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Things to Do and See

"Many thanks, Mary, for this lovely house. We will be back!"

The pace of life is slower here, but there is an extensive range of pursuits right on our doorstep:

Amisfield is situated approximately two miles from the harbour village of Port William; a pleasant walk away, a ten minute cycle on the bikes provided free, or a two minute car journey. To find out more about the village itself and the local area, visit www.portwilliam.com

Port William is located 17 miles south of Newton Stewart in the heart of ‘The Machars’ area of Wigtownshire. This is an unspoilt part of Scotland where farming and fishing have historically been the main industries. Surrounded by water on three sides, the Machars has some wonderful walks and rugged landscapes.

Read more on the history of Port William.

Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town:

The Royal and Ancient Burgh of Wigtown is Scotland’s National Book Town. Launched as a Book Town in 1998, Wigtown now has over 25 book related businesses. There are regular open Saturday markets and a good choice of gift shops and places to eat. Wigtown has a fascinating history including the famous events surrounding The Wigtown Martyrs. A 10-minute drive from Amisfield. Visit www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk

Army Tank Driving:

This is a fantastic day out for all ages. Children delight in watching their parents and grandparents dressing up in army gear and revelling in a unique driving experience. Situated in rolling farmland, near the picturesque village of Garlieston, Galloway Tanks are a 15-minute drive from Amisfield. Are you up to the challenge? Visit www.gallowaytanks.co.uk

Cream o Galloway Visitor Centre:

Many families use this fantastic centre as a break in the journey to or from Wigtownshire. A must for children and all ice-cream lovers! As well as learning how ice-cream is made, sampling the wonderful flavours and enjoying a meal in the restaurant, there are nature trails, scenic walks and, I quote, “Well cool” adventure playgrounds for all ages. Cream o Galloway is a 45-minute drive from Amisfield. Visit www.creamogalloway.co.uk

Monreith Animal World:

A 10-minute drive through the historic and beautiful Monreith Estate, takes you to Monreith Animal World. This animal park is renowned for happy animals in large enclosures. Otters, owls, goats, pigs, ponies, cattle, reptiles, waterfowl, birds, chickens, miniature donkeys and alpacas. Enjoy a peaceful pond-side walk and visit the Gavin Maxwell (author of 'Ring of Bright Water' and a member of the Maxwell family who own Monreith House) museum. Tel. 01988 700 217

Swimming:

The Merrick Pool in Newton Stewart is our nearest pool. Here there is also a gym, sauna and jacuzzi. Tel. 01671 404301 The Ryan Centre in Stranraer has a leisure pool, 60m flume water features, competition and learner areas. There is also a health suite with sauna, steam room, gym and spa bath. Tel. 01776 703535

Bladnoch Distillery Visitor Centre:

Our local tipple! Bladnoch Distillery dates back to 1817. Tour the distillery and see the wooden washbacks and vast, gleaming, copper stills where once again whisky is being made. Gift shop, fishing, canoeing, river and woodland walks. Bladnoch is a 10 minute drive from Amisfield. Visit www.bladnoch.co.uk

Fishing:

Fishing is a very popular pastime - whether it be river or loch; for salmon or trout; course or sea angling. In this part of the country we have some of the finest sea angling Scotland has to offer. No less than twenty Scottish records have come from these waters. It is common to catch pollock, wrasse, cod, lesser spotted dogfish and coalfish. Perhaps you would like to try your hand at some first class tope fishing in nearby Luce Bay. The shark congregate in numbers during the summer months feeding on the shoals of mackerel and herring; peaking around September when they are most prolific.

Loch and pond fishing is plentiful no matter your preference, with a number of facilities close by where trout, pike and perch offer the challenge. The staff at Amisfield can provide further information and arrange fishing for you.

Imagination Beauty Therapy:

Una and her team are based in Newton Stewart and offer Espa treatments in the most relaxing surroundings. Ladies only. A must for enjoying ultimate pampering. Booking well in advance is advised due to Imagination’s popularity. Newton Stewart is a 20-minute drive from Amisfield. Tel. 01671 403246

Scotland’s Outdoor Centre:

Paintballing, 4x4 off-roading, clay pigeon shooting, raft building, team building exercises. Fun and games guaranteed, big style. Glenluce is a 20-minute drive from Amisfield. Visit www.scotlandsoutdoorcentre.co.uk

Bird Watching:

Our area has always been a favourite for birdwatching. The best birdwatching in this part of Wigtownshire is along the rocky coastline and across the mudflats and saltmarches of Wigtown Bay. The moorland areas round Mochrum Loch are also worth a visit. We have a web-cam link to the ospreys near Wigtown at The County Buildings in Wigtown. For osprey news and all other bird watching information, visit www.wigtownbayospreys.co.uk or call 01988 402401.

