Portpatrick Beach

Portpatrick Beach - Dumfries and Galloway
© David Medcalf and licensed for reuse under this Licence

Portpatrick is a small, sandy beach which only really appears when the tide is out. It lies within the natural harbour of the little town of Portpatrick.

The beach is a good spot for paddling, watching the boats entering and leaving the harbour, and for exploring the many rockpools in search of interesting marine wildlife. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the climate is surprisingly mild here and a range of tropical plants are able to grow locally.
Parking is available in various places around the harbour, with a larger car park (also the closest) located just to the south of the beach, which can then be reached down a slipway.  A promenade, lined with benches, looks down over the beach. Along this promenade there are toilets as well as a selection of cafes and pubs. A village store can be found along Main Street. The village also has a lifeboat museum.

To the north, overlooking the village and harbour from a hill-top, is the Portpatrick Hotel and a golf course.

Walking is also popular in the area, with the Southern Uplands Way starting in the village.

Type of beach

Harbour

Lifeguard service

No

Dogs friendly beach?

We do not have information on this beach but restrictions may apply (usually from Easter until the end of Summer)

Dumfries and Galloway dog friendly beaches »

Facilities

  • Cafe/restaurant
  • Town centre nearby
  • Shop
  • Pub nearby
  • Promenade

Nearest town

Stranraer

Postcode

DG9 8AN

OS grid ref.

NW 9979 5409

Parking

There are two car parks in the town.

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