Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Castle Kennedy Gardens
Castle Kennedy, 3 miles east of Stranraer April-Sept daily 10am-5pm; Feb, March & Oct Sat-Sun 10am-5pm • £5 •
T
01776 702024,
W
castlekennedygardens.co.uk
he approach to
Castle Kennedy Gardens
passes along a tree-lined avenue that frames
the ruined medieval fortress of Castle Kennedy beyond, and then across a palm-fringed
canal. he castle forms the centrepiece of the gardens, on a hill squeezed between two
lochs, though its ruins can no longer be visited. he 75-acre landscaped gardens stretch
west as far as nearby Lochinch Castle, seat of the earl of Stair (and also inaccessible), via
a giant lily pond and a stupendous avenue of monkey puzzle trees.
Portpatrick
Situated roughly halfway along the west shore of the Rhinns,
PORTPATRICK
has an
attractive pastel-painted seafront wrapped around a small rocky bay, sheltered by cliffs.
Until the mid-nineteenth century Portpatrick was a thriving seaport, serving as a major
embarkation point for Ireland, with coal, cotton and British troops heading in one
direction, Ulster cattle and linen in the other. Nowadays, minus its railway, it's a quiet,
comely resort enjoyed for its rugged scenery, sea-angling and gentle
hikes.
3
Dunskey Gardens
On the B738 just north of Portpatrick • April-Oct 10am-5pm, late Feb Sat-Sun 10am-4pm • £5 •
T
01776 810211,
W
dunskey.com
Encircled by forest just over a mile north of Portpatrick,
Dunskey Gardens
has a
restored Victorian glasshouse, walled garden, maze and tearoom, making for a
rewarding excursion. Nectarines and passion fruit thrive in the glasshouses while
beyond the main garden and with beautiful loch views there is a woodland walk that's
carpeted in snowdrops at the end of winter.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PORTPATRICK
By bus
Buses leave from South Crescent next to the sandy bay for Ayr (8 daily, 4 on Sun; 1hr 30min) and Stranraer (hourly; 25min).
ACCOMMODATION
Castle Bay Holiday Park
0.5 miles south of Portpatrick
T
01776 810462,
W
castlebayholidaypark.co.uk.
Near
the cliff 's edge next to Dunskey Castle a short walk south of
town, with two-bedroom static homes available to rent by
the week. The caravans are reasonably well eq
uippe
d and
there's a little play park in the grounds. Caravans
£350
/week
Knockinaam Lodge
on the coast
2 miles southeast of
town
T
01776 810471,
W
knockinaamlodge.com.
An
exclusive little country-house hotel with a high-quality
restaurant, hidden away in its own private cove. The
accommodation is suitably luxurio
us, c
haracterful and
tasteful, as befits the hefty price tag.
£340
Ì
Rickwood House Hotel
Heugh Rd
T
01776
810270,
W
portpatrick.me.uk.
Set back from the harbour,
with contemporarily furnished en-suite rooms overlooking
the sea. The conservatory has a selection of book
s, an
d
there's a small library of DVDs to watch in your room.
£70
EATING AND DRINKING
Campbell's Restaurant
1 South Crescent
T
01776
810314,
W
campbellsrestaurant.co.uk.
Expect some
superb seafood dishes in this charming, modern restaurant;
the £5 crab sandwich makes a satisfying but inexpensive
lunch, while the mixed shellfish grill at £28 would satisfy
any gourmand.
Tues-Sat noon-2.30pm & 6-9.30pm.
Ì
The
Crown
9 North Crescent
T
01776 810261,
W
crownportpatrick.com.
Right on the seafront, this cosy
inn is a good bet for fresh seafood, hand-pulled ales and
live music in front of an open fire. Highlight of the menu is
the seafood pancake gratin for £13.
Food served daily
noon-9.15pm.
Logan Botanic Garden
Logan • Feb Sun only 10am-4pm; mid-March to Oct daily 10am-5pm • £5.50 •
T
01776 860231,
W
rbge.org.uk • Bus #407 from
Stranraer stops at Port Logan (Mon-Sat 6 daily; 30min), then a 2-mile walk north
An outpost of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden,
Logan Botanic Garden
sits two miles