Whithorn - the Cradle of Christianity in Scotland:

New displays use models and fascinating objects revealed by archaeology to tell the story of the town, church and pilgrimage centre at Whithorn and the home of Ninian, Scotland’s first saint. A 10-minute drive from Amisfield. Visit www.whithorn.info

Golf:

St Medan Golf Club, Port William: This hilly 9 hole course is a family favourite next to an inviting beach and boasting spectacular views. The course nestles in Monreith Bay and is warmed by the Gulf stream with unparalleled views of Luce Bay, Scares Rocks, the Mull of Galloway, the Isle of Man and on a very clear day, the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland. A scenic 5 minute drive from Amisfield. Visit www.stmedangolfclub.com

Wigtown & Bladnoch Golf Club:

This 9 hole course is set in Wigtown and is open all year. A 10-minute drive from Amisfield. Tel: 01988 403354

Newton Stewart Golf Club:

This 18 hole course offers spectacular scenery to complement the challenging mature parkland. Tel. 01671 402172 Visit www.newtonstewartgolfclub.com

Wigtownshire County Golf Club, Glenluce:

The County Golf Club is the only true links course in south west Scotland. It is situated off the A75 Euroroute, 8 miles east of Stranraer, on the shores of the scenic Luce Bay, with the Isle of Man visible on a clear day. A 30-minute drive from Amisfield. Visit www.wigtownshirecountygolfclub.com

Dunskey Golf Club, Portpatrick:

This spectacular 18 hole course is set on the cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea. A handicap certificate is required. A 45-minute coastal drive from Amisfield. Visit www.portpatrickgolfclub.com

Cycling:

Because Amisfield sits on a cycle route, we felt it was a good idea to provide a selection of bikes in the garden shed for you to enjoy during your stay. Dumfries and Galloway is the home of cycling as the bicycle was invented in 1840 by Kirkpatrick McMillan who lived near Thornhill. This area offers the place and pace to suit cyclists, with unspoilt scenery, contrasting landscapes, a mild climate and a wealth of history and heritage to explore. There are a number of signposted routes in The Machars. If you fancy something a bit more exhilarating we have off-road trails and mountain bike centres at Glentrool and Newton Stewart. Visit www.7stanes.gov.uk

Galloway’s Famous Gardens:

The south west of Scotland, warmed by the Gulf Stream, is justly famous for it’s gardens.

Logan Botanic Garden is Scotland’s most famous garden with fine collections of subtropical plants. A 45-minute drive from Amisfield.
Visit www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/logan

Castle Kennedy Gardens are famous for their collection of rhododendrons and other plant specimens from all over the world. A 30-minute drive from Amisfield.
Visit www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk

Logan House Garden at Port Logan was first created in 1869 and has many fine species of trees and shrubs. A 50-minute drive from Amisfield.
Visit www.scotlandsgardenroute.co.uk/gardens/logan-house-gardens

Dunskey Gardens at Portpatrick boast an 18th-century walled garden with working McKenzie and Moncur greenhouses. There is a wide variety of plants for sale. A 45-minute drive from Amisfield.
Visit www.dunskey.com

Glenwhan Gardens at Dunragit are a plantsman’s paradise filled with exotic flora. Red squirrels, peacocks and ducks also live in the gardens. A 30-minute drive from Amisfield.
Visit www.glenwhangardens.co.uk

Galloway House Gardens near Garlieston are our closest to visit. A woodland garden, with a number of alternative walks through formally laid out grounds but of an informal nature, leading down to the shore and sandy bay. 15 minutes from Amisfield. Visit www.gallowayhousegardens.org.uk

Ardwell House Gardens near Stranraer offer a fine collection of colourful azaleas, camellias and some spectacular rhododendrons. Pond walk and sea views.
50 minutes from Amisfield.
Tel. 01776 860227

Threave Gardens at Castle Douglas would be well worth a visit on your way towards Wigownshire. Best known for it’s displays of daffodils, herbaceous beds, trees, heather garden and Plant Centre. An hour away from Amisfield.
Visit www.nts.org.uk

Creetown Gem Rock Museum:

All generations enjoy a day out here. The museum houses one of the finest privately owned collection of gemstones, crystals, minerals, gemstone objects d’art and fossils in Britain. Enjoy interactive quizzes and computers, the crystal cave and the professor’s study. Winner of Visit Scotland’s Visitor Attraction of the Year 2003. 30 minutes from Amisfield.
Visit www.gemrock.net

Walking in Wigtownshire:

Our countryside is fantastic, whether you are just out for a stroll, or are a serious walker. Try these for starters! There are dozens more to choose from and advice and ideas are available at Amisfield.

