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A Town That Comes Alive: The Wigtown Book Festival

Just a short drive from Westview Cottage sits Wigtown, officially Scotland's National Book Town, and every autumn it puts on one of the most wonderful literary festivals in the country. I've been along myself, and honestly, it's one of my favourite things about this part of the world.

Stranraer Oyster Festival - Credit Pete Robinson

A September Treat on Our Doorstep: The Stranraer Oyster Festival

If you're planning a September getaway to Westview Cottage, we want to let you in on something special happening just along the coast from us. Every year, the town of Stranraer, about half an hour's drive from Port William, throws open its doors for the Stranraer Oyster Festival,

Itinerary 5: Portpatrick and Castle Kennedy

A full day out on the Rhins peninsula, starting at the pretty harbour village of Portpatrick, a clifftop walk to the ruins of Dunskey Castle, then an afternoon among the rhododendrons and lochs of Castle Kennedy Gardens. One of our favourite loops from Westview Cottage.

Itinerary 4: Castle Douglas and Threave Garden

A full day out taking in Kirkcudbright's artists' town, the National Trust's Threave Garden and Nature Reserve, and Castle Douglas, Scotland's Food Town. Plus a walk round Carlingwark Loch if you fancy stretching your legs. One of our favourite days from Westview Cottage.

Itinerary 3: Distillery and Garden Tour

A full day exploring the best of Galloway's distilleries and gardens. Start with a tour and tasting at Bladnoch, one of Scotland's oldest whisky distilleries, then head to Galloway Distillery (co-owned by Outlander's Sam Heughan) for gin and vodka, before finishing at the peaceful Glenwhan Gardens for tea and cake. One of our favourite days out from Westview Cottage.

Iron Age roundhouse at the Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre, Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway

Itinerary 2: A Historic Day Out from Westview Cottage

Just 9 miles from Westview Cottage sits one of the most historically significant places in the whole of Scotland. Whithorn is the cradle of Christianity in Scotland, where St Ninian founded the first Christian church in 397AD. From a 5th century pilgrimage cave to a reconstructed Iron Age roundhouse, a beautiful harbour pub and a Georgian market town, this is a day out that will stay with you long after you get home.

Starfish at Port Logan Fish Pond, Dumfries and Galloway, near Westview Cottage Port William

Itinerary 1: A Coastal Adventure Day Out from Westview Cottage

Just along the coast from Westview Cottage sits one of the most unique attractions in Scotland. Port Logan Fish Pond is a 200 year old natural marine fish larder where you can get up close with lobsters, rays, starfish and all sorts of amazing sea life. This is one of our favourite stops on our Coastal Adventure day out and it never fails to impress. Here is our full itinerary for the perfect day on the Galloway peninsula.

AI mock up of how the pub will look eventually!

From Derelict Cottage to Dream Pub: The Story of Westview Cottage and the Maxwell Tavern

From a derelict seafront cottage lovingly renovated in 2021 to the dream of opening Port William's first pub in years, this is the story of how Westview Cottage and the Maxwell Tavern came to be, and why this little village on the Luce Bay coast means everything to our family.

A Day Trip to Belfast from Westview Cottage: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know Belfast is less than an hour from Westview Cottage? Here is our honest guide to doing a brilliant day trip by Stena Line ferry from Cairnryan, including the Titanic Museum, Umbrella Street and the taxi tip that could save your day!ow encounters and chocolate making, here is our honest family guide to the very best things to do with kids near Westview Cottage in Port William, Dumfries and Galloway.

Family fun at Port William harbour, Dumfries and Galloway

Things to Do with Kids Near Westview Cottage, Port William: Our Family Guide

From crabbing at the harbour to Highland cow encounters and chocolate making, here is our honest family guide to the very best things to do with kids near Westview Cottage in Port William, Dumfries and Galloway.

Things to Do Near Westview Cottage, Port William: Your Complete Guide to Dumfries and Galloway

From stunning beaches and whisky distilleries to wildlife spotting and Scotland's National Book Town, here is our personal guide to the very best things to do near Westview Cottage in Port William.