South West 300 road trip planner
The route takes you from CamperHoliday HQ in Middlewich to Lockerbie, a lovely scenic route up that takes you up through Manchester, the Lake District, and Carlisle – all great places to stop and take a break if need be. From there you'll visit historic places like Kirkcudbright, Mull of Galloway, and Girvan.
As you drive around this historic part of Scotland you'll see landmarks, go on coastal walks with spectacular views, and most importantly make some great memories!
We've done our best to recommend activities for you to get up to, but sometimes the best places are hidden down winding country lanes, off the beaten path. If you want to stop somewhere not on the map then do it - exploring by yourselves is sometimes the best part of your trip!
Keep in mind that the South West 300 is an established route. This connects all of our recommended campsites, and may not be 100% accurate to the original - though we've done our best!
1st Stop - Dumfries
Hoddom Castle 159 miles, 2 hr 43 min
The first stop on your journey is Dumfries, a town nicknamed 'The Queen of the South'. Dumfries is well connected, so it's a great place to explore this region of Scotland from. The town has been a bustling, trading market town since Roman times - there's shops for every taste, so buy some souvenirs!
While you're here, a trip to Galloway Forest Park is a must. The world famous park has so much to offer, from hikes to bike rides to stargazing in the clear night sky.
Another gorgeous place to see is Caerlaverock Castle. It's distinct triangular shape and imposing battlements make this medieval fortress one of Scotland's greatest.
If you're planning to travel in May we highly recommend booking tickets to see the Garden of Cosmic Speculation. The garden is only open to the public for one day a year, and the proceeds go to charity. If you're lucky enough to attend you won't regret your visit to see the mind-bending exhibits!
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Hoddom Castle Caravan Park
Hoddom
Nr Lockerbie
Scotland
DG11 1AS
enquiries@hoddomcastle.co.uk
01576 300 251
Description
Located in a partially wooded parkland, the lovely scenery at Hoddom Castle makes the site feel like another world. The Hoddom estate is over 10,000 acres, and in the centre lies a beautiful sixteenth-century castle for you to enjoy! Running along the edge is the River Annan, where you're more than welcome to go salmon fishing.
Nearby places to visit in Dumfries include a historical masterclass at Robert Burn's House, where you can learn about the famous poet's final years, and Arbigland House and Gardens, an old estate with beautiful architecture and many stories to tell.
Outdoorsy types will enjoy exploring the Caerlaverock Wetlands Centre, a haven for wildlife and native plants to flourish. Don't forget your birdspotting gear!
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Toilet and shower block
Disabled facilities
Laundrette and dish wash area
Food shop
2nd Stop - Kirkcudbright
Seaward Caravan Park 59.3 miles, 1 hr 43 min
Kirkcudbright is a bustling fishing town located on the coast of south west Scotland. There's plenty to keep you busy while you visit, from hikes through the gorgeous scenery to enjoying a delicious meal made with locally sourced incredients. Throughout the year the town hosts a wide variety of events, so it's worth checking the website to see what's happening when you travel!
For some ocean fun, you're spoilt for choice! Dhoon Beach is a quiet, private beach that locals love to frequent - its well hidden, partly because there's some confusion over the beach's name. And of course the Kirkcudbright Harbour, where you can sit with some fish and chips to watch the boats bobbing along in the sunshine!
Discover Kirkcudbright’s varied history by visiting the remains of MacLellan's Castle. Alternatively make your way down to Mote Mark, an ancient monument with many unsolved mysteries.
And everyone who travels here will appreciate Broughton House, the Edwardian home of Scottish artist E A Hornel. Explore the gorgeous Japanese-inspired garden and learn all about the large collection of art kept here.
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Brighouse Bay Holiday Park
Borgue
Kirkcudbright
DG6 4T
info@gillespie-leisure.co.uk
01557 870 267
Description
Located just two and a half miles from Kirkcudbright, Seaward Caravan Park is an ideal place for families or those who want a quiet place to stay. With a children's play area, a heated outdoor swimming pool and such beautiful surroundings to explore, there's no end to the fun!
