What to do locally

Explore Kirkcudbright

The historic harbour town of Kirkcudbright is known for its artistic heritage, charming streets and vibrant cultural scene:

  • Art Galleries and Studios - discover works by local artists and makers in independent galleries dotted around the town. Popular spots include Kirkcudbright Gallery, Tolbooth Art Centure, Broughton House and Harbour Cottage Gallery.

  • Harbour Walks - stroll the picturesque quayside, watch fishing boats come and go and enjoy views over the Solway Firth. Don’t miss the Scran Van on the harbour for excellent fish and chips in the warmer months.

  • Boutique Shops & Cafes - browse unique gifts, local crafts and enjoy coffee, cream teas, a glass of wine and seafood by the water

  • Historic Architecture - wander past Georgian and Victorian buildings in one of Scotland’s designated ‘artist towns’.

  • Festivals & Events - Kirkcudbright hosts a lively calendar of festivals and community events - art, music, farmers markets and family-friendly weekends. The season traditionally culminates with the much-loved Kirkcudbright Summer Tattoo, a colourful evening of music, pageantry, and local tradition that draws visitors from across the region. Details can be found using the Summer Festivities website.

  • Eat & Drink - there are a range of spots: Swally-n-Scran is the best for local seafood, Millars Wine Bar offers a wide range of drinks and table food, The Selkirk Arms, Feast, Clann and The Masonic Arms

  • Sauna at the Sea - set on the edge of Kirkcudbright Bay, just a few minutes drive from Skinnel Cottage. A great way to relax, recharge and rejuvenate. The wood-fired sauna offers warmth and relaxation alongside the cold water baths for a cool, refreshing boost. Book here. From £15pp.

A map of the town can be viewed here

Further Afield

The area surrounding St Mary’s Isle Estate offers wonderful opportunities for outdoor exploration, with expansive views and abundant wildlife.

  • Coastal & Countryside Walks - Dee Estuary & St Mary’s Isle Walks, Galloway Forest Park, Screel, Criffel. Follow the link for more information

  • Dark Skies - Galloway Forest Park offers some of the UK’s best stargazing

  • Cycling - plenty of road biking, as well as 7stanes mountain biking - based in Dalbeattie or Kirroughtree

  • Golf - Kirkcudbright, Gatehouse, Castle Douglas, Brighouse, Colvend, Southerness, New Galloway and 2 in Dumfries

  • Beaches - Dumfries and Galloway is renowned for its quiet, unspoilt beaches. Details of the beaches close to the Skinnel Cottage can be found here.

  • Local Towns - Castle Douglas (known for its independent food shops and cafes), Gatehouse of Fleet (edge of Galloway Forest Park and a couple of good pubs), Wigtown (Scotland’s National Book Town, famous for its bookshops and literary festival)

  • Attractions - Dundrennan Abbey – beautiful ruin near the coast - Mary, Queen of Scots last resting place in Scotland. Threave Castle & Gardens –a National Trust property set on an island in the River Dee, Drumlanrig Castle - home to the Dukes of Buccleuch for over 600 years

  • For the kids -