Guidebook for Creetown
Food Scene
Now called Meena's Fine Indian Cuisine. Refitted out to great standard. Very good Indian food. In fact we often have a Creetown Curry Club Night at the cottage, and they typically deliver from Newton Stewart for just £5 . Facebook Creetown Curry Club for Pics.
Little India Cuisine
9 Victoria StreetNow called Meena's Fine Indian Cuisine. Refitted out to great standard. Very good Indian food. In fact we often have a Creetown Curry Club Night at the cottage, and they typically deliver from Newton Stewart for just £5 . Facebook Creetown Curry Club for Pics.
GREAT PLACE TO EAT LOCALLY. Sharon ,chef owner , delivers excellent food at keen price point,her team look after you very well. Advisable to book especially in peak season , typically has reduced hours over winter so possibl shut on the Monday or Tuesday.
But they are on facebook so by all means contact them if in doubt. Fires roaring inside in winter . We do have their menu in studio to view. They also will do a takeout option too on their menu if you fancy good food binge while watching Netflix !! Outside beer garden overlooking Castle Cary Caravan Park / Coast. About a 15-18 minute walk from Ivy Bank Studio.
Telephone 01671 820 361
Opening times Tue 5–11pm; Wed–Sun noon–11pm. Closed Mon.
Food served Wed–Sun noon–2pm, 5–9pm. Closed Mon.
Lairds Inn
GREAT PLACE TO EAT LOCALLY. Sharon ,chef owner , delivers excellent food at keen price point,her team look after you very well. Advisable to book especially in peak season , typically has reduced hours over winter so possibl shut on the Monday or Tuesday.
But they are on facebook so by all means contact them if in doubt. Fires roaring inside in winter . We do have their menu in studio to view. They also will do a takeout option too on their menu if you fancy good food binge while watching Netflix !! Outside beer garden overlooking Castle Cary Caravan Park / Coast. About a 15-18 minute walk from Ivy Bank Studio.
Telephone 01671 820 361
Opening times Tue 5–11pm; Wed–Sun noon–11pm. Closed Mon.
Food served Wed–Sun noon–2pm, 5–9pm. Closed Mon.
Now called the Rainbow . Food is just as great, if not slightly better since new owners . Great wee Asian restaurant . Food is excellent , service is very friendly relaxed, often fun & efficient. A popular place for sure. Eat in or takeaway.
Probably best to book during busy periods. Number below. They'll also take telephone orders for those who want to collect a takeaway. Menu in Studio.
Rainbow Menu also in studio room. ( Chicken balls with sweet n sour sauce , special chow mein & chicken curry for me... ;) )
Rainbow Chinese Restaurant & Takeaway
39-41 Victoria Street
Newton Stewart
DG8 6NL
01671 403939
Unicorn
41 Victoria StreetNow called the Rainbow . Food is just as great, if not slightly better since new owners . Great wee Asian restaurant . Food is excellent , service is very friendly relaxed, often fun & efficient. A popular place for sure. Eat in or takeaway.
Probably best to book during busy periods. Number below. They'll also take telephone orders for those who want to collect a takeaway. Menu in Studio.
Rainbow Menu also in studio room. ( Chicken balls with sweet n sour sauce , special chow mein & chicken curry for me... ;) )
Rainbow Chinese Restaurant & Takeaway
39-41 Victoria Street
Newton Stewart
DG8 6NL
01671 403939
The Knights Restaurant, in the Crown Hotel, has securely established itself, locally, as a popular, relaxed eatery.
Our dedicated Chefs create wonderfully tasty, high quality meals. Our menus (including gluten free) offer guests everything from pasta to steaks, burgers to fajitas along with more traditional fare. And our friendly waitressing staff are always on hand to ensure that your meal goes smoothly.
Every Sunday, The Crown Hotel, also hosts a top notch carvery from 12:00pm to 2:30/3.00pm.
Evening Restaurant Menu
Lunchtime Bar Menu
Gluten Free Menu
Children’s Menu
Knights Restaurant Serving Times
AfternoonsMon- Sat12:00pm – 3:00pm
EveningsMon – Sat5:30pm – 8:30pm (9pm peak seas
6 locals recommend
The Crown Hotel
102 Wigtown Rd
The Knights Restaurant, in the Crown Hotel, has securely established itself, locally, as a popular, relaxed eatery.
Our dedicated Chefs create wonderfully tasty, high quality meals. Our menus (including gluten free) offer guests everything from pasta to steaks, burgers to fajitas along with more traditional fare. And our friendly waitressing staff are always on hand to ensure that your meal goes smoothly.
Every Sunday, The Crown Hotel, also hosts a top notch carvery from 12:00pm to 2:30/3.00pm.
