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This is a list of places to see and things you can do. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:- For the Golfers - Stranraer Golf Club - Stranraer
The SSS of 72 with a yardage of 6308 tells its own story. Designed by James Braid, with views to take your breath away, it offers all golfers, regardless of handicap, the chance of an unforgettable game of golf. The course, set on the North Rhinns peninsula, with wonderful views of the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig, is on undulating ground with a burn to catch the unwary. This gem of a course is a must for golfers visiting the area. A warm Galloway welcome is assured from all staff. The 5th hole was featured in "Bunkered" magazine's toughest composite golf course.
Address
Creachmore, Leswalt, Stranraer DG9 0LF
Telephone
Clubhouse 01776 870245
E-mail
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Web Site
http://www.stranraergolfclub.net Wigtownshire County Golf Course - Glenluce
The "County" Golf Club is a true links course and is situated on the shores of the scenic Luce Bay. The excellent condition of the course, combined with subtly sloping greens and changing sea breezes, provide a test of golf for both high and low handicappers.
Address
Mains of Park, Glenluce, Newton Stewart DG8 0NN
Telephone
01581 300420
E-mail
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Web Site
http://www.wigtownshirecountygolfclub.com Portpatrick (Dunskey & Dinvin) - Portpatrick
There are two courses in this complex - 18 hole Dunskey Course and 9 hole par 3 Dinvin Course. Dunskey has been described by Golf World as 'The best holiday course in the south of Scotland'. 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 par 3 Dinvin Course - maintained to the same high standards is ideal for a quick bit of exercise or for the beginner who wishes to improve their game. A warm welcome awaits visitors old and new.
Address
Golf Course Road, Portpatrick DG9 8TB
Telephone
01776 810273
E-mail
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Web Site
http://www.portpatrickgolfclub.com St Medan Golf Club - Port William
Scotland's most southernly course nestling in Monreith Bay with unparalleled views of Luce Bay, the Mull of Galloway and the Isle of Man. A challenging 9-hole golf course with 18 tees suitable for golfers of all abilities. Holidaymakers and families made welcome.
Address
Monreith, Port William, Newton Stewart DG8 8NJ
Telephone
01988 700358
Web Site
http://www.stmedangolfclub.com Wigtown & Bladnoch County Golf Course - Wigtown
Set in lush parkalnd just half a mile from Wigtown centre, the course is a haven for those seeking relaxing golf and a friendly atmosphere. From the fourth tee there are magnificent views of Wigtown Bay and across the Solway Firth to the Lake District Hills.
Address
Lightlands Terrace, Wigtown DG8 9DY
Telephone
01988 403354 For the Action seekers - Scotlands Outdoor Centre Based in Galloway in South West Scotland we specialise in outdoor pursuits, Team building activities are our speciallity as well as Clay Pigeon Shooting and Paintball. We also are stockists and agents for a wide range of products TEL:- 01581 300 237 Email :-
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website:- http://www.scotlandsoutdoorcentre.co.uk Galloway Tanks Galloway Tanks offers unique tank driving experiences, situated in the rolling farmland of Galloway, South West Scotland. 18 Tons of steel, 240Hp, are you up to the challenge? We have an interesting mix of British and American military vehicles: An Alvis Stalwart 6X6 Amphibious Truck; a 434 Tracked REME Vehicle; an Abbot Self-Propelled Gun; a 432 armoured personnel carrier; an SAS Land Rover and a Reo 6X6 truck. We can cater for parties or individuals (Selected days only). An Ideal Christmas or Birthday present - vouchers available. Corporate and fun days organised. Tel/fax:+44 (0)1988 600639 website :- http://www.gallowaytanks.co.uk Wigtown Off Road driving Centre You don't have to own a 4x4 to enjoy the thrills of Off Road Driving. We have Land Rover Discoveries for you to experience the drive of your life. Before you set off on the adventure with 1 to 1 tuition a qualified instructor will give you a short talk on the theory of how the vehicle works enabling you to tackle the challenging terrain that lies ahead. email:-
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Website:- http://www.wigtownoffroad.co.uk/ 7 Stanes - Glentrool Mountain Biking Discover the wild heart of Galloway with a wide range of riding experiences, all of which start and finish at Glentrool visitor centre. Tel: 01387 272 440
Fax: 01387 251 491
Email:
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website :- http://www.7stanes.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/achs-5rneku FOR THE SIGHTSEER Glenwan Gardens GLENWHAN GARDENS - VISIT - RELAX - UNWIND - PHOTOGRAPH - ENJOYThis is certainly a garden for all seasons with an incredible diversity of plants. It has taken 20 years of hard work by Tessa and Bill to produce this garden of outstanding character and it is a joy to visit. Perhaps the statue of the Florentine Medici Boar - it is a symbol of fertility - in the centre of the garden has helped. The landscape has certainly been transformed; just look over the boundary fence to see what they have already achieved! ~ Bob Mitchell. Former Curator, St Andrew's Botanic Garden. email:-
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Website :- http://www.glenwhangardens.co.uk/ Logan Botanic Gardens 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. Logan has many delightful features such as the colourful Walled Garden with its tree ferns, palms and borders and the contrasting Woodland Garden with its unworldly Gunnera bog and collections of unusual trees and shrubs. There's also a Water and Terrace Garden plus a display featuring native coastal plant treasures. Take a self-guided audio tour of the garden and visit the Discovery Centre for more information. Delicious home-baking can also be sampled at the Salad Bar and a great range of appealing local crafts, gifts and a selection of Logan's best loved plants are available at The Botanics Shop. Open: 1 Mar-31 Oct daily, Mar & Oct 10am-5pm, Apr-Sept 10am-6pm.
