Guests enjoy unlimited access to Castle Kennedy Gardens and the surrounding Lochinch Castle Heritage Estate, a traditional sporting and agricultural estate. Fishing, country sports, wild-life viewing, walking trails, estate Land Rover tours and a whole range of activities are available for guests to enjoy. Steeped in history, Lochinch Castle and Castle Kennedy Gardens are part of Stair Estates and the private home of the Earl and Countess of Stair.

Situated at one end of Castle Kennedy Gardens (open to the public), Lochinch Castle is set between two large natural lochs, which are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest for breeding wader and wintering wildfowl, and surrounded by 75 acres of beautiful sculptured terraces, avenues and gardens.

Guests enjoy free access to explore the Gardens which offer a varied programme of regular events from children’s activities to open air theatre, guided garden walks and annual festivals. You can also enjoy special discounts in the Gardens’ Gift Shop and Tea Room.

The surrounding Country Estate includes a dairy and sheep farm, forestry and alternative energy. Guests are free to explore and enjoy the numerous paths and walking routes at their leisure, such as the Southern Upland Way.

Fishing permits for both lochs can also be arranged as can a number of seasonal activities within the Estate including salmon and sea-trout fishing, Red deer stalking, duck flighting, pheasant shooting, private Estate Land Rover Tours, walking and cycling.

The surrounding area is full of unspoilt scenic treasures, including deserted sandy beaches, exotic gardens, rolling hillsides and open estuaries. The Southern Upland Way is located close by as is the River Luce which offers excellent fly fishing. Stranraer town is just three miles away with a wide range of pubs, restaurants, shops and activities including cinema, swimming and a museum. Other local attractions include a whisky distillery, Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Wigtown Book Town and the picturesque seaside village of Portpatrick where guests can enjoy excellent seafood restaurants, village stores and pubs.

For those who are interested in exploring farther afield, there are numerous castle, historic and family attractions; book, music, food and art festivals; as well as museums, visitor centres, adventure playgrounds, cycling and walking trails.

 

 

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