Stranraer

Stranraer

Stranraer is a traditional town in Dumfries and Galloway located at the head of Loch Ryan. A base for exploring the Rhins of Galloway peninsula, it offers visitors a castle and easy access to the exotic Castle Kennedy Gardens, the village of Portpatrick and the Mull of Galloway, Scotland's southernmost point.

Escape to Stranraer on a relaxing coach holiday. Nestled in a peaceful corner of Dumfries and Galloway at the head of Loch Ryan, this traditional town has a rich maritime history as a former ferry port and serves as the perfect friendly base for exploring the Rhins of Galloway—a stunning peninsula of rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and lush gardens.

Take your time exploring the town and its castle, or venture out to the exotic Castle Kennedy Gardens, the charming harbour village of Portpatrick, and the Mull of Galloway, Scotland's southernmost point. Browse our Stranraer coach holidays and let us handle the driving while you enjoy the view.

Places of Interest

Castle Kennedy Gardens

Castle Kennedy Gardens

Located in southwest Scotland near Stranraer, Castle Kennedy Gardens sit between two lochs. Visitors are drawn to the site's massive scale and diverse collection of exotic plants, including towering conifers and rare specimens. Highlights include wide avenues, a terraced lily pond, and stunning spring blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias.

Located in Scotland's far south-west near Stranraer, Castle Kennedy Gardens sit on a beautiful stretch of land between the Black and White lochs. The site is named after the ruins of Castle Kennedy, which was destroyed by fire in the early 1700s, while the opposite end of the estate features Lochinch Castle, a baronial home built in the 1860s that still belongs to the Earls of Stair. Though the gardens were first created in the eighteenth century and later fell into disrepair, they were eventually restored using rediscovered original plans.

Covering about 75 acres, the gardens are famous for their massive scale and a diverse collection of exotic plants from across the globe. With its wide avenues, large terraced lily pond, and stunning rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias, spring is a particularly wonderful time to visit. Thanks to the mild coastal air, towering conifers and rare specimens thrive here, and the paths between the two lochs provide peaceful views all year round.

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