Admission: Adult £3.50, concs £3, child £1, family £8.
Facilities: Free car and coach parking, facilities for the disabled. Guide dogs welcome. Group discounts and membership available.
Location: On the B7065, 14 miles south of Stranraer in the Rhinns of Galloway. email :-
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website:- http://www.scotlands-garden.org.uk/logan.html Castle Kennedy Gardens This part of Scotland is surrounded on three sides by the sea, and the influence of the Gulf Stream provides a micro climate not found in many other parts of the United Kingdom. The gardens are extensively landscaped with terraces, mounds and avenues, all of which were created by men and horses, and extend to more than 30 hectares. I hope you will enjoy using this site, and that you will find the gardens interesting. You may even wish to plan a visit to the gardens when you are next in the South West of Scotland. Please visit our shop where you will find a selection of plants that we would like to recommend with guidance for planting. Many of the plants on offer have been grown by us from seed collected in the garden, and possibly from stock brought to this country over one hundred years ago. email:-
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website:- http://www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk Stranraer Museum Stranraer's historic Old Town Hall, built in 1776, is the home of Stranraer Museum. Step inside and discover Wigtownshire's fascinating past. See one of Scotland's oldest ploughs, look at Victorian Wigtownshire in 3D photographs and follow in the footsteps of Stranraer's own Polar explorers. Plus displays on archaeology, local history, farming and dairying. A temporary exhibition programme runs throughout the year and there are activities for all the family. The Museum is on George Street in the center of town and only a short walk from the ferry terminals, disabled access throughout. Open all year: 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm Saturday Closed Sundays and the Christmas, New Year, and Easter bank holidays ADMISSION FREE Tel:(01776) 705088 Fax:(01776) 704420
E-mail:
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website :- http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/stranmuse.html Castle of St John The Castle of St John is a medieval tower house in the centre of Stranraer. It was built around 1500 by the Adairs of Kilhilt, one of the most powerful families in Wigtownshire. Over the centuries the Castle has been used as a home, a local court, a military garrison and a prison. Videos and reconstructions are used to tell the story of:
The medieval landowners who built and lived in the Castle.
The Government troops who used the Castle as their headquarters during the "Killing Times" in the 1680's.
The criminals and debtors imprisoned in the Castle during the 19th century.
There is an activity room for families and children. The Castle is in the centre of Stranraer and within walking distance of the ferry terminal. website:- http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2333&contactid=3618 Dunskey Walled Garden The gardens at Dunskey have a friendly atmosphere and charm all of their own. Visitors can explore the walled garden using the wide gravel paths and broad lawns to enjoy a garden full of plants both familiar and unusual. The sloping site means that there are a number of different micro- climates throughout the garden and these are reflected within the planting. The jewel in the walled garden has to be the range of 19 century glasshouses. These are used for growing Peaches, Nectarines, Grapes and exotics such as the tropical looking Passiflora antioquiensis. Tel: 01776 810211
Fax: 01776 810581
Email:
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website:- http://www.dunskey.com/walledgarden.htm Port Patrick Harbour Portpatrick's origins stretch back some 500 years. Just south of the village is the clifftop location of the ruins of Dunskey Castle, dating back to the early 1500s, while in the village itself the roofless remains of the Old Parish Church are attached to a circular tower also dating back to the 1500s. website:- http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/portpatrick/portpatrick/index.html Glenluce Abbey This Cistercian abbey, founded by Roland, Earl of Galloway in 1192, is set in a lovely tranquil valley. All too little survives, but hints of its former grandeur may be seen in the south transept of the church, in the vaulted chapterhouse, and the partially rebuilt cloisters. website:- http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_143&PropName=Glenluce%20Abbey Kirkmadrine Early Christian Stones At Kirkmadrine are some of the oldest Christian stones in Scotland. They date from the 5th century to 12th. A century ago some were being used as gateposts. website:- http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/propertyresults/propertydetail.htm?PropID=PL_188&PropName=Kirkmadrine%20Early%20Christian%20Stones Mull of Galloway ( RSPB) The most southerly point in Scotland offers excellent views over the Solway Firth. The cliffs are home to thousands of breeding birds including guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes. Gannets are seen regularly. Some 2,000 pairs nest nearby on the Scare Rocks – a rocky outcrop seven miles to the east.
