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Here's the proof that there's too much to see and too much to doo! |
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OK here we go, read through the following options to get a taste of the variety of things to see and do around here. I don't even mention you can walk till your legs drop off, yes we have dozens of walks here and we've got many mapped out for you. You can also fish till your arms drop off too. The rivers around here are perfect for fishing for trout, salmon and sea-bass, which you can fish for down at the harbour just 2 minutes away from us. We are on the junction of the Cree river and the Bladnoch river, and the Tarff is nearby, so you have so much choice, plus loch, beach and sea fishing can be found here too. We can arrange a Ghillie for you to go shooting and stalking and all that. But I digress yet again, please read on. |
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Local and Regional |
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Wigtown Town Centre |
Scotland's national book town is home to many bookshops reputedly with over a quarter of a million books, plus many picture and gift shops to browse around too. There's the old church, County Building museum and jail, the martyr's graves and the martyr's memorial stake to see, a lovers walk, take a walk up windy hill to see the martyr's memorial monument, and the medieval harbour, Wigtowns old port, where there's a bird hide so you can watch the birds on the freshwater side, river-side and on the seashore. |
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Bladnoch Distillery |
Whisky distillery with visitor centre and nearby walk through ancient oak wood that's home to a rare type of orchid. Do a distillery tour and meet the lovely staff that make the lovely stuff. |
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Wigtown & Bladnoch Golf Course |
A 9-hole golf course with clubhouse, just 2 minutes walk from Brora Lodge. One of the many excellent golf courses in the area. If you would like us to arrange bookings for you or your society just let us know. There's over 35 courses within an hours drive of here. |
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Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve |
The largest local nature reserve in the UK. Popular for a range of activities including bird watching (a purpose built hide is available just a few minutes walk from the Lodge) and angling, its an important area for salt-tolerant plants, fish and winter wildfowl. |
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Wigtown County Building Wildlife Viewing Room |
Watch the CCTV of Ospreys nesting in Galloway (May-Sept) and use the galleried viewing room overlooking the estuary, and there is a lot of information on local fauna and birdwatching. |
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Galloway Forest Park |
Over 300 square miles of forest, moorland and lochs, the UK's largest park, with many walks, tours and such beautiful scenery to be discovered, it all starts just 15-20 minutes drive from Brora Lodge. |
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Galloway Dark Sky Park |
The first Dark Sky Park in Europe, thanks to no light pollution as a result of its remoteness and the lack of population pressure here, its the perfect place to stargaze, right in the heart of the Forest park, just 15-20 minutes drive from Brora Lodge. |
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The Swallow Theatre |
One of Scotlands smallest theatres. Situated about 10 miles from Wigtown it hosts regular dramatic and music shows, visit their website for more details. |
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Cream O'Galloway |
A working organic farm and ice-cream maker with many activities and events for all the family, with dreamy ice cream to buy. There are nature walks and a crows nest look-out for the brave with great views all around the area. A great day out for all the family. |
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Torhouse Stone Circle |
One of many Bronze-age stone circles dating back 4000 years, such as the Torhouskie, Boreland and Glenterrow circles. There are also many more standing stones like the Drumtrodden 3 to discover too. |
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Gemrock Museum |
World renowned Geological museum of gemstones, minerals, rocks, crystals and fossils. Other museums in the area are the Creetown Heritage museum, Newton Stewart Heritage Museum, The Stewartry Museum in Kirkcudbright and the Stranraer Museum. All of them full of interesting items regarding local human and natural history. |
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Glenwhan Gardens |
One of many beautiful gardens in the area, you could also visit Castle Kennedy and gardens, Logan House Gardens, or Logan Botanical Gardens near Port Logan on the Rhins of Galloway, or Dunskey Gardens near Portpatrick, or Cally Gardens near Gatehouse of Fleet, the list goes on and on!
