Mull of Galloway

© VisitScotland / Cutmedia

South West Scotland for Families

With farm parks, castles, wildlife and a raft of mind-boggling outdoor adventure activities to try, Dumfries & Galloway and Ayrshire in the south west of Scotland are amongst some of the best places for a family holiday in Scotland.

This itinerary takes Gatehouse of Fleet as your starting point and suggests a range of fantastic days out that are all within easy travelling distance (no drive is longer than 1 hour 35 minutes). Choose the family holiday ideas you like best or pack in as many attractions and activities as you can.

Start / Finish
Gatehouse-of-Fleet / Glencaple
  • Days
    7
  • Distance
    216.8 Miles

    346.88 km
  • Transport
    Car
  • Main theme
    Families
Highlights
Wild goats in Galloway Forest Park
Castles
Farm parks
Pottery-making
Pony-trekking
Adventure activities
Areas covered
South
West

Day 1 A fun family day out in Galloway

Transport:
Car

Kickstart your family holiday on a day out packed with fantastic family attractions. Day one takes you to Cream o' Galloway, a huge farm adventure park, and Brighouse Bay, a beautiful beach complete with rock pools and a nearby riding centre.

  • Cream O'Galloway Gatehouse-of-Fleet

    Triple Scoop Ice Cream Sundae at Cream o' Galloway

    It would be easy to spend a whole day at Cream o' Galloway. Your kids will have a ball exploring this vast attraction, with its visitor centre, beautiful walks and nature trails.

    This is a great stop for lunch too. Make sure to sample some of the luxurious cheese and ice cream that is produced on this family farm.

    • Travel time - by car from Gatehouse of Fleet: around 10 minutes
    • Opening - Seasonal
    • Café - Yes
    • Toilet facilities - Yes
    Find out more about Cream O'Galloway
    Rainton, Gatehouse-of-Fleet, DG7 2DR
    Key facilities
    • WiFi
    • Vegetarian/Vegan
    • Level access to dining room, cafe or restaurant
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • Parking
  • Brighouse Bay Kirkcudbright

    Brighouse Bay

    Get your kids out amongst nature at the beach at Brighouse Bay. Spend time looking for sea creatures in the rock pools and building castles on the soft sand – remember your bucket and spade!

    This is also your family’s first chance to try pony trekking (you’ll get another chance on day three too). Book a trek at Brighouse Bay Trekking and Riding Centre, which is next to the beach.

    • Travel time – by car from Cream o’ Galloway: around 25 minutes
    • Opening – All year
    • Café - No
    • Toilet facilities – No
    Find out more about Brighouse Bay
    Kirkcudbright

Day 2 Adrenaline-filled fun, plus make your own pottery

Transport:
Car

On day two you and your family can enjoy the thrills of mountain biking at Kirroughtree 7stanes mountain biking centre. Alternatively, for something a little less high energy and a lot more creative, stop off at The Wee Pottery Kirkcudbright to hand-make your own souvenirs.

  • The Wee Pottery Kirkcudbright Kirkcudbright

    Police close, Kirkcudbright

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Unleash your creative streak and spend some chilled out time as a family creating your own unique souvenirs to take home. Select your favourite item from a range of figurines and ceramics, including coasters, egg cups, piggy banks and plates.

    This is a good activity to try towards the start of your holiday as many of the pieces you can choose from need to be left at the pottery to be glazed and fired. They’ll be ready to pick up within 3 – 4 days (some pieces can be taken away on the day too – just ask).

    • Travel time – by car from Gatehouse of Fleet around 20 minutes
    • Opening – Please check opening
    Find out more about The Wee Pottery Kirkcudbright
    Time to explore
    2 hours
  • Kirroughtree 7stanes Mountain Biking Centre Newton Stewart

    Kirroughtree 7stanes

    The south of Scotland is famous for its world class 7stanes mountain biking centres. At Kirroughtree, in the lush Galloway Forest Park, you’ll find fun mountain biking trails ranging from green (easy and suitable for the whole family) to black (severe and a real test of your skills).

    You can hire bikes at the Break Pad Bike Shop & Hire which is located beside the visitor centre or from Kirkcowan Cycles in Newton Stewart.

    • Travel time – by car from Mossyard Farm Pottery: around 25 minutes
    • Opening – Please check opening
    • Café – Yes
    • Toilet facilities – Yes
    Find out more about Kirroughtree 7stanes Mountain Biking Centre
    Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, Galloway Forest Park, Newton Stewart, DG8 7BE

Day 3 A pick 'n' mix family day out

Day 4 A day out in the Machars and Rhins of Galloway

Day 5 A family trip to Ayr

Day 6 The Galloway Forest Park, plus adventure activities

Day 7 Your final day of family fun

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