Category: SDT_Things To Do

Mull of Galloway Experience

At the award winning Mull of Galloway Experience, you can climb the 115 steps to the top of Scotland’s most southerly lighthouse, where a spectacular view from the balcony and light room will reward you for your efforts! For more stunning views over the cliffs, take a walk to the foghorn and viewing platform. For those keen to learn about how the lighthouse used to operate, the lighthouse exhibition in the old engine room has an extensive array of information.

For more information about the local birdlife, pay a visit to the RSPB visitor centre and reserve. The area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a beautiful circular walk with viewpoints allows you to explore the 30 hectares of heathland on the reserve.

For refreshments, the popular Gallie Craig Coffee House offers a range of meals, snacks, drinks and delicious home baking.”

  • Admission:

Exhibition – £2.50 for adults and £1.00 for children under 14

Lighthouse Tower – £2.50 for adults and £1.00 under 14s. Access to the lighthouse is by guided tour only.

Combined Ticket – £4.00 for adults and £1.50 for children under 14.

Castle Kennedy Gardens

Castle Kennedy Gardens have something to admire whatever the season. Why not discover the riotous colours and scents in the Walled Garden, marvel at the scale of the two-acre Round Pond full of lilies, or make your way through the magnificent avenues of trees to reach the splendour of the Sunken and Heather Gardens at Lochinch Castle?

From stunning features to exotic plants and trees, sculptured landforms, magnificent walks and popular bird hides, the Gardens are a hidden treasure in South West Scotland and a perfect haven for relaxing and exploring.

After a leisurely walk in the grounds why not join us at our fabulous Cafe, offering unparalleled views of the Castle Kennedy ruins throughout the season. Choose from an ever changing selection of soups, jacket potatoes, toasted sandwiches, cakes and drinks. Using locally sourced fresh ingredients in traditional recipes from Lochinch Castle, delicious home-made food is available for all the family.

  • Admission: Adults £5.50, Concessions £4.50, Children (Under 18s) £2.00, Family (2 adults & 2 children) £10.80
  • Disabled access throughout the grounds, but be advised ground is uneven in some areas. Wheelchairs are available for use (free of charge)
  • Opening times: 10am – 5pm daily
  • Contact: 01776 702 024
  • Website: castlekennedygardens.com

Glenwhan Gardens & Arboretum

Described as one of the most beautiful gardens in Scotland, Glenwhan is a must-see for all who love gardens and horticulture. Situated high on the hillside above Dunragit, this floral paradise boasts views across Luce Bay to the Isle of Man and Mull of Galloway.

Thirty years ago there existed only wild moorland, but with dedication and vision, you can now see glorious collections of plants from around the world. There is colour in all seasons with winding paths, well placed seats, and varied sculptures, focusing around small lakes, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. There is also a 17 acre moorland wild walk, the chance to see red squirrels and a well-marked Tree Trail.

With a well appointed tearoom and the opportunity to buy a large variety of plants, Glenwhan makes for a great day out for all the family.

  • Admission: Adults £6.00, Concessions/Groups/Students £4.50, Season ticket £17.00, Family Ticket £13.00
  • Disabled access to most parts of the gardens
  • Opening Times: 10am – 5pm Daily
  • Contact: 01581 400222
  • Website: www.glenwhangardens.co.uk

Dunskey Castle

The spectacular ruins of Dunskey Castle are located along the unspoiled clifftop costal path just south of Portpatrick. This magnificent structure perches precariously on a cocky outcrop, boasting fantastic views out over the Irish sea. Built in the mid-16th century for the Adairs of Kinhilt, the building was left abandoned and derelict by the early 1700s.

Although access to the interior of the castle is limited, the castle exterior is accessible but visitors are advised to take care on the paths leading to the castle as they are steep and the ground may be uneven.

Port Logan Fishpond and Visitor Centre

Located just south of Stranraer on the beautiful Galloway shoreline sits Logan Fishpond, the UK’s oldest natural marine aquarium. This unique attraction dates back to the 1800s when it was first used as a sea-fish larder for the local Laird. Visitors can now enjoy meeting and greeting a variety of sea life as well as learning weird and wonderful facts about our marine heritage and feeding all kinds of sea creatures by hand!

Located only a short walk from Port Logan, visitors can enjoy the unspoiled beach and harbour which boasts picturesque views across the water to Ireland – on a clear day! So why not come and join us for an interesting and interactive day out for all the family, all year round.

  • Admission: Adults £4, Children (under 16s) £3, Seniors (+65) £3.50, Family (3 people+) £10
  • Contact: 01776 860606
  • Website: logan-fishpond.com

Logan Botanical Gardens

Visit Logan Botanic Garden and discover a remarkable collection of unusual and beautiful plants.  A pleasure for all the family, Logan is an exotic paradise.  Visitors can walk through groves of eucalyptus and palm trees or stand in the shade of awesome giant rhubarb-like gunnera. The Walled Garden is a breath-taking celebration of the world of plants, from spring to late autumn, a blaze of colour greets the eye and the air is heavy with rich scents. On a sunny day, the atmosphere is truly tropical.

Plant treasures from South and Central America, Southern Africa and Australasia flourish here and the elegant Logan Conservatory houses a range of especially tender plants.  A stroll to the highest point at Logan will be rewarded with a breath-taking view across the Rhins of Galloway Hills and beyond.

Visitors can drop into Logan’s Discovery Centre to unearth the garden’s intriguing history, from its foundation to its current wealth of plant collections.  For lunch or refreshment, locally-sourced food and drink is available at the award-winning ‘Potting Shed Bistro’ while the Garden’s shop offers a range of gifts, souvenirs and plants for sale.