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Wigtown Off-road Driving Centre |
An off-road driving experience for 4x4 enthusiasts. You could also try driving a tank or two at the nearby Galloway Tanks centre, or how about a day out paintballing or clay pigeon/laser shooting at the nearby Outdoor Centre at Glenluce. |
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Mountain Biking |
2 of the amazing 7 Stanes mountain bike areas are on our doorstep, Glentrool and Kirroughtree, providing some of the best mountain biking there is in the country. |
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Threave Castle |
A 14th century castle by the shore of the river Dee, to get there you must ring the bell and wait for the boatman to ferry you over to the island. Also visit the nearby Threave House estate and gardens whilst you're that way too. |
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Mull of Galloway Lighthouse |
Perched high on top of the cliffs is the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, with its 26 metre high tower, its a most stunning place to visit and experience. Whilst there you can enjoy a 'cuppa' and sandwich in the amazing Gallie Craig cafe. |
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Annual Events |
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Wild Goose Chase |
(March) From September to May Galloway plays host to tens of thousands of wild geese, over wintering in our mild climate. Hunt down the 6 species around the many recommended locations in the area, starting in the County buildings here in Wigtown. You can also meet the Rangers and attend talks and information rooms. Just a bit of good fun. |
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Snowdrop Festival |
(February/March) Many local gardens are open to see displays of beautiful carpets of Snowdrops, such as at Dunskey Estate, Castle Kennedy, Logan Botanic and Kirkdale. However you can see many beautiful sightings just by touring the areas many forests and country routes. The month of May see's an explosion of Blue Bells, which has to be seen to be believed, there are acre upon acre in the woods and forests all around. Truly astounding to behold. Combined with the Yellow Gorse and Pink Campion this area is a natural beauty beyond compare this time of year. |
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Wigtown Spring Book Festival |
(April) Booksellers from all over the UK provide numerous stalls, plus street market and entertainment. |
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Wildlife Festival |
(April) There are lots of opportunities to visit some of the best wildlife habitats in Dumfries and Galloway and of course to see species such as geese, badgers, salmon and even perhaps an otter! Visit a Wildlife Hospital, explore the seashore and see and do a whole range of wildlife related activities. |
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Newton Stewart Walking Festival |
(May) Numerous guided walks over 7 days, from easy to extremely strenuous, walks take in coast and mountain in this stunningly beautiful area. Drop offs and pick-ups can be arranged. |
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Wigtown Community Festival |
(July) A week of fun activities for the whole community and visitors alike to enjoy. Crowning of the Wigtown Princess, Fancy dress parade, raft race on the Bladnoch to Wigtown river section, quiz nights, photo comps, the programme is packed with so much to do each day. |
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Wigtown Show |
(Aug) Agricultural show featuring many displays and other entertainment. See the gorgeous animals raised on this wonderful land, especially the magical Galloway Belties. |
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St.Ninian Festival |
(Aug/Sep) A festival of music and literature celebrating Scotlands cradle of Christianity, and no it wasn't Iona and St Columba as many would have you believe, it all started right here in Whithorn. All year round you can visit the Whithorn Story Visitor Centre, Dig Site, old Cathedral and Priory ruins, plus the nearby St Ninians cave means a good walk to the beach, and there's the lovely Isle of Whithorn village where in days gone by many pilgrims would arrive by sea. |
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Wigtown Annual Literary Festival |
(Sep/Oct) A ten-day festival of literature featuring exhibitions, readings, poetry and much more. This is an important event attended by writers and book lovers alike. As many authors stay here its a chance to rub shoulders with them and discuss their books over breakfast. |
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Daytrips |
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Ireland |
With Stranraer only a 30 minute drive away, why not explore Ireland for the day! Using the fast HSS ferry from Stranraer to Belfast It can cost from approx. £23 for a foot passenger on a day return ticket, also coach trips to Dublin are available. |
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Isle of Man |
Once a year when the tide is just right, over 2 days in June you can take a trip on the lovely Balmoral steam cruiser from the nearby harbour at Garlieston. For more detailed information see Garlieston to Isle of Man It costs approx. £30 for a passenger on a day return ticket. You could stay over night returning the next day, or take a steam train ride, or simply enjoy shopping and sightseeing. |
