Things to Do Near Westview Cottage, Port William: Your Complete Guide to Dumfries and Galloway
One of the things we love most about Westview Cottage is that it sits right in the middle of one of the most underrated corners of Scotland. Port William is a tiny village, but what surrounds it is genuinely spectacular. We have been coming here for over forty years as a family, and we are still discovering new places.
So here is our honest, personal guide to the best things to do when you stay with us. This is not a list we have copied from a tourist website. This is what we actually tell our guests.
Right on Your Doorstep
Walk out of the front door and you are already somewhere special. Turn right out of the front door and Second Sands beach is just a three minute walk along the road. Access to the beach is down a concrete boat ramp right onto the sand, which makes it really easy to get to the water’s edge. It is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike, perfect for paddling, exploring the shoreline or just sitting and watching the sea. In the summer of 2022 we even managed a proper swim there in the early evening, which tells you everything you need to know about how sheltered and lovely it is.
The harbour is worth a wander too, especially at high tide when you can watch the boats come in. Dean’s cousin Paul is the village fisherman, and there is something magical about watching a working harbour go about its day.
For food and drinks within walking distance, The View café and bar is just down at the port. They serve food and have a bar open late on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for current times.
Beaches Worth the Short Drive
The coastline around Port William is packed with beaches, and most of them are quiet even in summer.
Monreith is the next village along, a couple of miles out of the village past the shop and Allison’s garage. There is a sharp left bend where you can park and sit on a bench with a stunning view, or carry on round and follow the signs down to the beach. On the other side of Monreith, look for the sign for St Medans Golf Club, take that right, and follow the steep twisty road down. You will pass the famous otter sculpture on the right, which is worth stopping for. Carry on past the golf club to reach another wide, open beach.
For something a little more adventurous, drive out to Stairhaven. Head up to Auchenmalg on the A747, pass the Cock Inn and take the first left. Follow the lane to the T junction and turn left down to the coast. The views along this stretch are spectacular, particularly at sunset. Take your binoculars as you regularly spot otters and seabirds from the shore.
Days Out the Whole Family Will Love
Wigtown is just twenty minutes away and is Scotland’s National Book Town. There are wonderful independent bookshops, cafes including the brilliant Café Rendezvous, a Co-Op and a pub. Every Saturday from Easter to October there is a market from 10am to 3pm with local produce, crafts, jewellery and more.
The Galloway Forest Park is a must if you have walkers or nature lovers in your group. It is also one of Europe’s largest Dark Sky Parks, so if you are visiting in autumn or winter the stargazing is extraordinary.
The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse is worth making a day of. It is a bit of a drive but combine it with a stop at the Logan Botanical Gardens and the RSPB nature reserve and café at Gallie Craig and you have a brilliant full day out.
For something more unusual, the Cree Town Gem Rock Museum is a real surprise and the kids love it. Bladnoch Distillery is just fifteen minutes away and does excellent tours and tastings. The Galloway Distillery in Wigtown (previously known as Crafty) is also fantastic for gin and vodka lovers, but you will need to book ahead for a tour.
Bellymack Farm is not to be missed if you are visiting between October and March. The daily red kite feeding is genuinely breathtaking. Loch Ken and the Galloway Activity Centre are also nearby for water sports and outdoor activities.
For families with children, Newton Stewart has a brilliant community cinema on Queen Street that shows films most days from Wednesday to Sunday. It is a proper old fashioned picture house and one of those things you do not expect to find but are really glad you did.
Coastal Villages Worth Exploring
The Isle of Whithorn (different from Whithorn) is a beautiful small port with a sailing club, a pub and the wonderful St Ninians Tearoom. Garlieston is another gem, right on the seafront with great views, a putting green and a lovely pub and café. Portpatrick is further afield but stunning, with views across to Northern Ireland and plenty of places to eat and drink along the harbour.
Kirkcudbright (pronounced ker-coo-bree) is known as the artists town and is worth a full day. Lots of galleries, independent shops and cafes. Nearby Threave Castle and Castle Douglas, Scotland’s Food Town, make a great combined day out.
Golf, Sailing and Swimming
If you fancy a round of golf, St Medans is just a six minute drive away. Wigtown and Bladnoch Golf Club and Wigtownshire County Golf Club at Glenluce are both within twenty minutes. For something different, you can even hire a private heated swimming pool nearby, about twenty minutes from the cottage.
Wigtown Bay Sailing Club and Stranraer Watersports are both options if you fancy getting out on the water.
One More Thing to Look Forward To
We are huge believers in Port William and its future. As well as Westview Cottage, our family is currently renovating the former hardware store in the village into a pub, the Maxwell Tavern. We are hoping to open before the end of 2026, and when we do it will be a proper local pub right in the heart of the village, just a short walk from your front door. Watch this space!
Ready to Book Your Stay?
We hope this gives you a taste of just how much there is to explore. Port William is the kind of place that surprises people. Guests arrive expecting a quiet coastal village and leave absolutely smitten.
If you have any questions about the area or want to know more before you book, just drop us a message at westviewportwilliam@gmail.com or give us a call on 07956 972711. We love talking about this place.
