Airyolland Cottage sits just 4 miles north of Port William in Dumfries & Galloway.   It lies on the shores of Luce Bay looking towards The Rhins of Galloway to the West and The Isle of Man to the South.

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There is plenty to see and do - here are some of our favourites...

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Beaches 

This area has been dubbed the Scottish Riviera because of the warm climate and the miles of coastline.  There are plenty of beaches which don't get overcrowded -  from sandy ones for safe bathing to those for keen water sport enthusiasts.  There are some stunning walks around the various beaches with rock pools and cliffs for exploring.  

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History 

Isle of Whithorn or “The Isle” is home to  the ruins of  St Ninian`s Chapel which dates back to c 1300 and marked the start of the pilgrimage route to St Ninian`s Church in Whithorn. St Ninian`s Cave is also nearby.

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Whithorn is known as the Cradle of Christianity as the first Christian Church in Scotland is thought to have been established here somewhere around AD 450.  The Whithorn Story Visitor Centre has lots of info and a great coffee shop.

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Wigtown is Scotland's Book Town and has over 20 book shops and related businesses with a museum telling the story of the area including memorabilia dating back to 1707.

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Castles

If you like them then Dumfries and Galloway is the place to visit.   There are more than 100 castles located in the county.    From the spectacular Caerlaverock Castle near Dumfries and Threave Castle on Threave Island, to the less well-known Isle of Whithorn Castle - which stands at just ten by nine metres in size.  MacLellan’s Castle in Kirkcudbright features a ‘Laird’s Lug’ secret spy hole behind the great hall fireplace from which the laird could eavesdrop on his guests.

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Distillieries

Gin - Nestled on the edge of Newton Stewart with panoramic views over the Galloway Hills is Hills & Harbour Gin Distillery.  They do great tours - you can watch, learn, drink...and mix your own cocktails!

Whisky - is obviously big news in Scotland and there are several distilliers on your doorstep.   Bladnoch Distillery is one.  Their visitor centre is opening in the autumn of 2018

Annandale is Scotland’s oldest operating distillery.   Located close to the Scotland-England border, they’re also the first (and last) distillery in Scotland.