Castles & Gardens of South West Scotland

Monday

We travel north to Dumfries and Galloway, arriving late afternoon in Stranraer for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday

This morning we drive to the Gatehouse of Fleet where we visit the ‘Mill on the Fleet’ – a restored former Cotton Mill. Next, we head to the Threave Garden & House, a garden for all seasons and a haven for wildlife. Take a stroll through the secret garden, rockery and walled garden with the 19th century Threave House as its backdrop. In the afternoon, we continue to the pretty harbour town of Kirkcudbright.

Wednesday

Our day takes us along the eastern shore of Loch Ryan and the west coast of Scotland to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum; a celebration of the early life and the enduring legacy of Scotland’s national poet and home to 5,000 Burns artefacts including his handwritten manuscripts. We continue to Culzean Castle & Country Park – with time to explore this magnificent cliff-top castle, as well as the Swan Pond, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses.

Thursday

Our morning takes us to the Portpatrick, a pretty town of pastel-coloured houses with its own harbour and breathtaking views towards Ireland. Later, we visit the magnificent Castle Kennedy Gardens which are among the most famous in Scotland. The gardens host 75 acres of spectacularly designed loch-side landscape.

Friday

Homeward bound.