KIRKCUDBRIGHT

A ten minute drive away is the lovely town of Kirkcudbright with its harbour, fishing boats, galleries and museums. Great local butcher, bakery, cafes, restaurants, vet surgery, two small supermarkets, a number of takeaways and a fabulous fish and chip shop.

Kirkcudbright is known as the ‘Artists Town’ and has plenty of arty outlets. Throughout August every Thursday is Scottish Night with pipe bands, Scottish dancing and a host of outdoor entertainment culminating in the last weekend with the Tattoo. 

CASTLE DOUGLAS

Approximately 12 miles away is the bustling town of Castle Douglas. Here, apart from the great individual shops, huge supermarket if you need one, tea rooms and restaurants is Threave Castle and Gardens.

Buy a ticket from the tea room at the garden to see both; and visit the Ospreys in season. To reach the 13th century castle you ring a bell for the boatman who will guide you across the river and back again when you’re ready.

PORTPATRICK

An hours drive away towards Stranraer is the idyllic coastal town of Portpatrick where you will find a ruined castle on top of the hill with views of Northern Ireland, a 17th Century church, the Lighthouse Pottery, tea rooms, hotels, bars and restaurants. Lovey place to visit.

NEWTON STEWART

18 miles away you will find the small town of Newton Stewart which has a couple of supermarkets, a range of independent shops and a small community run old-fashioned cinema. If you fancy a walk in the woods then visit the RSPB site at Wood of Cree and follow one of the way marked paths or just park in the town and have a mooch round by the river.

ISLE OF WHITHORN

This is one of the most Southerly villages in Scotland and is the location of the ruined 13th Century St Ninians Chapel previously linked to Whithorn Priory. The village has one pub, The Steam Packet where you will always find a warm welcome, fabulous food and local beers from the Five Kingdoms Brewery. Fishing is widely available on the lochs and local rivers, Bladnoch and Cree. Sea fishing is also available from here.

FLY FISHING 

Enjoy bank and boat fishing a loch set in beautiful surroundings,approached via minor traffic-free roads only a fifteen minute drive from Gatehouse of Fleet.  Day tickets are £20, are for fly fishing only and  boat permits are £5 per day  These may be obtained from: SPAR, High Street, Gatehouse of Fleet tel: 01557 815050 Boats are only bookable up to 4 weeks ahead.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Galloway Activity Centre occupies a stunning location on the banks of Loch Ken some 30 minutes drive from your cottage. With their team of expert adventure instructors and the beautiful surroundings, they specialize in providing exciting and memorable holiday activites in a safe and friendly family atmosphere.

Catering for families, groups and individuals, you can choose from popular short taster sessions, full day of activities, certified courses and instructor training under the professional guidance of their skilled team. Check their website for details www.lochken.co.uk

GOLF

There are a number of local Golf Courses - Gatehouse Golf Club welcomes visitors and you can enjoy a 20% discount in 2021 with a card from us- you can book tee off times at https://gatehousegolfclub.simplybook.it/v2/

The Cally Hotel Golf Course in Gatehouse also offers rounds to visitors - check with the hotel for up to date prices and tee off times https://www.mcmillanhotels.co.uk/hotels/cally-pala...