Evening Restaurant Menu
Lunchtime Bar Menu
Gluten Free Menu
Children’s Menu
Knights Restaurant Serving Times
AfternoonsMon- Sat12:00pm – 3:00pm
EveningsMon – Sat5:30pm – 8:30pm (9pm peak seas
Specialising in local fish and smoked produce from Galloway Smokehouse, we offer an exciting range of meat, fish and shellfish. Great views over Wigtown Bay!
We often cycle down the cycle path, pick up some local smoked cheeses to go with a nice wine. Great selection of other cottage industry foods inside too. Look out for local venison in the shop too, chutneys, hot sauces,snacks & treats etc.
Fairly new SEASONAL Restaurant *The Galloway Fisherman Cafe attached next door too, good reviews. ( *The cafe is open summer season only , Smokehouse all year )
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY- Coffee & Breakfast Rolls from 10:00 hrs Full Menu from 12:00 - 18:00 hrs Close by 19:00 hrs
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY - Coffee & Breakfast Rolls from 10:00 hrs Full Menu from 12:00 - 20:00 hrs Close by 21:00 hrs
SUNDAY
Coffee & Breakfast Rolls from 10:00 hrs - Full Menu from 12:00 - 18:00 hrs Close by 19:0
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY - Coffee & Breakfast Rolls from 10:00 hrs Full Menu from 12:00 - 20:00 hrs Close by 21:00 hrs
CLOSED MONDAYS (except Bank Holidays when we operate Sunday opening hours)
8 locals recommend
Galloway Smokehouse
Specialising in local fish and smoked produce from Galloway Smokehouse, we offer an exciting range of meat, fish and shellfish. Great views over Wigtown Bay!
We often cycle down the cycle path, pick up some local smoked cheeses to go with a nice wine. Great selection of other cottage industry foods inside too. Look out for local venison in the shop too, chutneys, hot sauces,snacks & treats etc.
Fairly new SEASONAL Restaurant *The Galloway Fisherman Cafe attached next door too, good reviews. ( *The cafe is open summer season only , Smokehouse all year )
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY- Coffee & Breakfast Rolls from 10:00 hrs Full Menu from 12:00 - 18:00 hrs Close by 19:00 hrs
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY - Coffee & Breakfast Rolls from 10:00 hrs Full Menu from 12:00 - 20:00 hrs Close by 21:00 hrs
SUNDAY
Coffee & Breakfast Rolls from 10:00 hrs - Full Menu from 12:00 - 18:00 hrs Close by 19:0
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY - Coffee & Breakfast Rolls from 10:00 hrs Full Menu from 12:00 - 20:00 hrs Close by 21:00 hrs
CLOSED MONDAYS (except Bank Holidays when we operate Sunday opening hours)
Featured in Channel 4 TV's "Dolce Vito Dream Restaurant" Vincent's incredible smoked salmon was the most sought after product in Vito's quest for Britain's Finest produce.
Our speciality café / bistro serves ‘out of the ordinary' luxury light bites, so be prepared for something quite unique.
Our menu changes according to season, but, of course, at all times features dishes prepared from Marrbury Smoked Foods.
In summer, you will find delicious sandwiches and wraps with freshly prepared home deli salads as well as our amazing "Smoked N'Battered" "posh chip shop" style menu. We have amazing brunches such as smoked salmon eggs benedict, as well as simple toasties such as smoked chicken.
Marrbury Smokehouse
Featured in Channel 4 TV's "Dolce Vito Dream Restaurant" Vincent's incredible smoked salmon was the most sought after product in Vito's quest for Britain's Finest produce.
Our speciality café / bistro serves ‘out of the ordinary' luxury light bites, so be prepared for something quite unique.
Our menu changes according to season, but, of course, at all times features dishes prepared from Marrbury Smoked Foods.
In summer, you will find delicious sandwiches and wraps with freshly prepared home deli salads as well as our amazing "Smoked N'Battered" "posh chip shop" style menu. We have amazing brunches such as smoked salmon eggs benedict, as well as simple toasties such as smoked chicken.
Essentials
Excellent corner shop (Open 7 days per week ) in heart of Creetown run by Bob and Bridged, ( and staff ) . They stock an excellent range of convenience groceries ,snacks , off license for beers and wines and of course, a few Whiskies etc.
They also have a fresh coffee machine and a cash machine inside the shop too.
Newspapers and magazines also.
