The Blog: See & Do

Dog Walks on Ross Bay Peninsular

5* Dog Friendly Holidays in South West Scotland

We are on our way back to Ross Bay Retreat for our holidays. Our owners have been talking about it for a while and they have been very excited about returning. We went last year too, it was such fun and we love it there. The talk in the car is all about what cake

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GSAB UNESCO Trail cliff walkers at Borgue

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere & Ross Bay Retreat

Ross Bay Retreat sits within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, a region that is internationally recognised as a world class environment for people and nature.  One of a global network of more than 700 UNESCO Biospheres, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire was the first to be designated in Scotland and celebrated its 10th anniversary

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Sunset at Ross Bay

What do Guests Love Most About Visiting Ross Bay Retreat?

So many of our guests have been to Ross Bay return year after year, some guests over 12-15 times. It is lovely  to welcome new guests so they too can enjoy the full Ross Bay holiday experience and hopefully return like the migrating birds every year. We know why we love it here but what

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Loch Ken - Galloway Forest Park

Guide to the Wild Side of Southern Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway has often been regarded as the ‘most overlooked part of Scotland’ as many head further north to the Highlands and Islands. However visitors can enjoy some of the best kept secrets and charms that it boasts. Ideal for those who fancy something on the wild side different. And without the crowds. Galloway

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Woodland red squirrel

6 Great Wildlife & Nature Areas around Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway is beautiful and offers a variety of habitats that host rich wildlife, birdlife, flora, fauna and nature. These habitats include mountains, moorland, lochs, marshlands, woodlands, forests, rivers, coastal, and farmland. From starling murmurations, wild deer, red kites hunting, nesting wildfowl, natterjack toads to otters fishing in the River Dee. There is so

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Ross Bay - Local Area Interactive Map

Interactive Guest Map of the Local Area for Ross Bay Retreat

We are delighted to share with you our ‘Guest Guide & Interactive Map’. This informative guide map of the southern area of Dumfries & Galloway helps bring the area to life. It showcases where everything can be found in relation to our holiday cottages and designed to help inspire guests with ideas and make their

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Red Deer

5 Great Outdoor Adventures in & around Kirkcudbright for Wildlife Lovers

For those who love the great outdoors and wildlife, the whole area around Ross Bay and Kirkcudbright is a wonderful playground for the wildlife lovers. The diverse countryside and favourable weather systems ensures the land hosts an abundance of wildlife, birdlife, flora and fauna all along our coastline, in and around the woodlands, forestry and

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kayaking

6 Great Outdoor Activities in & around Kirkcudbright for the Adventurous

With a wonderful coastline, incredible countryside, forestry, woodlands and quiet lanes there are a host of outdoor adventures and activities for all to enjoy. It is all set within the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, which follows the rivers that flow out of the Galloway Hills, through forests and farmland, historic villages and towns,

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Kirkcudbright Artists

8 Great Places to Visit & Experience in & around Ross Bay & Kirkcudbright

Looking to do something a little different on holiday? There are so many wonderful places to visit when you are staying on holiday at Ross Bay Retreat in and around Kirkcudbright. Explore some of our fascinating towns, pretty villages, local historic sights, cultural and fun activities. Below are eight great places to visit, explore, experience

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Ross Bay Retreat Sea Views

Guest Reviews of 2022 from Ross Bay Retreat

As we enter a brand new year we have had a chance to reflect on another wonderful year here at Ross Bay Retreat. We were at last, able to welcome back and see many of those who had to defer their holidays during the Covid pandemic. We take great pride in ensuring that all our

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Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience Award of Excellence BLK ProudSupporter biosphere Green Tourism logo Galloway and southern Ayrshire biosphere Good To Go Scottish Agritourism

We also have a...

We also have a Country Escape
in Yorkshire

Overdale Cottage is a cosy pet friendly cottage in the charming village of Harome, 3 miles from the Helmsley on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.

Visit the Helmsley Hideaway website >

Coast and Country Escape in one,
South West Scotland

Destination Balcary is a self catering holiday house in Dumfries and Galloway, with breathtaking scenery when you wish to stay in a place like no other...

Visit the Destination Balcary website >