited seating capacity, especially during summer months. Great view of the beach and harbour.
8 locals recommend
Connor's
1 South CresBest to reserve to avoid disappointment. Limited seating capacity, especially during summer months. Great view of the beach and harbour.
Neighbourhoods
Once a vital market town, Castle Douglas is a pretty town and still boasts some pretty unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. Recommend the Greek Restaurant! "I'll be back" ! Also 'Designs' shop and cafe for a nice lunch.
34 locals recommend
Castle Douglas
Once a vital market town, Castle Douglas is a pretty town and still boasts some pretty unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. Recommend the Greek Restaurant! "I'll be back" ! Also 'Designs' shop and cafe for a nice lunch.
Artists haven, you may catch some great art exhibitions. You may want to keep some budget for the antique shops!
51 locals recommend
Kirkcudbright
Artists haven, you may catch some great art exhibitions. You may want to keep some budget for the antique shops!
Traveler advice
Getting around
There is a bus service between Stranraer and Portpatrick.
The current timetable can be found online via search engine or on the Dumfries and Galloway Council website. Unfortunately Airbnb does not allow link sharing.