If you still want to explore the coast here, make time to visit Mullock Bay Beach! This beach is made up of stunning post-glacial features, influenced by the wind and waves over many years. The four mile stretch of shingle beach is perfect for a nice walk to work up an appetite before settling down for a picnic!
There's no shortage of things to do for families, either. The Galloway Faerie Trail and Galloway Astronomy Centre will keep curious little minds occupied for hours!
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Toilet and shower block
Laundrette and dish wash area
Disabled facilities
Wifi
3rd stop - Garlieston
Burrowhead Holiday Village 49.3 miles, 1 hr 17 min
Your third stop is at the lovely town of Garlieston. This small coastal town was founded in the mid 18th century, and remains today as one of Scotland's picturesque hidden gems. If you enjoy nature walks, Garlieston has several that will really blow you away!
If you're looking for something to break up the journey, stop by Gemrock Museum for hours of geological fun. Here you'll learn all about crystals and minerals, and get to enjoy a treat at the tearoom.
In Garlieston itself, St Ninian’s Cave is well worth the visit. Steeped in history and legend, it is believed that this cave was a quiet retreat for Scotland's first saint, and so the cove was named after her. The gorgeous ruins of Sorbie Tower is almost as historic, built in the 16th century.
And the biggest tourist attraction has to be Galloway House Gardens. Usually the gardens are nice and quiet, so you'll be able to explore the gardens and beach in peace. It's dog friendly, so you're free to bring along your furry friend!
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Isle of Whithorn
Newton Stewart
DG8 8JB
info@burrowheadholidayvillage.co.uk
01988 500252
Description
Whether you're a large family travelling in the summer holidays or a couple spending a week together in early spring, there's something at Burrowhead Holiday Village for you. Located right next to a beautiful cliff, the park has every amenity you could need while still being charmingly rural. With an on-site restaurant, nearby bar, takeaway and evening entertainment, why would you want to stay anywhere else?
Working on your tan on the sands of Garlieston Beach is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. The beach is only a short walk away from the woodland parking area, and from here you can take a scenic walk up to Cruggleton Cliffs and the nearby castle!
Scotland is full of castles to visit, like the 14th century Threave Castle which is located on a tiny island that can only be reached by taking a small jetty across a river. Another goregous Scottish ruin to visit is Cardoness Castle, one of the best preserved in the country.
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Toilet and shower block
Disabled facilities
Laundrette and dish wash area
Food shop
4th stop - Drummore
New England Bay Club Campsite 41.0 miles, 1 hr 5 min
You've officially arrived at the most southerly town in Scotland! Drummore has plenty to offer visitors, from its lovely sandy beaches, nature walks, and plenty of cycling routes. The town is also popular with boating enthusiasts, so keep an eye on the horizon and you might just see some sails!
Climb 115 steps to see the incredible view from the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, located on a 250 foot cliff at Scotland's most southerly point. Here you'll learn all about what life is like as a lighthouse keeper, and get to take some amazing photographs.
Another place to visit is Logan Botanical Garden, known as Scotland's most exotic garden. Enjoy a day in paradise, marveling at the thriving flowers from South and Central America, Southern Africa and Australasia!
Or perhaps you'd like to spend some time taking a long walk along Drummore Beach. The beach is pretty all year round, and even has a nice pub nearby.
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Port Logan
Stranraer
Dumfries & Galloway
DG9 9NX
Scotland
N/A
01776 860275
Description
This campsite is in a convenient location, only a ten minute's drive from Drummore, so you have more time to explore. The site has access to a beautiful beach, and the surrounding land has a wealth of wild flowers and bird life - make sure you bring a pair of binoculars! And with a games room and a playground, children can burn off their endless energy in the safe confines of the campsite.
