Close Attractions

You’ll find a host of local attractions and places to visit near Portpatrick. The village itself may lie at the end of the A77 from Glasgow but you’ll find Number 4 B&B is the perfect base to explore the beautiful countryside of Wigtownshire and beyond.  

To the North and East
Head North towards Ayr, along the stunning coast passing Girvan, Turnberry (famous for its golf) and Dunure along the way. Take in the 16th century Culzean Castle with its deer park and gardens or the ruins of Dunure Castle. Just outside Ayr you’ll find The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum which runs a series of events throughout the year and has plenty to keep all ages entertained.

To the North East lies Galloway Forest Park , The Galloway Hills and Scotland’s first Dark Sky Park . The Forest Park has everything you need for a great day out all year round. By day you can take a stroll, keeping your eyes peeled for red deer and wild goats, following in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce. Or choose from two scenic Forest Drives. And by night, it’s one of the best places to stargaze in Europe.

East of Portpatrick there are more towns and villages to explore –  Wigtown (known as Scotland`s Book Town), Kirkcudbright, Castle Douglas and the Isle of Whithorn.

To the South
Heading South from Portpatrick, the drive along the narrow peninsula takes you to The Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s own ‘Lands End’ where you can soak up the amazing views from the top of the lighthouse. There is an RSPB Centre if you’d like to find out more about the abundant birds and wildlife of the area. Finish up the outing with coffee and cakes at Gallie Craig – Scotland`s most southerly coffee house built right on the cliff edge!

To the West
If, after exploring all there is to see along the coast and inland, you are still left with time on your hands, why not head west to Northern Ireland? Ferries sail daily from Cairnryan to Larne and Belfast.

If you’d like further details on ferries or local attractions before your stay at Number 4 B&B then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Within walking distance
From Portpatrick village, it is a short walk along the cliffs to Dunskey Castle – equally stunning in the sunshine or rising through the mists on a cloudy day. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife along the way. You may even spot porpoises in the sea below!

Also within walking distance of No 4 Portpatrick B&B, along the coastal path, is Killantringran Lighthouse. The view from the lighthouse car park is often featured in publicity shots for Visit Scotland.

North of the lighthouse is a beautiful beach with firm level sand – ideal for a spot of rock pooling or dog walking. (You’ll find more information on dog-friendly beaches near Portpatrick on our Pet Friendly page.)

Hit the beach
Within Portpatrick harbour area is a small, sheltered, sandy beach which is popular with families. There are several other excellent beaches close-by. Try the secluded Sandeel Bay (accessed only on foot) or Larbrax Beach just over a mile away. For more details, ‘Welcome to Scotland’ features a list of beaches in Dumfries and Galloway 

A Gardener’s Delight
There are a total of 7 different gardens you can visit during your stay in Portpatrick – all within half an hour or less by car. Most of the gardens are members of the Gardens of Galloway.  Download a passport for discount on admissions on their website.  

Dunskey Gardens is the closest to Portpatrick where you can enjoy woodland walks, a walled garden and a hedge maze based on the design at Hampton Court.

Within 30 minutes drive, Logan Botanic Gardens is also well worth a visit. Described as Scotland’s most exotic garden, the location near Port Logan in Dumfries & Galloway, enjoys a mild climate warmed by the Gulf Stream. This makes it a real plantsman’s paradise with many southern hemisphere plants flourishing within its walls. Open daily from March to October and Sundays in February.
Scotland’s Coast to Coast
Within site of the front rooms of Number 4, literally a short stroll from the front door, you’ll find the steps that mark the start of Scotland’s Coast to Coast walk – The Southern Upland Way. 

This 212-mile route runs between Portpatrick in the west to Cockburnspath in the east. The first section of the route is a gentle one, taking you from Portpatrick to Castle Kennedy. Walkers can ‘break themselves in’ enjoying stunning views from the coastal path before it heads inland at Black Head to the outskirts of Stranraer and Castle Kennedy. Watch out for the ‘timeline’ engraved on the steps at the start and keep your ears peeled for shouts of ‘fore’ as you walk alongside the clifftop golf course!

Golfing and Sport
If you love golfing, Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club, one of Scotland`s Top 100 courses, has both a 9 and 18 hole course and welcomes visitors.  Near the harbour, (in front of No 4 B&B in fact!) you’ll find the popular putting green. Portpatrick also has a bowling green and a tennis court.

Adventures at sea or a spot of shopping?
From Portpatrick Harbour, take a thrilling high speed RIB boat trip, a sea fishing cruise or a sightseeing and nature spotting boat trip. The RNLI lifeboat is based in Portpatrick harbour with a well-stocked gift shop. You’ll also find a selection of quirky gift shops in the streets surrounding the harbour if you are looking for something to remind you of your stay in Dumfries and Galloway.

Time to relax and refuel
Looking for something less energetic? Simply relax in one of the several harbour-side pubs and watch the boats come and go.

And when it comes to food you’ll find plenty of choice. Fish and seafood is often a speciality . . . but there is a wide variety of other food available and enough bars and restaurants to sample somewhere different every night of the week.