Kirkcudbright is pronounced as ‘ker-coo-bree’, it is only 6.5 miles away from Ross Bay Retreat and a great place to visit during your stay.
Visit Kirkcudbright for a friendly and colourful town with pastel painted houses and shop fronts. There is distinctly artistic vibe to it as it has attracted generations of creative artists, painters and craft workers over the years. This has has led to it being called the ‘The Artists’ Town’.
Great to Wander About Sightseeing
There is a bustling fishing harbour, serene marina, old castle ruins on the high street. It is great for a mooch about with a wonderful array of independent and family owned stores. There are some excellent cafes and restaurants to enjoy when it is time to sit down and relax.
Kirkcudbright is known as the gateway to the West and well worth a visit.
Local Attractions Include:
- A lively fishing port & harbour and the hub of activity in the town. The commercial fishing fleet are regularly landing shellfish, principally scallops and ‘queenies’ (queen scallops caught in Isle of Man waters).
- Kirkcudbright Marina – a peaceful haven for yachts, cruisers and boats. It is also lovely to wander round the marina or sit and watch the boating activity and world float by.
- Japanese Garden at Broughton House & Gardens – Jam packed Japan style garden adorned with colourful plants and character. The home of ‘Glasgow Boy’ Hornel sits in a Japanese inspired garden and hosts an impressive collection of art.
- MacLellan Castle – Sir Thomas MacLellan’s tower house residence is an old fortified manor house / castle ruins. It is maintained by Historic Scotland and dates back to the late 15 century and is right in the heart of the town’s high street.
- The Artist’s Town – Artists were all attracted to the town by its light, especially at sunset. Check out the Art & Crafts Trail with over 100 venues and visit one of the many lovely galleries & exhibitions.
- Kirkcudbright Farmers & Producers Market – Largest famers market in the area held monthly with approximately 20-30 stalls. They offer a good variety of locally produced food, drink, art and crafts.
- Visit the Stewartry Museum – A small local history museum near the Selkirk Arms, well thought out with engaging themes and varying exhibitions of the local history.
- The Tollbooth Arts Centre – The Old Tolbooth which dates back itself to 1629, provides visitors with an introduction to the story of the town’s artists’ colony.
Local Interesting Local Facts
- The County town for Dumfries & Galloway.
- Kirkcudbright is at the mouth of the River Dee, 4 miles from the Irish Sea.
- 5 miles upstream from Little Ross Island (just off our peninsula at Ross Bay).
- Between Castle Douglas & Dalbeattie.
- Burial place of Britain’s oldest-ever male, Billy Marshall. He reached 120 years old and it is said it is the fresh sea air and fertile farm lands that leads to longevity.
- The Brolley Parade – The Brolly parade takes place each June and involves a collection of jazz musicians getting together to play which marching in the streets of Kirkcudbright.
- Kirkcudbright is the home of MacLellan Castle Scottish Pâté. It has become famous in the culinary world as the UK’s top branded pâté since it began production back in 1983. They unearth ingredients and flavours unique to Scotland and share them with customers the world over.
- The Origin of the Belted Galloway Cow – a traditional Scottish breed of beef cattle established since 1921. It derives from the Galloway cattle of the Galloway region of south-western Scotland and are hardy to the local windswept pastures and lands.
Enjoy a good day out and fond memories of your visit to Kirkcudbright.
