20 Attractions to Explore Near Rhins of Galloway

Dunskey Castle is a ruined, 12th century tower house or castle, located 0.5 miles south of the village of Portpatrick, Rhinns, Wigtownshire, on the south-west coast of Scotland. A sprawling sanctuary, home to an Edwardian castle, luxurious lodges and panoramic views of the land and sea, it’s the perfect environment for both large group getaways and small intimate gatherings.

75 acres of spectacularly designed loch-side landscape, create a romantic garden paradise with quite literally something for everyone to enjoy – regardless of age. The gardens are the main reason for a visit and the ruins of Castle Kennedy really just serve as an impressively large ornament around which the gardens are sculptured.

A secluded coastal estate in Scotland’s lowlands entrenched in living history and incomparable splendour. Amidst 2000 acres of spectacular Scottish arcadia sits Dunskey Estate, home to an Edwardian castle with 25 bedrooms and endless magic. The estate was the property of the Hunter-Blair family of Blairquhan in Ayrshire and was acquired when Jane (or Jean) Blair of Dunskey, wife of James Hunter, succeeded her brother to Dunskey estates in 1777. A house dating from 1706 was extended in the 1830s.

The Castle of St John sits in a prominent position in the centre of Stranraer. Built in the sixteenth century this is a particularly fine example of the type of tower house built and used by Scottish Lairds in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It has been used as a home, a court, a police station and as a military garrison during the "Killing Times" of Covenanter persecution in the 1680s. During the Victorian era, the castle was modified to serve as a prison, and it was used as an ARP bas

A rather excellent small but modern town museum in the heart of dumfires. The museum features one of Scotland's oldest ploughs, while you can also look at Victorian Wigtownshire in 3D photographs and follow in the footsteps of Stranraer's own polar explorers. There are displays on archaeology, local history, farming and dairying. An exciting temporary exhibition programme also runs throughout the year.

A beautiful park in Dumfries, which has a wide range of leisure facilities for all ages including a large boating lake with a range of boats, including canoes, skiffs and pedalos. It boasts a miniature railway which takes you on a full tour of the park, a play island featuring innovative play equipment, an 18-hole putting green and a mini car racing circuit.

Glenwhan Gardens has been described as one of the most beautiful newly made gardens in Scotland. with unique & Stunning Sea Views across to the Isle of Man, Luce Bay, and the Mull of Galloway. The Gardens are a labour of love, hewn from rough moorland 35 years ago. It has a woodland and rock garden, overlooking Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway. In the centre of the garde, there is a statue of Florentine Medici Boar, a symbol of fertility.

Killantringan Lighthouse is a lighthouse located near Portpatrick in Dumfries and Galloway, south-west Scotland. The light came into activity in 1900, and filled in as a waypoint in the North Channel of the Irish Sea. The name Killantringan is gotten from 'Cill shaint Ringain' St Ringan's church; Ringan is a medieval iety of Ninian. The beacon is ensured as a classification B recorded building.

Logan Botanic Garden is located at the south-western tip of Scotland and is unrivaled as the country's most exotic garden. You candiscover a remarkable collection of unusual and beautiful plants. A pleasure for all the family, Logan is an exotic paradise. Visitors can walk through groves of eucalyptus and palm trees or stand in the shade of awesome giant rhubarb-like gunnera.

Logan Fish Pond is situated in Port Logan Bay between the village itself and Logan Botanic Garden. The history of this unique attraction dates all the way back to 1788 when the Laird of Logan created a fish larder for Logan House. The pond was complete by 1800. The water is filtered naturally by the tides twice a day. Fish were bought locally from fishermen and the pond was used as a larder for the live fish. The gatehouse which is believed to have been built at the same time as the pond is an a

Glenluce Abbey was founded around 1190 - 1192 by Cistercian Monks and it follows the standard architectural layout of a Cistercian Abbey. Glenluce is one of several Cistercian abbeys scattered around Scotland, but it has the unique feature of an advanced piped water supply. The ruins were consolidated and partly restored in 1898 by the Glasgow architect, Peter MacGregor Chalmers.[7] They are a scheduled ancient monument.

A medieval castle ruin sitting high up on the hills above ballantrae which was built by clan kennedy that succumbed to the conflict over Crossmaguel Abbey in 1601. There is a good walk that passes the castle. The original castle was wedge-shaped and had three square towers connected by battlement walls. The gatehouse was on the north side, and the keep was in the southeast part of the courtyard with a long hall house alongside.

Monreith Animal world has animals for all tastes from the cute and cuddly to the big and ugly. Set in twelve acres of scenic countryside, the animals are placed in a circular route around the park so you can't even miss an exhibit if you try, taking in a peaceful pondside walk as well saturated with mini beasts.

Snib’s Cave is a cave in Scotland. Snib’s Cave is situated north of Ballantrae, close to Bennane Head.

Bladnoch Distillery is one of the oldest Scotch Whisky distilleries in Scotland. It was their 203 year old home where our finest Single Malts are crafted. The visitor centre is excellent and one of the best ways to see how whisky was made in the past. In relation to the Scottish Single Malts the distillery produces they are mostly famous for the Bladnoch 10 Year Old and Bladnoch 15 Year Old.

The Wood of Cree is the largest ancient wood in southern Scotland. In spring, it comes alive, with bluebells on the ground and the sound of pied flycatchers and warblers in the air. It is also the perfect place to see willow tits, as well as barn and tawny owls. Consisting of about 690 acres, it is Southern Scotland's largest ancient woodland, and is home to around 113 bird species. It is also considered one of the best bluebell carpet sites in Scotland.

Carleton Castle is a ruined five story 15th century tower house whichcan be seen from the coast road far below, with spectacular views out across the bay below. The castle comprises a small rectangular tower, with one of its corners having fallen down. Carleton was the property of the Cathcart family and legend suggests that one laird, Sir John Cathcart, funded his lifestyle through a succession of wives, murdering each before moving on to the next.

St Ninian's Cave is a natural cave on the southwestern coast of the Machars of Galloway, traditionally associated with St Ninian. It can only be reached by foot and the easiest approach is by walking down an excellent footpath through a leafy glen from Physgill then along the pebbly shore to the cave. There are great views towards the Isle of Man and many opportunities for wildlife spotting – including grey seals.

Whithorn is the site of the earliest Christian community in Scotland, which created the first inscribed Christian monument. One of the country’s earliest Christian communities lived and worshipped here, creating artworks in stone to express their faith. Among them is the oldest Christian monument to have been found in Scotland.

Glentrool is a collection of mountain biking routes through the heart of Galloway in southwest Scotland. The mountain bike routes are part of the 7Stanes project by Forestry and Land Scotland throughout the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. The most famous route at Glentrool is the 'Big Country' trail, based entirely on minor public roads and forest roads. The trail follows 58 km of road in a loop, starting and finishing at the Glentrool visitor centre. There are areas of off-road bik