National lottery on premises in case you've forgot to get your ticket on travels !! :)
Opening hours;
Mon-Saturday 07:00-20:00
Sunday's 08:00-20:00
Creetown stores
79 St John StExcellent corner shop (Open 7 days per week ) in heart of Creetown run by Bob and Bridged, ( and staff ) . They stock an excellent range of convenience groceries ,snacks , off license for beers and wines and of course, a few Whiskies etc.
They also have a fresh coffee machine and a cash machine inside the shop too.
Newspapers and magazines also.
National lottery on premises in case you've forgot to get your ticket on travels !! :)
Opening hours;
Mon-Saturday 07:00-20:00
Sunday's 08:00-20:00
Entertainment & Activities
A charming small theatre which recently celebrated its 80th year. Usually open Wednesday's to Sunday's . A non profit community resource run by a voluntary board of directors which relies on audience support for all events.
Quaint old-school movie house , worth catching a show.
Website www.nscinema.co.uk
8 locals recommend
Newton Stewart Cinema
35 Victoria StA charming small theatre which recently celebrated its 80th year. Usually open Wednesday's to Sunday's . A non profit community resource run by a voluntary board of directors which relies on audience support for all events.
Quaint old-school movie house , worth catching a show.
Website www.nscinema.co.uk
Try mountain balling , the thrill of rolling down hillsides is a giant inflatable globe, or take in spectacular views as you glide across the UK’s longest zip wire which spans 820 m.
Explore on an off-road Segway tour get to grips with unique activities such as mountain boarding and grass sledging. Learn how to wield a bow and arrow like Merida – the heroine of Disney • Pixar’s Brave – and try your hand at archery, or experience the joys of a traditional country sport like clay pigeon shooting.
You can even get behind the wheel of a reverse wheel jeep and attempt to navigate a twisting track blindfolded while following directions from your passengers!
Basecamp Cafe too. 9-5 Sea views.
25 locals recommend
Laggan Outdoor
Try mountain balling , the thrill of rolling down hillsides is a giant inflatable globe, or take in spectacular views as you glide across the UK’s longest zip wire which spans 820 m.
Explore on an off-road Segway tour get to grips with unique activities such as mountain boarding and grass sledging. Learn how to wield a bow and arrow like Merida – the heroine of Disney • Pixar’s Brave – and try your hand at archery, or experience the joys of a traditional country sport like clay pigeon shooting.
You can even get behind the wheel of a reverse wheel jeep and attempt to navigate a twisting track blindfolded while following directions from your passengers!
Basecamp Cafe too. 9-5 Sea views.
Everything Else
Located directly behind Ivy Bank Studio. World famous Gemstone Museum with an excellent tearoom/cafe . " THE PROSPECTOR’S PANTRY TEAROOM " serving a range of cafe foods, sandwiches, soups, homemade cakes, teas and coffees.
Opening Times : Mon- Sun 9.30a.m - 5.30p.m.
14 locals recommend
Creetown Gem Rock Museum
Chain RoadLocated directly behind Ivy Bank Studio. World famous Gemstone Museum with an excellent tearoom/cafe . " THE PROSPECTOR’S PANTRY TEAROOM " serving a range of cafe foods, sandwiches, soups, homemade cakes, teas and coffees.
Opening Times : Mon- Sun 9.30a.m - 5.30p.m.
Drinks & Nightlife
The local pub, where the bar scene from the original film ' The Wickerman ' , starring Edward Woodward and Britt Eckland was filmed. ( Film scene photos still up on the wall inside pub behind pool table ) Good for a pint and a relax, a wee dram, game of pool, and they serve simple bar food taking food orders till 8 PM.
Ellangowan Hotel
Saint John StreetThe local pub, where the bar scene from the original film ' The Wickerman ' , starring Edward Woodward and Britt Eckland was filmed. ( Film scene photos still up on the wall inside pub behind pool table ) Good for a pint and a relax, a wee dram, game of pool, and they serve simple bar food taking food orders till 8 PM.
Parks & Nature
A superb local sandy beach. Safe water standards for swimming. Worth a visit. We can supply a beach blanket / bag if you need. Car park 50 metres from beach.
14 min (8.0 miles) via A75
Fastest route, the usual traffic
This route has restricted usage or includes private roads.
Your location
Take St John St and Park Cres to A75
3 min (0.7 mi)
Turn left onto A75
8 min (6.5 mi)
Turn Right over Farm Cattle grid entrance. Drive to your destination through farm access follow sign to beach.
3 min (0.8 mi)
Mossyard bay
10 locals recommend
Mossyard Beach
A superb local sandy beach. Safe water standards for swimming. Worth a visit. We can supply a beach blanket / bag if you need. Car park 50 metres from beach.
14 min (8.0 miles) via A75
Fastest route, the usual traffic
This route has restricted usage or includes private roads.
