Stranraer

Over the years, Stranraer has served as a market town, seaport, garrison town and administrative centre, creating a unique community. Today it is an ideal holiday destination for those wishing to explore and enjoy this beautiful part of Britain. The countryside and surrounding area offer a wealth of flora, fauna and wildlife as well as charming towns and villages with welcoming inns and fascinating shopping. Whilst Stranraer itself has more than enough attractions, activities, shopping and entertainment to satisfy any visitor.

Stranraer is located in the South West of Scotland and is the largest settlement in this region. It lies at the head of Loch Ryan, on the North side of the neck of land that prevents the Rhins of Galloway becoming an island. The town's origins date back over 500 years to the building in 1511 of Stranraer Castle, also known as the Castle of St John. This now stands in the centre of the town, but it was originally built behind the broad beach at the head of Loch Ryan. Only later did a settlement begin to grow around it. The Castle of St John now houses a fascinating museum and is a must for history lovers.

By 1600 it had become a busy market town and it was around this time that Stranraer was made all the more accessible by a military road built from Dumfries, planned in order to allow easier access to Portpatrick, then the main port for Ireland. But it was the building of the harbour in the 1700's and the coming of the railway from Dumfries in 1861 which finally established Stranraer as the area's main port.

For much of the following 150 years Stranraer was unchallenged as the natural location for the main Scottish port for the Irish ferries. Over the years, the port has had peaks and troughs aplenty, but remained an integral part of the community and history of this fascinating area.

The town centre of Stranraer today is attractive and bustling, with the whites and bright colours of many of the buildings particularly stunning on bright days. The people are warm and welcoming with a history of making visitors feel at home. You can enjoy a walk around 'the Toon' and along the shore, visiting the museum and the Castle of St. John where the view from the roof is magnificent. Follow the Town Trail and discover Stranraer's highlights for yourself.

For the children, Agnew Park with its pedal boats, train rides, adventure playground and crazy golf is a great day out, or simply sit here and watch the ferries set off up the loch en route for Ireland. As this is Scotland, golf courses are a natural feature of the landscape and in Stranraer, you can enjoy 18 holes of golf at Creachmore, or travel a wee bit further to the Wigtown Country Club at Glenluce, or Dunskey at Portpatrick.

Stranraer is a great centre for the serious walker and is skirted by the Southern Upland Way. For those who enjoy a garden walk, three famous gardens in the area are open to the public; Castle Kennedy, Glenwhan and Logan.