Places

Enjoy some archive clips of Kirkcudbright then read on to find out more about present-day life in the town.

Things to do

The historic harbour town of Kirkcudbright was granted royal burgh status by King James II. This is celebrated in the annual 'Riding of the Marches' by the Cornets Club each July.

Kirkcudbright Boats

Kirkcudbright celebrated being Artists' Town in 2008 with a host of activities celebrating the artistic heritage and thriving art scene of the town.

The annual Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities include the medieval fayre, the Kirkcudbright jazz festival, Scottish nights and historic walks culminating in the Kirkcudbright Tattoo with  Scottish music and dancing, fireworks and a procession.

If you have any great ideas for things to see and do in the town get in touch.

Get away from it all

A historic building with artistic connections is the 18th century Broughton House. E A Hornel, one of the 'Glasgow Boys' artists lived here from 1901, adding an art gallery and studio. Broughton House also has a Japanese influenced garden open to the public.

Another historic building worth a visit is the well-preserved ruins of the 16th century MacLellan's castle in the centre of the town. See 'below stairs' conditions for the servants as well as trying out the 'laird's lug' - a spy-hole from which the laird could eavesdrop on his guests.

Take a scenic stroll round Kirkcudbright on the old town walk or admire the view from the walk at Senwick shore.

Kirkcudbright has a working harbour and also a marina popular with sailing craft. Pleasure boat trips can be taken from the marina on the tidal river Dee. The River Ken is a popular spot for anglers as well as the nearby Galloway hills lochs - fishing can be arranged via the local angling association.

Guided tours and animal adoption programmes are available at the Galloway Wildlife conservation park, near Kirkcudbright. This wild animal conservation centre has a collection over over 150 animals from all over the world.

For those who prefer to get on their bikes, Kirkcudbright offers a huge variety of road routes for cycling as well as being close to parts of the 7stanes forest cycling project for mountain biking.

Golf with a view is available at the Kirkcudbright golf course that looks over the town and estuary.