The ruins of Dunskey Castle are a must see if you love a hike with an incredible view! Unfortunately you can't go inside the building as it's unstable, but walking around the outside and staring out at the ocean more than makes up for it. But if that's not your thing, you can visit Logan House Gardens, a gorgeous place that is just overflowing with colourful blooms.
And we can't forget to mention Port Logan Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located in a pretty seaside village and is a great way to spend a few hours if you're in the mood for lots of stairs and lovely views!
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Laundrette and dish wash area
Toilet and shower block
Disabled facilities
Wifi
5th stop - Portpatrick
North Rhinns Camping 39.7 miles, 1 hr 27 min
Portpatrick was founded about 700 years ago. In the years since, it has blossomed into a thriving coastal town that welcomes visitors. The pretty pastel houses are a sight to behold and they look like something from a storybook! The town has several beaches, all with amazing views of the ocean, where you can take a ferry over the waves for a day trip to Northern Ireland.
Hiking enthusiasts will have plenty of fun here - Portpatrick marks the start point of the Upland Way, a hiking trail that stretches 212 miles all the way up to the east coast.
If this is an anniversary or honeymoon holiday, you might like a one-night stay at the stunning Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel. The lighthouse is still functional, despite being built in 1815, and on clear nights you'll see the beams of other lighthouses from your window.
And if you want to go somewhere outdoors, Castle Kennedy Gardens is a day out filled with bright colours and beautiful flowers. There's always something going on, so check out the website to see what's happening when you're visiting!
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Glengyre Cottage
Leswalt
Dumfries and Galloway
DG9 0RG
Scotland
enquiries@northrhinnscamping.co.uk
03301 335879
Description
North Rhinns Camping is a back to basics campsite where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. Its picturesque location makes for a great view from the campervan window, and the nearby shop means you can easily grab anything you might need. There's a limited number of pitches to ensure the campsite is quiet, but that does mean you'll need to book in advance to ensure your spot!
If you're travelling with children, Agnew Park is a great place to let them run wild. With a miniature train ride and tons of outdoor space, they'll have tons of fun - but do keep in mind that the park has a lot of open water.
Halfway between Portpatrick and Stranraer, nestled in rolling hills, is Lochnaw Castle. The castle is steeped in history that dates back to the Iron Age, and is a must-see. Another historical place to visit is Stranraer Museum. Here you can interact with exhibits on archaeology, local history, costume, farming and dairying.
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Toilet and shower block
Disabled facilities
Dish wash area
6th stop - Girvan
Heads of Ayr Holiday Park 54.3 miles, 1 hr 25 min
You're two thirds of the way through now! Girvan is a bustling coastal town with the island of Ailsa Craig just a short boat ride away. The sands of Girvan beach offer amusements and boating lake while being conveniently located next to the shops. Further inland you'll find beautiful scenery to explore, such as the walking trails at Carrick Forest.
Visiting castle enthusiasts are in luck - Girvan boasts over 20 of them! Some of them are in ruins, but some are like Culzean Castle and are free to explore the magnificent and well-preserved slice of Scottish history. Turnberry Castle is an example of a ruined castle. It is the birthplace of Robert the Bruce, who ordered the castle to be destroyed in 1310 to avoid it falling into English hands. The walk to get up here is very steep, so keep that in mind before visiting!
The McKechnie Institute has been open to the public since 1889. It's a hub of activity, constantly changing its exhibits, and is a snapshot of the town's history.
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Heads of Ayr Holiday Park,
Dunure Road
Ayr
KA7 4LD
stay@headsofayr.com
01292 442 269
Description
With close proximity to beaches and attractions, Heads of Ayr Holiday Park is very conveniently located for people visiting Girvan and its surrounding towns. The nearby farm park has oodles of family-friendly entertainment to enjoy, and the site has a cosy, amiable atmosphere.
