Taking A Trip To Stranraer, Scotland Dumfries And Galloway
Scotland is a unique and beautiful country with many wonderful cities to visit. Stranraer - Dumfries and Galloway is one of these cities. It is a busy port city with a population of 18,000+.
Right across the water lies Ireland. The proximity between Stranraer and the Emerald Isle lends itself to very close ties. Ferry service from Stranraer to Belfast, Ireland takes about two hours and crosses the sea of Ireland. The close location makes it the main Irish ferry port in Scotland.
A must visit attraction is the Castle of St. John. Built around 1500, the castle is actually a medieval tower house. Over the years it has served as a home, a prison, a military garrison, and a court. In the late 1980s it was refurbished and now is a museum. The view from the roof is magnificent.
Walking is easy to do in this town. One of the best places to take a walk is the Castle Kennedy Gardens. Uniquely located between 2 lochs, the climate in the gardens is like no other found in the United Kingdom. These gardens have many beautiful plants and flowers, but are mostly well known for the azaleas, rhododendrons and embothriums.
Agnew Park is another lovely place to saunter. It is a great place for families, with something for every member. There is a miniature railway running around the park and a miniature race track for young ones to motor around. There is an 18 hole putting green for those who come to Scotland to play a bit of golf. A bench on the waterfront can be a great vantage point to watch the ferries leave for Ireland.
On one of the rainy days a visit to the Ryan Leisure Centre can give an outlet for the rainy day blues. A full scale leisure center, Ryan offers something for everyone. There is a full sized competition pool and courts for badminton and other sports. There is a movie theater and a theater shows live shows as well.
Being located on the water means plenty of beaches both in Stranraer as well as surrounding areas. Yacht clubs offer sailing and there is a beach that will appeal to most, whether you are seeking sandy stretches or pebbly, rocky coastline.
Finding a place to stay at a lovely bed and breakfast in Stranraer can be a great adventure. There are many lovely places to chose from and something that will fit any budget. Prices range from $25 to $95. Quaint houses and lovely waterfront views make choosing accommodations a difficult choice.
Traveling to Scotland is a wonderful experience. Adding Stranraer - Dumfries and Galloway to the itinerary would be a wonderful choice. A beautiful waterfront town with something for everyone is always a great place to visit.
