Welcome to Newton Stewart in Scotland, the ‘Gateway to the Galloway Hills’ and your next potential holiday hot spot! This cosy town in Dumfries and Galloway is a superb place if you’re interested in outdoors attractions, but there are also plenty of things to do in Newton Stewart!
Newton Stewart was created by founder William Stewart, the son of the Earl of Galloway, in the 17th century. The planned town was briefly called Newton Douglas in the 19th century after the contributions of Sir William Douglas, who brought industrial cotton mills to the city.
Today, with a picturesque setting on the west bank of the River Cree, Newton Stewart has a lot to show off for any holiday-goers wanting to explore Dumfries and Galloway.
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Things to Do in Newton Stewart
The small market town of Newton Stewart is packed with things to do on your holiday!
Newton Stewart is remarkably close to Galloway Forest Park, meaning a wondrous walk through Scotland’s natural landscapes is always at your fingertips. Museums and distilleries also let you in on the history and tastes of Scotland.
Have we piqued your interest? Read on to see our guide for the top things to do in Newton Stewart.
The Newton Stewart House Museum
The Newton Stewart House Museum is a fascinating gem with hundreds of outstanding exhibits and artefacts for you to uncover – found near the town’s three primary schools and main street.
The local museum is run by volunteers and is easily accessed by following signs from the main street. There’s no better place to dive into the history of Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway, and Scotland than this fantastic attraction.
Crafty Distillery
Situated on the south end of Newton Stewart, Crafty Distillery presents visitors with a sublime taste of Lowland single malt whisky.
Crafty Distillery has been heavily awarded for its excellent whisky blend, so make sure to give it a taste when you visit. The distillery has refined furnishings and state-of-the-art processes – all viewable when you tour the distillery.
Kirroughtree Forest
Kirroughtree has visitor centres that provide a gateway to the Galloway Forest Park, with plenty of services and the latest advice for hill walkers, mountain bikers, and explorers.
Venture into Kirroughtree Forest proper, and you’ll have the opportunity to see the very best of Scotland’s wildlife! With stunning views of the River Cree, you won’t want to miss out on this attraction.
Cairnsmore of Fleet
The Cairnsmore of Fleet is a great starting mountain to ascend amidst the moorlands of the Galloway Hills.
There are several trails that lead up to its summit, perfect for hikers of any skill level. If you’re looking for a not-too-stressful hike with gorgeous views, check out this attraction just east of Newton Stewart.
Galloway House Gardens
Situated just south of Newton Stewart, the beautiful Galloway House Gardens are a seaside garden with a great history.
Dating back to 1740, the flora is set within an expansive 50-acre and is just waiting to be explored! Taking a stroll through the woodland paths with exotic flowers and shady trees provides a lovely afternoon away from busy roads.
Visit the Gem Rock Museum
Keen to see an abundance of valuable gems and stones? A stop by the Gem Rock Museum in Creetown will delight you!
The museum has a fine collection of gemstones from all over Britain, some extremely rare and precious. You can also see a 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite, a fossilised dinosaur egg, and one of the largest nuggets of gold in the UK!
Torhouse Stone Circle
As you explore the region west of Newton Stewart, take some time and see the magnificent Torhouse Stone Circle.
The series of stones sit amidst a field of cattle, so you’ll have some company when viewing these stones that date back to over 4000 years ago! Budding historians will also appreciate the site’s plaque that offers excellent information about the circle’s origins.
Wood of Cree
Delve into the largest ancient woodland in southern Scotland, a natural wonderland that will entice and excite any outdoorsy individual.
The wood is delightful at all times of the year, but in Spring, the landscape comes alive with bluebells and the sound of fledgling warblers in the air.
The Wood of Cree is right near Newton Stewart, a perfect place to embrace Scottish nature and wildlife.
Wild Goat Park
Within Galloway Forest Park sits the quaint Wild Goat Park, a great place to have a close encounter with the wild goats of Galloway!
You can bring family and friends to have a picnic overlooking the beautiful forest park, with the wild goats in the distance – it sounds like paradise!
Other Things To Do in Dumfries & Galloway
- Things to do in Castle Douglas
- Things to do in Dalbeattie
- Things to do in Dumfries
- Things to do in Gretna
- Things to do in Kirkcudbright
- Things to do in Lockerbie
- Things to do in Moffat
- Things to do in Stranraer