Your location
Take St John St and Park Cres to A75
3 min (0.7 mi)
Turn left onto A75
8 min (6.5 mi)
Turn Right over Farm Cattle grid entrance. Drive to your destination through farm access follow sign to beach.
3 min (0.8 mi)
Mossyard bay
Great forest walks for all abilities, cafe , If you fancy a gentle stroll, wander to the Wild Watch Hide and spot red squirrels and woodland birds, or meander to picturesque Bruntis Loch for a picnic. Kirroughtree is one of the world-renowned 7stanes mountain biking trail centres.
There’s a trail suitable for everyone here, from gentle family routes on forest roads to technically challenging singletrack.
29 locals recommend
Kirroughtree Forest Visitor Centre
Forest DriveGreat forest walks for all abilities, cafe , If you fancy a gentle stroll, wander to the Wild Watch Hide and spot red squirrels and woodland birds, or meander to picturesque Bruntis Loch for a picnic. Kirroughtree is one of the world-renowned 7stanes mountain biking trail centres.
There’s a trail suitable for everyone here, from gentle family routes on forest roads to technically challenging singletrack.
Sightseeing
Wander the lonely resting place of a mythical Scottish king at this pair of Neolithic burial monuments.
The two cairns of Cairn Holy are an impressive survival, particularly Cairnholy I with its concave façade of tall pillar stones. Their landscape position is equally impressive, situated on a hill offering fine views over Wigtown Bay. Both were built in the 4th millennium BC. They are known as Clyde Cairns, a type of tomb characteristic of southwest Scotland.
Both tombs are now open to the sky – their covering stones were robbed long ago to build field dykes. Cairn Holy I is the more elaborate of the two, while Cairn Holy II is said to be the tomb of the mythical Scottish king Galdus.
7 locals recommend
Cairn Holy Chambered Cairn
Wander the lonely resting place of a mythical Scottish king at this pair of Neolithic burial monuments.
The two cairns of Cairn Holy are an impressive survival, particularly Cairnholy I with its concave façade of tall pillar stones. Their landscape position is equally impressive, situated on a hill offering fine views over Wigtown Bay. Both were built in the 4th millennium BC. They are known as Clyde Cairns, a type of tomb characteristic of southwest Scotland.
Both tombs are now open to the sky – their covering stones were robbed long ago to build field dykes. Cairn Holy I is the more elaborate of the two, while Cairn Holy II is said to be the tomb of the mythical Scottish king Galdus.
Explore the well-preserved ruins of a delightful 16th-century tower house and take a look into the life of Scotland’s landed gentry after the Protestant Reformation of 1560.
Carsluith Castle appears typical of the L-shaped tower houses of its era in Scotland, but it may have a more complicated building history than most, possibly starting out as a simple oblong tower in the mid-1400s.
The lands of Carsluith Castle passed hands several times during the early 1500s. The carved panel above the doorway is now nearly illegible, but was recorded in the 1800s as portraying the Broun arms and the date 1568.
Carsluith Castle
Explore the well-preserved ruins of a delightful 16th-century tower house and take a look into the life of Scotland’s landed gentry after the Protestant Reformation of 1560.
Carsluith Castle appears typical of the L-shaped tower houses of its era in Scotland, but it may have a more complicated building history than most, possibly starting out as a simple oblong tower in the mid-1400s.
The lands of Carsluith Castle passed hands several times during the early 1500s. The carved panel above the doorway is now nearly illegible, but was recorded in the 1800s as portraying the Broun arms and the date 1568.
Learn about the lawlessness of the McCullochs, for whom this six-storey tower house was built. Godfrey was executed for killing John Gordon, to whom the castle passed when the McCullochs lost their money.
What to see and do
Admire the elegant tower house – a well-preserved example of a 15th-century Scottish nobleman’s residence
Spot fine features in the hall in the tower, from the splendid fireplace to a wall cupboard for the family silverware
Shudder at the horror of the pit prison – one of the best surviving in a Scottish tower house castle
Climb up to the battlements and be rewarded with views over the Water of Fleet to the Solway Firth beyond
7 locals recommend
Cardoness Castle
Learn about the lawlessness of the McCullochs, for whom this six-storey tower house was built. Godfrey was executed for killing John Gordon, to whom the castle passed when the McCullochs lost their money.
What to see and do
Admire the elegant tower house – a well-preserved example of a 15th-century Scottish nobleman’s residence
Spot fine features in the hall in the tower, from the splendid fireplace to a wall cupboard for the family silverware
Shudder at the horror of the pit prison – one of the best surviving in a Scottish tower house castle
Climb up to the battlements and be rewarded with views over the Water of Fleet to the Solway Firth beyond