Castle Douglas
Castle Douglas is a historically a market town, 54 miles from Stranraer, today the town still holds livestock markets every week with buyers and breeders from all over the world. There are many eateries and unique shopping experiences in Castle Douglas. There is plenty opportunity for finding locally sourced and produced food, gifts, and products on the High St.
Glenluce
Glenluce is in the centre of the Rhins and the Machars of Galloway, 9.6 miles from Stranraer. The 12th century Abbey in Glenluce is an important attraction, open to visitors, which was visited by many important historical Scottish figures. There are opportunities for fly fishing and many walking paths to choose from. The village of Glenluce has a local shop, pub, and café. There are several holiday parks close to the area.
Twynholm
Twynholm is a village 46 miles from Stranraer and 2 miles from Kirkcudbright. Home to the Cocoabean Company, a family run chocolate factory, hosting workshops. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas and a café.
Creetown
Creetown is a small former fishing village in Galloway, 31 miles from Stranraer. Creetown is home to the Gem Rock Museum and the Creetown Heritage Museum. Additionally, there is a Freelance Ranger for family oriented environmental activities. Across the Solway Bay you can see Wigtown. There is a local shop and accommodation in the area.
Kirkcudbright
Kirkcudbright is a small harbour town in Galloway, 48 miles from Stranraer, known best as the ‘Art Town’. Kirkcudbright hosts many activities year-round, which include art trails, farmers markets and food festivals. The town has unique shops and galleries, several eateries, and many accommodation options.
Whithorn & Isle of Whithorn
30 miles from Stranraer is Whithorn, a village is immersed in history. It is the earliest location recorded in Scotland to have a Christian church and have monuments dating back to 450AD. Scotland’s first saint, St. Ninan, died in Whithorn in 431AD. There are historical sites and a museum to visit in Whithorn and to learn more about the story of Whithorn. Close to Whithorn the coastal village Isle of Whithorn linked by a chapel to the Whithorn Priory and previously a stopping point for those landing in Scotland heading to Whithorn.
Gatehouse of Fleet
Gatehouse of Fleet is a small town in Galloway, 41 miles from Stranraer, nestled at the edge of Galloway Forest Park. The ‘Mill on the Fleet’ is an award-winning visitor centre, which explains the history of Gatehouse. There are two golf courses in Gatehouse of Fleet, several accommodation options, and a variety of eateries to choose from.
Newtown Stewart
Newtown Stewart is a central market town of Galloway, 24 miles from Stranraer. It is the closest town from Stranraer. There are many outdoor activities in and around Newtown Stewart such as cycling, walking, nature watching and activity centres. The town has a community-owned cinema, showing latest releases, a leisure centre, golf course and two supermarkets.
Wigtown
Wigtown, 26 miles from Stranraer, is known as Scotland’s ‘Book Town’, there are several book shops, and a book festival is held every year. Wigtown is also home to the Bladnoch Distillery open Tuesday to Saturdays for tours. There are a few eateries and accommodation choices in Wigtown.