What to See and Do
Visitor Attractions
The Stranraer area boasts a wealth of attractions and there really is something for everyone - just take a look at the small selection below:
Port Logan Bay
Beaches
Killantringan Bay (8 miles) - a very large beach at low tide with rockpools and golden sands. Car park.
Sandhead (8 miles) - a huge beach where you can park right on the front in this small village.
Finnarts Bay (9 miles) - a more secluded beach overlooking Loch Ryan. Parking available.
Port Logan Bay (14 miles) - another beautiful sandy bay.
Houses and Gardens
Logan Botanic Garden (12 miles) - tropical gardens.
Castle Kennedy Gardens (4 miles) - walled gardens, lily ponds and 2 lochs surround the newer and original (Lochinch) castles.
Ardwell House & Gardens (11 miles) - walled gardens, woodland walk and hawthorn avenue.
Glenwhan Gardens (6 miles) - tropical plants as well as a wilderness area.
Dunskey Castle in the mist
Historical Interest
Castle of St John (0.5 mile) - a tower in the middle of Stranraer with excellent views. Free admission.
Glenluce Abbey (10 miles) - a ruined abbey managed by Historic Scotland.
Dunskey Castle (8 miles) - a ruined castle reached from a coast path from Porpatrick.
Galdenoch Castle (7 miles) - a ruined castle keep. Park by the castle and there is a pleasant walk to Salt Pans Bay.
Museums
Stranraer Museum (1 mile) - local history.
Find these attractions - Location Map
Activities
Lorenza Guest House provides an excellent base for a variety of activities - just take a look:
The Southern Upland Way starts near
Portpatrick
Walking
There are a number of short walks around the area, not to mention the Southern Upland Way long distance path! Make sure you pick up the 'Stranraer and the North Rhins' and 'South Rhins' short walks leaflets from the tourist information centre in Stranraer. You can download the South Rhins walks here: Walking in and Around the South Rhins (pdf)
Cycling
There are a wealth of trails in the area and I recommend you pick up the 'Cycling in Wigtownshire' leaflet at the information centre or download it here: Cycling in Wigtownshire (pdf)
Hunting/Shooting
For recreational shooting, take a look at this site: clay pigeon shooting in Glenluce
The Wood of Cree is great for birdwatching and the river itself is good for fishing
Birdwatching
Wigtownshire has a great variety of birdlife that can be seen all over the region. Most notable places are the Mull of Galloway, Wig Bay, Wigtown Bay and the Wood of Cree.
Fishing
Fishing lochs are commonplace and nearby lochs include Soulseat Loch and Knockquassen Reservoir. Visit Stranraer.org's fishing page for more details. You can also fish in many rivers such as the Cree (see troutandsalmon.net)
Golf
There are 4 main golf courses in the area:
- Stranraer Golf Course
- Lagganmore Golf Course
- Portpatrick Golf Course
- Wigtownshire County Golf Course
Sport & Leisure
Your one stop shop for Sports and leisure in Stranraer is the Ryan Centre. As well as sports and gym facilities, there's a swimming pool, cinema and it often plays host to theatrical and musical events.
If you're into curling, take a look at the North West Castle Hotel's Ice Rink