Bonny Scotland – Exploring Dumfries & Galloway

Staying at The North West Castle Hotel, Stranraer

5 DAYS | 1st June 2026

This year we venture across the border to an inspiring region of Scotland: Dumfries and Galloway. A wealth of wildlife and history as we enter an enchanting land of tartan, jigs and tasty ‘wee drams.’ The beauty and variety of the Lowlands are truly irresistible at this time of year, and during our tour we visit Culzean Castle, Threave Garden, Logan’s Botanical Gardens, Isle of Whithorn and the Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright.

Our home for our stay is Stranraer and the North West Castle Hotel. Stranraer has a long history as a ferry port and the town is situated at the head of Loch Ryan. The beautiful town centre is dominated by the Castle of St John, a tower house built around 1500. Many cafes with tables on the pavement line the streets and there are plenty of places to take an evening stroll, including the recently regenerated West Pier. The hotel is situated in the town centre and boasts leisure facilities, The Regency dining room, and the Alpine Restaurant and Grill. All of the bedrooms are traditionally furnished with en-suite bathrooms, WiFi, and courtesy tray.

MONDAY

We depart stopping for coffee en-route to Threave Gardens, where we will arrive in time for lunch. Created over the years by students of the Trust’s School of Heritage Gardening, it is a fine example of landscape and horticultural endeavour and lovely at any time of year. (Gardens only – NT members: Free; Nonmembers: £8.00)

TUESDAY

Today we head to Portpatrick with its pastel-coloured houses and backdrop of bay cliffs for a refreshing morning coffee. Next its to the brilliant Logan Botanical Gardens; arriving in time for lunch you will have a full afternoon to explore all the wonders on offer. The avenues and borders feature a spectacular array of half-hardy perennials, from as far flung as Australia and Southern Africa. Visit the elegant Victorian style Conservatory, or explore the Walled Garden and fishpond, then why not drop into Logan’s Discovery Centre to learn more about the gardens’ intriguing history?

WEDNESDAY

Taking the coastal route through Port William and down to the Machars Peninsula, we head to the Isle of Whithorn. A hugely significant location to Christian history, it has strong connections with St Ninian and is known as Scotland’s Cradle of Christianity. After time for a stroll and morning coffee we continue on to Wigtown, officially designated as Scotland’s National Book Town since 1998; a book lovers haven, it is now home to a wide range of book related businesses. After lunch and time for a browse, mid-afternoon we head back to the hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure.

THURSDAY

Today we traverse the lands of Robert Burns as we take the route north up the west coast. With views over the sea to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, Robert Adams’ cliff top masterpiece Culzean Castle awaits. This glorious estate was once the playground of David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis, and is opulent to the extreme; the park is planted with conifers and beech, sculpted around miles of sandy coastline dotted with caves, and finished off with a Swan Pond, an ice house, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses. (NT members: Free; Non-members: £17.50). After lunch we make our way back to the hotel.

FRIDAY

Before we head for home, we journey to Kirkcudbright for a coffee and a short wander around this picturesque fishing town; known as ‘The Artists’ Town’, behind the harbour the streets have housed generations of creatives, a tradition continued today by a flourishing colony of painters and craftworkers. Enjoy free time for a stroll around this quaint little town and soak up the last of the Scottish air. Making our lunch stop at Houghton Hall Garden Centre there is one last chance to satisfy any remaining horticultural purchasing needs at this fantastic store. Then sit back and relax as we head south, aiming to arrive home early evening.