Orchard Gardens is an ideal place to sit and relax on a nice sunny day. It's not particularly big, but the flowers are beautiful and there's plenty of shade to rest in.
The very impressive Stinchar Falls is hidden away in the forest, but a short and scenic walk will take you straight to the water. There's good parking here, and an opportunity to continue walking up any of the picturesque grassy hills that surround the falls,
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Toilet and shower block
Laundrette and dish wash area
Disabled facilities
Free wifi
7th Stop - Wanlockhead
Hillend Livery Camping 41.6 miles, 1 hr 13 min
Located near the head of the Mennock Pass, Wanlockhead is Scotland's highest village, sitting pretty at 467 metres above sea level. This former lead mining village has loads of history that you can interact with, like the Miners' Library and a mine that you can go down!
The village's light railway is the Britain's highest adhesion railway, reaching 1498 feet above sea level. It was originally built to transport the lead gathered in the mine, but was closed in 1938. A small part of the railway has been reopened to allow visitors to enjoy rides in the summer.
If you're looking to learn about Wanlockhead's mining days, there are several places to do so. Straitsteps Cottages give you an insight into what life was like as a miner in those times, with each of the three cottages representing a different time period.
And the Museum of Lead Mining is, for lack of a better term, a gold mine of history and stories!
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Cumnock
Auchinleck
East Ayrshire Council
Scotland
KA18 2NA
N/A
+447590284382
Description
Situated next to a stream and two miles from the River Ayr, hidden by a circle of woodland, this peaceful campsite will wash away all of your stress. Although it might seem off-grid at first glance, the site has some basic ameneties, so you get the best of both worlds. See if you can spot the ponies and horses grazing in the nearby fields!
Get ready to be amazed! Crawick Multiverse is a land art installation meant for people to explore and enjoy. Whether you're interested in the science of it all or just want to look at the pretty structures, you'll have a whale of a time - and the dog can come too.
For more outdoor adventures, why not spend some time exploring the Lowther Hills? In warmer months this is a popular hiking spot, and in winter, the hills are used for skiing!
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Toilet and shower block
Dish wash area
BBQs allowed
8th Stop - Lockerbie
Queensberry Bay Holiday Park 79.4 miles, 1 hr 58 min
It's the final stop! Before you head back down to CamperHoliday HQ, take some time to explore the lovely town of Lockerbie. Situated next to the River Annan, Lockerbie has existed since at least the Viking times. Most of the town was built using red sandstone, giving the buildings their distinctive look.
The town is known internationally for the Lockerbie disaster, which has been immmortalised in the town memorial and Garden of Remembrance.
You can spend an entire day exploring Eskrigg Reserve and not run out of things to see. The reserve is located on an old curling pond, spanning seven acres, containing a mixture of habitats where the wildlife can thrive. Remember your binoculars, because you'll see plenty of birds and squirrels here.
Your final Lockerbie attraction is Lochmaben Castle, a ruined castle first built by Edward I in the fourteenth century. A lot of the castle is cordoned off for safety reasons, so you'll have to gaze on from afar, but walking around the delightful nearby Loch is a great alternative.
Recommended camp site
Description
The final coastal place of the trip is your campsite, Queensberry Bay Holiday Park. This site is quiet and peaceful, a small park with superb views of the beach nature reserve. If you're travelling with a dog, rest assured that this campsite has a nearby dog walk so you don't have to look for one yourselves. And there's no need to cook if you don't want to - you can visit the on-site restaurant and nearby bar for a hot evening meal or a drink!
For a chilled out morning, make the two-mile trek up to Repentence Tower. Built in the sixteenth century, the former watchtower was named after the inscription above the door. Please keep your dog on a lead if you decide to visit!
Looking for ancient history? The Loupin Stanes is a stone circle made up of 12 large stones. A little further down the river you'll find another stone circle, but this has been partially eroded.
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Toilet and shower block
Laundrette and dish wash area
Free wifi