The reserve is good for wild flowers, with colourful cliff-top displays of seapink, spring squill, purple milk vetch and sea campion.
Visitor centre and trails. Weekend tours around the lighthouse. website:- http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/mullofgalloway/index.asp Torhouse Stone Circle (HS) With nineteen granite boulders and three central stones, this is one of the best preserved stone circles in Britain. website:- http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertydetail.htm?PropID=PL_291&PropName=Torhouse%20Stone%20Circle Wood of Cree ( RSPB ) A delight to visit whatever the time of year, the reserve includes the largest oakwood in the south of Scotland and a meandering section of the River Cree. In spring the wood is carpeted with bluebells and alive with the sound of bird song, as residents are joined by redstarts, pied flycatchers and garden warblers.
By the river you may see gooseander and common sandpiper, with teals, snipe and water rails in the riverside meadows. In the autumn whooper swans and goldeneye arrive from the arctic. A raised platform gives good views out over the river where otter are often seen. Nature trail mile Guided walks. website :- http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/w/woodofcree/index.asp Drumtroddan Prehistoric Rock Carvings ( HS ) Several groups of cup-and-ring markings can be seen on the rock outcrops in this open field at Drumtroddan. The carvings show much variation in design. website:- http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/pls/portal/canmore.newcandig_p_coll_details?p_arcnumlink=336063 Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve ( SNH ) Rising above the heather moorland this reserve is important for its upland animals and plants, supporting species like peregrine falcon, red and black grouse, red deer and feral goats. website :- http://www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/reserve.asp?NNRId=49 Tropic House Brighten up your day with a visit to the colourful world of exotic butterflies and fauna. Whatever the weather. Come and explore the rainforest in miniature and take a glimpse at some carnivores of the plant world.
Plants for sale in the nursery. Tropic House
Carty Port
Newton Stewart
Wigtownshire
DG8 6AY Gem Rock Museum Discover a world famous collection of gems, crystals, minerals and fossils at Creetown Gem Rock Museum. Scotland's award winning museum. The world of Gems & Crystals. Exciting audio visual. Exhibition workshop. Thrill the children in our crystal cave. Erupting volcano. Unique giftshop. Relax in our themed tea-room. "An experience you'll treasure forever!" website:- http://www.gemrock.net/ St Ninian's Cave ( HS ) Regarded as a retreat used by St Ninian, the cave was once a place of pilgrimage. Cut into the rock are seven small crosses. A mile walk from car park at Kidsdale. website:- http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertydetail.htm?PropID=PL_266&PropName=St%20Ninian's%20Cave Whithorn Trust The site of the first Christian church in Scotland. The Priory was built in the 12th century. The museum houses a fine collection of early stone crosses. website:- http://www.whithorn.com/ Carsluith Castle (HS) The delightful and well-preserved ruin of a tower house of 16th-century date. The 18th-century ranges of outhouses are still in use by the farmer, reminding the visitor that such houses were originally linked to outbuildings. One of its owners was the last abbot of Sweetheart Abbey.
Café and shop. website:- http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/carsluith/carsluithcastle/index.html Cairnholy Chambered Cairns ( HS ) Two most impressive chambered cairns, c 2500 BC, with extraordinary facades of tall standing stones. website:- http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertydetail.htm?PropID=PL_048&PropName=Cairn%20Holy%20Chambered%20Cairns Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park (formerly Wildlife Park Kirkcudbright), set in 27 acres of mixed woodland, is the wild animal conservation centre of southern Scotland.
The mission of Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park is: 'To establish a conservation breeding centre for small animals, to conserve wildlife, wildlife habitats and sites of geological importance, to provide opportunities for the public to enjoy and learn about the area they live in.'
A varied collection of nearly 150 animals from all over the world can be seen within the peaceful and natural settings where the woodland has been tailored to provide large and imaginative enclosures.
Open from 1st February to 30th November.
