Trains to this charming town in Dumfries and Galloway glide along the majestic Glasgow-Ayr-Stranraer line, weaving down the west coast of Scotland, through Robert Burns country and past ruined castles before pulling up overlooking Loch Ryan. It's one of Britain's finest rail journeys. The station is sometimes called Stranraer Harbour, and ferries on their way to neighbouring Northern Ireland can be seen from the platforms. The station opened in 1862, and the current buildings have survived since 1877.
Boasting a prime spot on the watery southern tip of Scotland, Stranraer and its surrounding area offer ramblers and anglers plenty to do. Golfers can enjoy numerous world class courses nearby, including The Creachmore, the last course to be designed by the legendary James Braid. In Stranraer itself, the main attraction is the ruins of the Castle of St. John, dating back to 1500 and sited right in middle of town.