Bronze otter memorial to author Gavin Maxwell
St Medan Golf Links and beach
Kirkmaiden Church ruins overlooking Monreith Bay
Isle of Whithorn harbour
Wigtown County Buildings and bowling green
Kirroughtree in Galloway Forest Park
Local Attractions in Galloway
Visitors to the park may appreciate numerous activities and attractions, both locally and further a field, to suit a wide variety of tastes, interests, time and weather conditions.
Monreith has safe beaches for swimming, rock pools and caves. Car parking is free at almost all local attractions.
Golf
St. Medan Golf Club, a 2-minute drive or 10-minute walk, is an interesting nine-hole golf links, with beautiful beaches and sea views across Monreith Bay to the Mull of Galloway and Isle of Man. 8 other golf courses are located within 35 miles of the park, providing a variety of challenges to all golfers.
Historic Interest
On the Back Bay is Kirkmaiden Church ruins, one of the oldest churches in Scotland. Situated above the church, overlooking the North and South Bays is the Bronze Otter, a memorial for Gavin Maxwell, author of 'Ring of Bright Water'.
Interesting features of archaeology in and around Monreith include cup and ring marks, stone circles, standing stones and cairns.
Dark Skies
Knock School Caravan Park enjoys clear skies for star gazing. The Galloway forest park has been awarded the Dark Sky status. It is first in the UK and fourth in the world. In time it is hoped to have facilities in the forest park for viewing exciting heavens. Meanwhile the Galloway Astronomy Centre welcomes visitors and is within two miles of Knock.
Wigtown Book Town
Wigtown was established as Scotland's National Book Town in 1997, and accommodates 25 related businesses, including 18 book shops. Various book and town festivals are held in Wigtown annually throughout the summer, including the Scottish Book Town Festival.
Visit www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk for more information.
Gardens
There are an abundance of beautiful gardens to visit in Galloway, including Glenwhan, Castle Kennedy, Dunskey and Logan Botanic Gardens. www.scotlands-garden.org.uk is a directory of Galloway gardens and nurseries.
Galloway Forest Park
Galloway Forest Park, the largest in Britain, offers a variety of outdoor pursuits, including walking and cycling trails, timber sculptures, picnic areas and glorious scenery.
The '7stanes' mountain biking centres at Kirroughtree and Glentrool provide off-road trails for differing abilities. The Forest Park also incorporates a Deer Range, a Goat Park and 3 visitor centres.
Fishing
Galloway offers ample opportunities for sea angling and freshwater fishing, particularly salmon and trout fishing in the rivers Cree and Bladnoch, and surrounding lochs.
Whithorn Trust
Seven miles along the A747 is the historic town of Whithorn, home of Christianity in Scotland, where St Ninian established his church. An archaeological excavation, museum and interpretation centre provide an informative day out for all the family. Visit www.whithorn.com for more information.
Visitor Attractions
Other regional attractions include Newton Stewart Cinema, Creetown Gem Rock Museum, Kirkcudbright Wildlife Park, along with an astronomy centre, various museums, castles and harbours.
Cream o' Galloway
Located east of Newton Stewart along the A75, Cream o' Galloway is a converted farm now producing totally organic natural ice creams and yogurts. The site provides a tea room, activity playground, nature trails, viewing gallery and shop.
Visit www.creamogalloway.co.uk for more information.
Monreith Animal World
Near to Knock School, you can see live otters and a host of other animals and birds, including donkeys, owls, alpacas, ponies, pigs and pheasants on this 12-acre site. Open from March to October. Visit the website.
Sports and Leisure
There are numerous sports and leisure facilities in the region, including the Merrick swimming pool in Newton Stewart and the Ryan Leisure Centre in Stranraer. An all-weather playing field is available in Whithorn, with many children's playgrounds in local villages. Bowling greens are available in Port William and the Isle of Whithorn.
Northern Ireland
Due to the location of the park, day trips to Northern Ireland are easily accessible, through the high speed ferries operated by Stenaline from Stranraer and P&O from Cairnryan.