Location: Stranraer
Top Things to do in Stranraer
What to do and see in Stranraer, Scotland: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Stranraer (UK: /strænˈrɑːr/ stran-RAR; Scottish Gaelic: An t-Sròn Reamhar, pronounced [ən̪ˠ t̪ʰɾɔːn ɾãũ.əɾ]) is a town in Inch, Dumfries and Galloway, southwest Scotland. It lies on the shores of Loch Ryan, on the northern side of the isthmus joining the Rhins of Galloway to the mainland. Stranraer is Dumfries and Galloway's second-largest town, with a population including the surrounding area of nearly 13,000.
Restaurants in Stranraer
1. Castle Kennedy Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 363 reviews
Welcome to Castle Kennedy Gardens, one of Scotland’s finest gardens, set in 75 acres and offering something for everyone to enjoy. From stunning fauna, to beautiful scenery, sculptured landforms, magnificent walks and popular bird hides, the Gardens are a hidden treasure in South West Scotland and a perfect haven for relaxing and exploring. The gardens and neighbouring Lochinch Castle also host civil and religious weddings and between them offer a diverse range of beautiful wedding venues for ceremonies and celebrations. We have a number of luxurious self-catering holiday cottages too for couples and families which are open for bookings throughout the year. Family home to the 14th Earl and Countess of Stair, the Gardens were the inspiration of the 2nd Earl of Stair in the 1730’s and are famous for colourful displays of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Embothriums, many rare and exotic plants, 21 Champion Trees and a number of spectacular avenues and the romantic ruins of 16th Century Castle Kennedy. An elaborate series of terraces and land sculptures can be found throughout the Gardens forming stunning patterns of curves and banks. Despite their contemporary look and feel these were constructed in the 1730’s using men with carts and horse drawn equipment to move and mould the landscape. The stunning Avenues in the Gardens were originally planted with specimen seeds given by famous botanical explorer Joseph Hooker. Each Avenue was planted with a single type of tree, many of which can still be seen today. These include the 150 year old Monkey Puzzle Avenue, the Thuja Avenue and the Dettingen Avenue which is lined with evergreen oaks. The beautiful two acre Circular Pond filled with rare Victorian water lilies is also a highlight. Our charming Tea Room is the perfect place to enjoy a light meal of sandwiches, soup, baked potatoes, hot drinks, delicious home-baking and tasty children’s menu. Access to the Tea Room only is available without paying admission to the Gardens, making it an ideal journey break or unique location for a business or social lunch. This year we continue to enhance your visit to our Gardens with a wide range of events and activities for the whole family. These include weekly Ranger Activities which follow a monthly theme and our regular guided garden walks. And the romantic ruins of 16th Century Castle Kennedy provide a stunning backdrop to open air theatre productions. We hope you find a special event of interest to you and your family and enjoy your time in the Gardens.
Reviewed By LynnesNYorkshire - North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Thank you to everyone - our 1st visit to the gardens today was truly wonderful - the standard of these gardens, the walks on offer and surroundings are just incredible! From our arrival at the tea room, the fruit scones and tea were delicious and the more we then discovered in the gardens and grounds meant the day just got better and better!! Highly recommendable
2. RSPB Mull of Galloway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By helenmoore2015 - Ayr, United Kingdom
The most southerly part of Scotland. We have been here before but after recently seeing it in a movie, we decided to return. What an impressive place, the lighthouse and outbuildings are so well maintained, and the views all around this peninsula are breath taking, with dramatic cliffs, terrifying currents, and views to Ireland, England, Isle of man and other areas of Scotland. Highly recommended if you appreciate this kind of thing. visitor shop closed at this time of year but we were much more interested in the dramatic scenery.
3. Castle Of St John
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By emmacurrie - Stranraer, United Kingdom
Situated right in the centre of town, and surrounded with lovely shops and eateries, the Castle is a fun, and free visit for the whole family. Also, lovely views from the top.
4. Stranraer Museum
5. Kirkmadrine Stones
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By ChazBroon - South Ayrshire, United Kingdom
At the end of a overgrown tree lined path, just off the main road, you park on the main road and walk the path (not easily accessible) Lots of other people have reviewed and have described the situation of the chapel and the age and presentation of the amazingly ancient stones with their Christian symbolism. I can only agree that the remoteness of the place and the panoramic views give the chapel a very special spirituality. You look around over the land and you can imagine the the place hundreds of years ago, not a lot has changed in the landscape! The chapel was open when we were there on Saturday morning, it’s felt a bit spooky and I just had a quick look inside.
6. Dunskey Garden
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By 540storms - Nairobi, Kenya
I have visited Dunsky Garden many times. Sometimes with my family and sometimes solo (for an hour's solitary reflection). In late winter groves of snowdrops lighten the forest floor, in Spring the woods are full of daffodils, and in May bluebells, with their soft downy petals. In Summer and autumn walks around the dam and exploring the maze. I usually finish up at the homely Tea Rooms whether just for a cup of tea or meal, depending on the mood. The produce is locally sourced and/or organic whether you feel like soup, scones (with homemade Dunsky plum jam with cinnamon) or a Venison Burger.
