Best Beach Camping Near Portpatrick 2024

United Kingdom
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Scotland
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Galloway
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Portpatrick

100% (1 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Portpatrick

5 top beach campsites near Portpatrick

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(19)

Camping at Cardewlees

37 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Carlisle, England

A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall

Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

47 units · Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Millom, England

Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep

Runach Arainn Glamping

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

2 units · Glamping8 acres · Scotland

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

Broom Fisheries Campsite

4 units · Glamping200 acres · Dumfries, South Scotland

Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes

Beach camping near Portpatrick guide

Overview

Lying on the western shore of the Rhins of Galloway a rugged peninsula that is a favourite of walkers and wildlife watchers. Portpatrick is one of the most popular coastal resort towns in southwest Scotland.The town is much-loved for its pretty harbour, around which pastel-coloured buildings are clustered, backed by steep cliffs. From Portpatrick Harbour, sea fishing cruises and sightseeing and nature spotting boat trips regularly depart. The Southern Upland Way, a 212-mile (344-kilometre) coast-to-coast walking route starts here, too, and runs all the way to Cocksburnspath on the east coast.

Where to go

Around Town

Staying in town puts you within easy reach of the restaurants, shops and other amenities. There are also several good walks you can do without having to go too far, such as the cliffside walk to Dunskey Castle, just south of the town centre. Overlooking the Irish Sea, Sunnymeade Caravan Park has grass and hardstanding pitches, as well as a glamping bell tent.

Kirkholm

A 15-minute drive north of Portpatrick, Kirkholm lies on the western bank of Loch Ryan, on the northern tip of the Rhins of Galloway peninsula. The village is home to an attractive lighthouse, built by Robert Stevenson, the views from which take in the distinctive shape of Ailsa Craig offshore. The small and secluded site at North Rhinns Camping has pitches for tents and small campervans.

Stranraer

A 15-minute drive east of Portpatrick, Stranraer sits at the head of Loch Ryan and has an attractive town centre dominated by the Castle of St. John, a ruined four-story tower house, dating from around 1500. Close to the town centre, Aird Donald Caravan Park has pitches for tents and tourers.

When to go

For your best chance of good weather, and taking advantage of the extended hours of daylight, visiting from May to September is your best bet. The height of summer does bring crowds and booked-up sites, however. Visiting in April or October can be a good alternative to peak season: the crowds will have gone but the weather should still be mild. Winter can often bring storms and disrupted travel plans, and many businesses are closed.

Know before you go

Wild camping is possible throughout Scotland, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Local buses can get you around most places of interest, but having your own transportation is preferable. The closest railway station is in Stranraer and has direct links to Glasgow.
There are a couple of groceries in Portpatrick but Stranraer offers more options.