10 amazing things to do in South West Scotland to have the best time
South West Scotland is a hidden beauty in plain sight. It is a beautiful place filled with unspoilt scenery, blue seas, and picturesque coastlines. It’s become a favourite place to visit for a quiet and relaxing holiday. Even though it is a big area, covering Dumfries and Galloway, Wigtownshire and Stranerar, it’s tranquil and not overrun by tourists.
As quiet and quaint as it is, South West Scotland still offers so much for tourists from walks, to food, to places to explore.
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10 things to do in South West Scotland
Galloway Forest
Often referred to as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’, the Galloway Forest was the UK’s first Dark Skies Park and is o It is home to dramatic ancient woodland, magnificent scenery and a wide range of local wildlife.
From Kirroughtree visitor centre, there is a wide range of walks and mountain bike trails for all abilities. There is a wheelchair-friendly walk, which takes in a hide where you can watch the birds and red squirrels feeding!
The cafe here is brilliant, serving freshly made food, including delicious pizzas, and strong coffee!
Whilst you’re here, don’t forget to visit the wild mountain goats, and head to the deer hide to be in with a chance of seeing wild deer!
Exploring Scotlands Book Town
Wigtown is Scotlands Book Town with 14 (yes, 14!) book shops. Each bookshop has its own unique feel, some with specific themes, and it’s incredibly easy to come away with a lot of books. My personal favourite bookshops were;
- The Bookshop
- Well-Read Books
- Readinglasses
- The Open Book
If you head to the tourist information, you can pick up a leaflet with a route around all of the bookshops so you can tick them off on your way around!
The Swallow Theatre, the smallest professional theatre in Scotland
The Swallow Theatre is Scotland’s smallest professional theatre and is a must-visit on your trip to south-west Scotland.
Called The Swallow Theatre because of the swallows which nest nearly in the roof, this really is a hidden gem. When we went, we got to enjoy an outdoor performance of Great Expectations, in a sold-out audience, in the sunshine.
They serve drinks, ice cream (and sorbet for my fellow dairy-free people!), and even have a book corner where you can buy the book of the play.
Make sure to book your tickets before you go – we booked a week before and got the last few tickets!
Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
Climb the 115 steps to the top of the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, and stand at the most southerly point of Scotland. With views of the Isle of Man, Ireland, Cumbria and Scotland on a good day, the lighthouse is a really unique experience. Built by Robert Stevenson in 1830, the tower stands 26 metres high and the light is 99 metres above sea level and was
When you complete your trip to the top of the lighthouse, you get a certificate which was a lovely touch! You can also look around the engine room, and exhibition and the grounds are a recognised RSPB nature reserve.
You can also find Gallie Craig Coffee House which has a wide range of absolutely delicious food which is all locally sourced and homemade!
Gather at Laggan
Gather at Laggan is a gorgeous cafe/restaurant with unspoilt views over the sea. If you’re looking for a delicious meal, or coffee and cake sat outside on the heated seats, you won’t be disappointed.
Stranraer Parkrun
Last year, I started doing parkrun and love finding one wherever I am on a Saturday morning. Our nearest was Agnew Parkrun, where you run along the promenade before turning onto the pier, and then around the park. It’s a beautiful (and flat!) park run, with a cafe next to the finish line which does a delicious breakfast!
The Gem Rock Museum
Everywhere needs that one place where on a rainy day, it’s the go to place. The Lake District has the pencil museum, and South West Scotland has The Gem Rock Museum.
This is a private collection, and the museum is filled with fossils, crystals and even an actual meteorite. Tim, the owner, personally welcomed us on the day we went and told us all about the history, how his dad started the collection and passed on his love to his son, and about some of the trips he went on to find these stones.
There’s the crystal cave, which was brilliant, and a lovely tea room as well.
Riggs Bay
Riggs Bay is a picturesque bay near Garliston, and can be easily accessed from the Galloway House and Gardens.
After walking through the grounds of the house, around the walled garden, and through a small woodland, the beautiful seaside view will greet you.
There are some caves near Riggs Bay, or you can walk along the coast to Garliston – about a 30-minute walk. It’s truly beautiful, and I got very excited when we stumbled across it because it is absolutely stunning. The sunny day definitely helped as the sea was deep blue, sparking under the afternoon sun.
Sorbie Tower
Sorbie Tower is a fortified tower house, currently being restored. Owned by the Clan Hannay Society, this is a really unique place which we were lucky enough to have a tour around.
If your surname is Hannay, or some form of Hannah, there’s a chance you will have routes connected to the Hannay Clan. On the afternoon we went to have a little look, we were invited to join someones private tour, and got to go inside this magnificent tower.
The society is currently gently restoring it so it is here for future generations of the clan. You can organise a tour by getting in touch via their facebook! I’d highly recommend it as it’s your only opportunity to get to go inside and hear more about the history.
Portpatrick
Portpatrick is a small coastal village set around a small bay. A former port for transportation to and from Northern Ireland, Portpatrick is now a peaceful holiday resort. You can find cafes, hotels, and shops along the front, and amazing seascape views. You can also go on wildlife boat trips from here (however on the day we went, the sea was rough so no trips for us!)
Logan Botanical Gardens
So there you have it, 10 things to do on your next trip to South-West Scotland. You can find my UPDATED food & drink guide for Wigtownshire by clicking here. Planning a Scotland road trip? Then click here to find all of my Scottish based blog posts to get more inspo for your next trip.
