Holiday rentals in Kirkcudbright

Located on the Dumfries and Galloway coast at the mouth of the River Dee, Kirkcudbright (pronounced kir–coo–bree) is known as Scotland’s art town, a popular destination for creatives as well as cyclists, equestrians, golfers, hikers, and anglers. The lifeblood of this coastal community is the harbour and the countless tiny scenes that play out around it: boats rocking in the waves as fishermen unfurl their nets, seagulls swoop overhead, swans glide past castles, and cattle graze on the hills beyond. Kirkcudbright’s white-washed stone cottages and shops have hosted artists and crafters for centuries, while the region is a place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the land, water, and even the sky at the local planetarium. Festivals and local markets are plentiful in Kirkcudbright, as well as cafés, tearooms, pubs, and restaurants.

In Kirkcudbright, the winters are long, cold, and wet. Summers are mild but warm, a good season to book your accommodation in Kirkcudbright. During the summer, the Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival draws international crowds, and the Galloway Children’s Festival features a day of music, games, face painting, and crafts. July sees the Riding of the Marches, a traditional parade that celebrates the founding of the town as a Royal Burgh in 1455. Rain is a strong possibility no matter the season, so always pack a waterproof layer. Autumn is a good time to visit Kirkcudbright because of the mild weather and the stunning display of autumnal foliage.

Galloway Activity Centre and Galloway Forest Park

Located 30 minutes away on the banks of Loch Ken, the Galloway Activity Centre is a veritable playground for anyone who enjoys outdoor fun. Some of the instructor-led activities on offer include kayaking, windsurfing, archery, and sailing. Galloway Forest Park, 40 minutes away, is renowned for its exceptionally dark night skies and low light pollution. If you visit in the winter, you might get to see the Northern Lights.

Castle crawl

Kirkcudbright is close to many historic structures, such as the 12th-century Dundrennan Abbey; the ruined Orchardton Tower in Castle Douglas, which is one of the only round free-standing towers in Scotland; and Cardoness Castle, with one of the few surviving pit prisons in the country. From its battlements here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Water of Fleet river and the Solway Firth.

Broughton House & Garden

Broughton House and Garden sits in the centre of Kirkcudbright, featuring a Japanese-inspired garden extending down to the River Dee. This Edwardian home of a prolific artist and collector contains one of the world’s largest collections of works by and about Scotland’s most beloved poet, along with rare books and photographs, the former owner’s studio, and a towering stone fireplace framed by an ornate marble frieze. Visit in springtime for the best display of wisteria.