Garnet’s Walk - This one hour, 2.25 mile begins just along the road from Amisfield. You walk along the old road into Port William and back along past the school and then back to Amisfield past Dourie Farm.

Two Village Walk - Leaving Amisfield you climb the hill and a mile on is the pretty village of Mochrum. While in Mochrum you can visit the historic Motte hill. (Children can spend hours grass sledging down!) Head now into Port William and back to Amisfield as you would for Garnet’s Walk. Approximately 5 miles.

Garlieston to Isle of Whithorn - 8 miles from the old pier at Garlieston, along Cruggleton Bay, then south to Cruggleton Point near the castle ruins, then to the coast and the Isle of Whithorn. Both of these beautiful villages are 15 minutes drive from Amisfield.
Visit www.garlieston.net and www.isleofwhithorn.com

Kiroughtree Visitor Centre:

Near Newton Stewart, Kiroughtree has waymarked trails and cycle routes. There is a very good children’s playground and a shop and tearoom.
Tel. 01671 402165

Glentrool Visitor Centre:

12 miles north of Newton Stewart, is Galloway Forest Park, the gateway to Loch Trool, the home of Bruce’s Stone. Waymarked trails, cycle routes, tearoom and shop. Nearby is the Otter’s Pool where adults and children can have hours of fun in the good weather.
Tel. 01671 402420

Local Beaches:

Second Sands, Port William - Our closest beach and one popular with villagers and visitors alike. Check The Galloway Gazette, included in your welcome pack, for Tide Times.

Craignarget, near Auchenmalg - A 10-minute drive out of Port William, past Second Sands, lies the beautiful beach which always has plenty of sand to enjoy regardless of tide times. Plenty of grass for children to enjoy and there is a portaloo. A very handy place when the tide is in at Second Sands! A very popular spot.

Monreith Beach - This lovely beach is next to St Medan Golf Club, featured earlier.

Stairhaven Beach - Near Glenluce, this is a small, but beautiful beach in an idyllic setting. A 15 minute drive from Amisfield.

Rigg Bay - At Galloway House, Garlieston, featured earlier, Rigg Bay played an important part in World War II. Find out about Garlieston’s Secret War during your visit.

Bowling:

Port William has a well maintained and well attended bowling green. Visitors welcome. Sweeps on Tuesday and Friday evenings. Tel. 01988 700 535

Tennis:

There is a tennis court in Port William across from the bowling green. Visitors are welcome.

Beyond Port William:

Dumfries is a 90-minute drive from Amisfield. Famous for its connections with Robert Burns, this town is well worth a visit. www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk

Stranraer is 30-minutes from Amisfield and has a good selection of amenities.

The Dumfries and Galloway web site contains a host of information about Dumfries, Dumfriesshire and Galloway and links to web sites throughout south west Scotland.

Ayr:

Again a 90-minute drive north takes you to the seaside town of Ayr. Again Ayr has connections with Robert Burns too. A busy town with a good selection of shops.

Glasgow and Edinburgh:

A day trip to these cities is possible from Amisfield. Allow two and a half to three hours to reach either of them.

Belfast:

A great favourite of parents in Port William. A 30-minute drive takes you to the port of Stranraer where you can catch the 10am ferry to Belfast. £1 per head to the city centre in an open top bus where you can shop and enjoy the beautiful city. W5 science centre is ideal for children and is next to a ten pin bowling alley. Belfast Zoo is a wonderful, but steep, place too.

For more ideas, visit www.stenaline.co.uk www.belfastzoo.co.uk and www.discovernorthernireland.com

There are dozens of other things to do and see, for example pony trekking or visiting the many Historic Scotland sites in The Machars. Just ask for details when you book your stay or when you arrive.

Other Links:

Holstein and British Friesian information site. www.holstein-uk.org

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Amisfield, Meikle Killantrae, Whauphill, Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway, DG8 9PW | Telephone: 01988 700284 | Email: mail@killantraecottages.com