The local area surrounding Burrowhead has so much to offer to all ages and family sizes.
Whether you’re looking for something to do as a couple, or a family, you will be spoilt for choice!
Stunning scenery
From Burrowhead Holiday Village there are cliff top walks in both directions. We particularly enjoy the hike to St Ninians cave which is 2.5 miles away. You’ll be able to enjoy stunning views over the coastline and over the Isle of Man. It is quite close to the cliff edge in places and unsuitable for buggies and so for younger children, there is a car park around 4 miles away that offers a shorter 20 minute walk to access the cave through a forest. The beach here is a rocky one which allows for fun and games building rock towers or skimming stones.
If that’s not quite your thing there is another beautiful hike to the local village of Isle of Whithorn again which is around 2.5 miles from Burrowhead Holiday Village. Visit ruins of the old church before heading to St Ninians tearoom which offers snacks and home baking during the day. There is also a local gallery displaying art by a local artist and a pub/restaurant, The Steampacket Inn. After sampling the locally brewed ale, the journey back is straighter and shorter by the road at around 2 miles to Burrowhead Holiday Village.
If you enjoy sea fishing, it’s worth knowing that this is permitted off the rocks at Burrowhead or at the local beaches and it’s a popular pursuit undertaken by many guests staying at the park.
Beautiful Beaches
There are beautiful local beaches in every direction. Visit Rigg bay at Garlieston or the long St Medans beach at Monreith. Both are pebble beaches at high tide which reveal sandy lengths with caves and rock pools to explore as the tide goes out. Take a picnic and buckets and spades and feel safe in the knowledge that the water depth remains shallow for some distance.
Historical Sites
The local area is steeped in history. In Whithorn, visit the Whithorn Story or roundhouse to learn about St Ninian and his pilgrimage in around 397AD. Bruces stone is situated in the Galloway forest where the battle of Trool in 1307 took place set on the stunning backdrop of the Loch, or visit the ancient ceremonial standing stones of Drumtrodden dating back to the second or third millennium BC. Visit Rigg bay, Garlieston which was used in the second world war as a practice landing facility ‘Mulberry Harbour’ for tanks and machinery in 1944, or visit Cruggleton arch on the Cliffside nearby.This is all that’s left of the 13 Century Cruggleton Castle.
Local Attractions
For a family day out, why not visit the Cocoa Bean Factory to take part in chocolate making or enjoy the outdoor and indoor play areas. Or perhaps book outdoor pursuits including archery, climbing, kayaking, sailing and more at the Galloway Activity Centre.
For golf lovers, the local 9-hole St Medans golf course is laid on the shores of Luce bay. It has 18 tee boxes with wonderful scenery and panoramic sea views. It offers an interesting and challenging game for beginners and experienced golfers alike. (Our owners receive reduced green fees)
For adults who enjoy a dram of Whisky or gin, visit the local distilleries. Bladnoch distillery for whisky lovers is a must see. This has been producing Whisky for over 200 years! The Crafty distillery for gin lovers is a recent addition to the area. Both offer tours and tasting sessions.
Beautiful hikes
Guests looking to travel inland to Newton Stewart can enjoy beautiful countryside walks or hikes in the Galloway Hills, with ancient ruins and much more to be discovered. Climb the Merrick or Cairnsmore to reach the trig points for stunning landscapes across the whole region or chose from many other hill or Loch walks.
Or why not visit Kirroughtree visitor centre with its many walking and SevenStanes cycling trails for all abilities and ages.
Local Towns
There are so many beautiful local towns and villages to explore.
Scotland’s famous book town, Wigtown is 20 minutes away with weekend street markets, the observatory and book shops galore. This town hosts the book festival annually with a variety of events and visiting authors.
Port Patrick is a quaint fishing village with an abundance of excellent seafood restaurants, a beautiful harbour and cliff top walks. Port Logan is nearby with botanic gardens and a large fish pond open to visitors and the Mull of Galloway is the most Southerly point of Scotland with its own lighthouse.
Visit Stranraer, the nearest major town, which is found 35 miles away and is home to some great shops as well as museums, art galleries, and various other attractions. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also take the ferry to Northern Ireland from Cairnryan for a short break within your holiday.
Explore the local area below…
This is St Ninians priory ruins in the Isle of Whithorn. This dates back to 1100’s and is one of Scotland’s earliest Christian sites. It brought travellers, traders, pilgrims and royalty to Whithorn for more than 1000 years.
If you are looking for beaches, the beach at St Medans is beautiful. This beach has everything, rocks to clamber over, sand and if the tide is out… rock pools and caves to explore!
St Medans Golf course at Monreith is the most southerly golf club in Scotland. It is a 9 hole course with 18 tee boxes and runs along the beach in stunning surroundings. Although short in length, the course is a true test for beginners and experienced golfers alike. There are a number of other local golf courses open to visitors in the area.
Enjoy hikes in The Galloway Forest. The Galloway Forest is 35 minutes away and is a walker’s paradise. There are so many walks around Newton Stewart which remain unspoilt. Why not hike up Cairnsmore Of Fleet, The Merrick, Millefore, or around Black Loch or Loch Trool. Visit Murrays monument or Bruce’s stone to add a little history to your hike and start collecting all the trig points which are scattered around the hills of the Galloway forest.
Need something to keep the little ones entertained? We recommend taking them to the Cocoa Bean Company. Children can enter a workshop to make their own chocolate creations before enjoying the indoor and outdoor play areas on site. Adults can book their own chocolate making workshop or sit back and enjoy treats from the onsite café.
There are plenty of local supermarkets in Whithorn, Wigtown and Newton Stewart to stock up at before your stay with us.
Drummtroden stones, Monreith. These are the Drumtrodden ceremonial stones that date back to the second or third millennium BC. There is only one still left standing….!
This is the Cruggleton arch. It is situated on the Cliffside between Garlieston and the Isle of Whithorn and is all that is left of the 13 Century Cruggleton Castle. The 3 mile walk from Garlieston winds along the beach, through gardens and along the Cliffside to reach it.