10am to dusk daily (last admission 6.00pm)
December to January: Closed | Admission | | | Adult | £6.00 | | Child | £4.00 | | Senior Citizen | £5.00 | | Family | £19.00 ( 2 adults & 2 Children ) |
(Prices are subject to change without notice.) email:-
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website:- www.gallowaywildlife.co.uk Monreith Animal World Come meet mij & lucy, our otters and Angus & dougal the tame Owls. Happy animals in Natural Surroundings. Open 10am daily from 1st March to end of October. Tel 01988 700217 Logan Fish Pond The first time visitor to Logan fish Pond is often amazed and surprised by what they see. Not untill they enter through the original Fish Keepers Cottage and have their first glimpse of the pond below do they have any idea of what this unique and historic attraction holds. Open Daily 1st March to 30th Sept, 12 noon - 5pm 1st Oct to 31st Oct, 12 noon - 4pm Tel 01776 860300 FOR THE LEISURE PERSUIST The Ryan Centre 25 Metres Competition Pool Leisure Water and Flumes Health Suite with Steam Room, Sauna and Spa Bath Dedicated Adults and U16 Fitness Suites Games Hall Movement Room Cafe and Soft Play Area 263 seat Auditorium with Cinema
website:- http://www.dgcommunity.net/DGCommunity/miniWeb.aspx?id=201 Agnew Park, Stranraer Agnew Park is the first - or last - sight of Scotland for more than two million travellers each year who use the ferries to cross between Ireland and Scotland. The Park draws on its marine location and heritage in the design of benches, railings, pavements and other features. Agnew Park has a wide range of leisure facilities for all ages! From young to old there is something for everyone to do:
A large boating lake with a range of boats, including canoes, skiffs and pedalos.
An 18 hole putting green.
A miniature railway which takes you on a full tour of the park.
A play island featuring exciting and innovative play equipment.
A mainland play park with a wide range of different features
A mini car track to race round.
A cafe/pavilion building offering a range of hot and cold snack,s drinks and refreshments.
The grassed events area hosts one-off special events. For the Fishermen Sea Fishing IN THIS PART of the country we have some of the finest Sea Angling Scotland has to offer with no less that 20 Scottish Records coming from these waters. Included on the list are the current Scottish Shore Tope record - a 54lb fish caught in Lochryan and the Scottish Boat record Thornback Ray of 29lb 8oz caught in the famous Luce Bay renowned for it's fantastic boat fishing as it holds many different species of fish. website:- http://www.stranraer.org/angling/sea_angling.html Portpatrick Charters. Skippered boat charter. Fish the North Channel out of Portpatrick on Rhins Ranger with local Skipper, Ian Cerexhe. Our boat, Rhins Ranger, is a 36 ft Cygnus “Cy-fish” design, purpose built for sea angling. It is MCA coded Category 2 (up to 60 nautical miles from a safe haven) for 12 passengers and 2 crew. E-Mail:
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WWW: http://www.portpatrickcharters.co.uk 
Freshwater locations:- The River Luce The River Luce is the region's most westerly river system. With its sweeping, clearly defined pools lined with broadleaved trees, it is one of the most picturesque of the Solway rivers and is regarded as being pristine in terms of its salmon and sea trout fishing. Like the other Galloway rivers, the Luce is a spate river that fishes best during and after a good fall of rain. The River Bladnoch The Bladnoch is a pleasant river set in rural surroundings in the Machars of Galloway. The river rises out of Loch Maberry and gently weaves its way over moors, forestry and farmland before entering the Solway at Wigtown Bay. With a catchment area of 132 square miles, the river is a true spate river whose character changes dependent upon its water level, offering affordable salmon fishing during and after a good fall of rain. The River Cree The Cree rises high in the South Ayrshire hills at Loch Moan and meanders down through moorlands and forests before entering the sea near Newton Stewart. The river was immortalised in Robert Burn's late eighteenth century poem 'The Flowery Banks of Cree'. Its catchment extends over 198 square miles, draining the Carrick and Glentrool forests as well as those at Kirroughtree and Cairnsmore of Fleet. The river's appearance changes dramatically over its length, from the stately splendour of the Water of Minnoch to the tidal pools of the lower Cree. The river is a spate river with a reputation for rising rapidly and a good fall of rain in the evening can mean that the water is in perfect condition by the next morning. The Cree fishes best on a falling water. Stranraer and District Angling Association ( Trout Fishing ) Trout fishing on one loch and three reservoirs. Soulseat Loch (72 acres), only 2 miles from Stranraer, provides bait, fly and spinning for rainbow and brown trout. Dindinnie Reservoir, only 1.5 miles from Stranraer, offers fly fishing only for hard-fighting rainbow trout and brown trout. Knockquassen Reservoir - fly fishing only. Penwhirn Reservoir - fly fishing only. This is the largest reservoir managed by the club. Anglers can fish all day on a catch and release basis, HOWEVER, if you dispatch two fish you must leave the water but you can move to another of the above venues on the same ticket. Contact:- John Cathcart
21 Victoria Place
Stranraer
Tel: 01776 700995 Coarse fishing Whitefield Loch, Glenluce Recently redeveloped, with new access platforms, good disabled access and car parking facilities, Whitefield Loch provides a great day out for anglers. The loch has a good population of fin perfect perch, up to 2lb. Contact Phone:- 01581 300697.
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