View over Port William Harbour
There are a wealth of things to see and do near Port William. This part of south west Scotland is filled with beautiful sandy beaches and rocky coves, countryside, coastal and woodland walks, sea and freshwater fishing, bike trails and some of the darkest skies in Europe making the night time starlight displays a sight to behold. The influence of the North Atlantic Gulf Stream generally means the best of the weather in south west Scotland can be found here.
There are so many things to discover …..
Beaches
There are fine sandy beaches in the village of Port William especially Second Sands beach which is just across the quiet road from the house. It is a sandy beach which is ideal for children and safe for swimming. Rock pools alongside the beach are a haven for children searching for all types of sea creatures.
A five minute drive away is the beautiful Monreith beach, which is a long sandy beach with safe swimming areas, rock pools and some interesting caves.
Wigtown
The small, bustling market town of Wigtown is Scotland’s National Booktown and is only a 20-minute drive away. The town has over 20 bookshops, pubs and restaurants and throughout the year holds Saturday Markets.
Cycling in the Galloway Forest Park
7 Stanes – Mountain Bike Heaven
The Galloway Forest Park is only 35 minutes drive away and is home to two of the 7Stanes mountain bike venues, Kirroughtree and Glentrool. From landscapes of soft rolling hills to steep-sided valleys, remote forest tracks to breathtaking coastal views and mile after mile of full flowing trails to some of the most demanding and technical singletrack mountain biking to be found anywhere in the world. No matter the biker’s ability, the 7stanes mountain bike trails provide riders of all abilities with the world’s best mountain biking experience.
Cycling
With quiet roads, unspoilt scenery, contrasting landscapes and a mild climate this is an excellent area to cycle around. The Machars Cycle Route is right on our doorstep with three different routes which take in coast, countryside and places of interest.
Walking
Whether you want an easy stroll on a beach or through the forest, or a more strenuous hike, you will be spoilt for choice. There are over 40 summits topping 2000ft in the Galloway Hills with the Merrick at 2766ft being the highest in Southern Scotland. There are countless lochs, burns and waterfalls waiting to be discovered in this unspoilt area.
Family Days Out
Cream o Galloway website
Only a 40 minute drive from Port William set in the beautiful Galloway countryside is the Cream o Galloway Visitor Centre. It offers a full day filled with deliciously good fun for visitors of all ages. Ice Cream, karts, bikes, slides, rides, woodland adventure playground and more.
Cocoa Bean Company
A 40 minute drive away is the Chocolate Factory in Twynholm where children can make their own chocolate goodies, while adults can watch from the cafe area and enjoy a coffee, snack or lunch and then enjoy time with the children in the outdoor play area.
Laggan Outdoor website
A great day out for all the family – choose from an exciting range of activites including archery, clay pigeon shooting, mountain boarding, mountain balling, mountain biking , reverse steer jeep and grass sledging!!
Creetown Gemrock Museum
Gem Rock Museum website
One of Galloway’s top tourist attractions and located only 30 minutes drive away in Creetown, is the Gemrock museum. It is regarded as one of the finest private collections of gemstones, crystals, minerals, rocks in Great Britain.
Gardens Galloway Gardens & Nurseries
Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the area enjoys a mild climate and has all year round attractions. There are over 30 Gardens to visit including Logan Botanic Garden which is Scotland’s most exotic garden. Castle Kennedy, Dunskey, Ardwell, Threave, Broughton House and Glenwhan are just a few of the others.
Golfing Breaks
There are numerous excellent golf clubs in Galloway – here are a few located a short drive from Port William:
St Medan Golf Club , Port William
This family-friendly, 9-hole golf course (with 18 tees) is located right on the beautiful shores of Monreith Beach and offers an interesting and challenging game for novices and experienced golfers alike.
Wigtown & Bladnoch
Wigtown and Bladnoch Golf Club website
This is a pleasant 9-hole layout set out on rolling lush parkland a 20-minute drive away from Port William.
The course is a haven for those seeking relaxing golf and a friendly atmosphere. From the fourth tee there are magnificent views of Wigtown Bay and across the Solway Firth to the Lake District Hills.
Newton Stewart Golf Club website
Newton Stewart Golf Course is a superb 18-hole parkland course with spectacular views from every hole. You may even spot the occasional deer wandering across the magnificent course.
Wigtownshire County Golf Club, Glenluce website
The ‘County’ is one of the most popular holiday golf courses in South West Scotland, an 18-hole, true links course situated on the shores of Luce Bay. The excellent condition of the course, combined with subtly sloping greens and changing sea breezes, provide a test of golf for both high and low handicappers.
Dunskey Golf Club, Portpatrick
Slightly further a field and a 40-minute scenic coastal drive from Port William is Dunskey Golf Club. It is a spectacular 18-hole course set on the cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea in the picturesque village of Portpatrick.
“A privilege to be the first guests – thank you for accommodating us at short notice.
The house is great, and you have thought of everything a visitor could hope for.
We’ve enjoyed our short taste of what the area has to offer –
particularly the snow drop walks and coastal scenery”