Kirkcudbright: Things to Do

There are plenty of entertaining things to do in the town and surrounding area for partners at a loose end, or for you if you are staying on for a break. The Visit Kirkcudbright website is a good place to start.

Some of these attractions may be seasonal or have limited access so please check before making commitments.

In Kirkcudbright

Along with the town’s other artists, I am part of the Kirkcudbright Art Map, pick up a leaflet in my gallery and enjoy a tour of the local artists. In town you will find the impressive Kirkcudbright Galleries with a changing programme of exhibits alongside a permanent collection. There is Broughton House, a National Trust for Scotland property, the Stewartry Museum, Tolbooth Arts Centre and the Dark Space Planetarium.

Outdoors and Sport

There is a swimming pool in town and the local golf club welcomes visiting golfers. Local bike experts and guides Esther and Craig offer bike hire at Discover Galloway along with help and advice for exploring the area. A little further afield you can try fly fishing with Sue Macniven.

The Biosphere

Here in Kirkcudbright, we are a part of the UNESCO Galloway and Southern Ayshire Biosphere, an area designated as a world class environment for people and nature. There are outstanding local walks and a Dark Sky Park nearby in Galloway Forest to explore. The Biosphere website is a great source of information for local events and businesses working to support our environment. Find out how I’m involved as a Biosphere Proud Supporter here.

Houses and Castles

Hard to list them all, but locally you might visit Dundrennan Abbey, Cardoness Castle, Threave Gardens and Estate, Threave Castle and the Mill on the Fleet historic cotton mill, now a heritage and exhibition centre. You’ll also see our own castle in Kirkcudbright, hard to miss at the end of the High Street.

Worn out with sightseeing?

Drop in at the Dark Art Distillery for a tour and a gin tasting, or if whiskey is more your thing, you can take a tour and tasting at Bladnoch Distillery. We have several pubs in town, but the local brewery, Sulwarth Brewers, also welcomes visitors.