Stranraer & The Rhins of Galloway Community & Tourist Information Site

Tourist / Visitor Attractions in the Rhins, Scotland

All visitor attractions in the area are automatically added to the directory, free of charge. If you know of a visitor attraction which is not listed here then please let us know by using the contact form. Thank you.


Results 1 to 10 of a total 15 for Castles & Historic Sites:

Agnew Monument (Castles & Historic Sites)

  • Address: Leswalt, 54.936816, -5.110342. [location map]
  • Admission: Free

This castellated monument is built on the site of an iron age hillfort known as the Tor of Craigoch. It was constructed to commemorate Lochnaw Castle's Sir Andrew Agnew (hence the name) in 1850. Sir Andrew Agnew was once an MP for Wigtownshire as well as leader of the Teetotal and Sunday Observance societies. There is a car park by the monument and a path leading up to it, the short climb is well worth it for the views over Loch Ryan and Stranraer. Close to the car park you may spot the remains of one of the many antiaircraft guns that protected Loch Ryan in World War Two.
Near to: Leswalt, Kirkcolm.

 

Ardwell Bay (Castles & Historic Sites, Beaches & Rocky Shores, Walks)

  • Address: Ardwell, 54.761912, -5.000081. [location map]
  • Admission: Free.

On the opposite side of the Rhins to Ardwell itself is this hidden gem of a bay - sandy with rock pools. There is also a walk to Doon Broch - an early fort built between 100 BC and 200 AD.
Near to: Ardwell, Sandhead, Port Logan.

 

Castle Kennedy Gardens (Gardens, Castles & Historic Sites, Lochs & Reservoirs)

The gardens surround the ruined castle of Castle Kennedy and Lochinch Castle (the current home of the Stair family). Huge rhododendrons dominate the garden as well as exotic palm trees. There are two lochs within the grounds which provide a home for geese, swans and ducks.
Near to: Stranraer, Castle Kennedy, Dunragit, Stoneykirk.

 

Castle of St John (Museums & Visitor Centres, Castles & Historic Sites)

Museum about and contained within a castle tower situated in the centre of Stranraer. Information boards, audio-visual presentations and a rooftop view over Stranraer.
Near to: Stranraer, Leswalt, Castle Kennedy.

 

Corsewall Point (Castles & Historic Sites, Beaches & Rocky Shores)

  • Address: Kirkcolm, 55.006994, -5.157249. [location map]
  • Admission: Free to walk along the shore. The lighthouse is a restaurant and hotel.

One of the Rhins' most spectacular viewpoints, and best known lighthouses. On a clear day you can see Ireland, Ailsa Craig, Arran and further north. It is also a great spot to sit and watch the Stena and P&O ferries travel from the mouth of Loch Ryan over towards Ireland. The Lighthouse is 26 metres high and was built in 1815 by lighthouse engineer Robert Stephenson. Corsewall Lighthouse is now a hotel and restaurant. This SSSI is a great place for watching grey seals and gannets diving.
Near to: Kirkcolm.

 

Dunskey Castle (Castles & Historic Sites, Beaches & Rocky Shores)

  • Address: Portpatrick, DG9 9AA. [location map]
  • Admission: Free.

Ruined castle on the cliff edge, only accessible via a signposted path at the Southern end of Portpatrick. The castle is fenced off, but is still well worth a look.
Near to: Portpatrick.

 

Finnarts Bay (Castles & Historic Sites, Beaches & Rocky Shores)

  • Address: Cairnryan, 55.009893, -5.047939. [location map]
  • Admission: Free.

A mostly pebbly beach with some sand and large rocks sculpted by the sea. Remains of WWII activity.
Near to: Cairnryan.

 

Galdenoch Castle & Salt Pans Bay (Castles & Historic Sites, Beaches & Rocky Shores, Walks)

  • Address: Leswalt, 54.922485, -5.163926. [location map]
  • Admission: Free.

If you have an OS map of the area will notice a 'P' sign right by the 16th century Galdenoch Castle - if you park here you can have a look at the ruined tower and then walk down to the shore. On your way to Salt Pans Bay you will pass a small loch which often has geese and ducks on. You will also pass through the breeding ground of Red Deer so is probably best avoided during the rutting season. Salt Pans itself is an SSSI protected sandy bay overlooked by an Iron Age fort and towering rocks.
Near to: Leswalt.

 

Glenluce Abbey (Castles & Historic Sites)

Impressive ruined Cistercian Abbey with fully intact chapter house. Small exhibition of archaeological finds.
Near to: Dunragit.

 

Killantringan Bay (Castles & Historic Sites, Beaches & Rocky Shores)

  • Address: Portpatrick, 54.864688, -5.145515. [location map]
  • Admission: Free.

Park at Killantringan and stroll down the steep path to a stunning sandy beach with rock pools full of Starfish. Walk up from the car park and admire Killantringan Lighthouse - built in 1900 by Robert Louis Stephenson's nephew. Look down upon the next bay of Portamaggie and a lower tides you can clearly see the shipwreck of Craigantlet - a container ship that became stranded in 1982. Killantringan's name is said to mean Saint Ninian's church and refers to a chapel that once stood here, dedicated to the locally active saint.
Near to: Portpatrick.

 

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